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Tips to improve your writing

Getting Started

“I have written six books and about 300 magazine features and getting started is as difficult now as it was 35 years ago. That’s why I write early in the morning when there isn’t much else to do.”

Professor Jack Falla
Best Writing Tips

“The good writer is a conscientious reader -- of academic texts about film, or literary or journalistic texts, and of fiction.”

Professor Roy Grundmann

“Don’t be afraid to revise. The first draft is just the clay from which you mold a real story.”

Professor Scott Thompson

“Listen--hear a voice--write it down.”

Professor Charles Warren

“Not unlike a musician who must practice every day, a writer MUST write something every day.”

Professor Kimberly Costello

“My advice is always to be clear and complete explaining or presenting concepts in a way that your mother would easily understand.”

Professor John Gates
Using Quotes

“If I am not getting colorful quotes or anecdotes, then I have to go fall back on my narration (humor, drama, poignancy, etc.) as the source of color.”

Professor Jack Falla
Words Professors Wish We Could Ban From Writing
  • The verb “deconstruct.”
  • “Proactive.” We have serviceable words in “active” and “reactive.” Why do we need “proactive”?
  • “Amongst.” What’s the matter with “among”? Why go biblical?
  • “Special.” “Unique.” “Awesome.”