Mark Twains Top 10 Writing Tips

Mark Twains Top 10 Writing Tips Widely regarded as the greatest American writer of his time, Mark Twain was often asked for advice on the art and craft of writing. Sometimes the famous humorist would respond seriously, and sometimes not. Here, in remarks drawn from his letters, essays, novels, and speeches are 10 of Twains most memorable observations on the writers craft. 10 Tips From Twain Get your facts first, and then you can distort them as much as you please.Use the right word, not its second cousin.As to the Adjective: when in doubt, strike it out.You need not expect to get your book right the first time. Go to work and revamp or rewrite it. God only exhibits his thunder and lightning at intervals, and so they always command attention. These are Gods adjectives. You thunder and lightning too much; the reader ceases to get under the bed, by and by.Substitute damn every time youre inclined to write very; your editor will delete it and the writing will be just as it should be.Use good grammar.Damnation (if you will allow the expression), get up take a turn around the block let the sentiment blow off you. Sentiment is for girls. . . . There is one thing I cant stand and wont stand, from many people. That is, sham sentimentality.Use plain, simple language, short words and brief sentences. That is the way to write Englishit is the modern way and the best way. Stick to it; dont let fluff and flowers and verbosity creep in. The time to begin writing an article is when you have finished it to your satisfaction. By that time you begin to clearly and logically perceive what it is that you really want to say.Write without pay until somebody offers pay. If nobody offers within three years, the candidate may look upon this circumstance with the most implicit confidence as the sign that sawing wood is what he was intended for. Sources:1. Quoted by Rudyard Kipling in From Sea to Sea (1899) 2. Fenimore Coopers Literary Offences (1895) 3. Puddnhead Wilson (1894) 4. Letter to Orion Clemens (March 1878) 5. frequently attributed to Twain, but the source is unknown 6. Fenimore Coopers Literary Offences (1895) 7. Letter to Will Bowen (1876) 8. Letter to D. W. Bowser (March 1880) 9. Mark Twains Notebook: 1902-1903 10. Mark Twains General Reply