Let's Explore Writing

Recently I’ve come across some posts about quality or lack of it on Hive. This subject has been a longstanding topic of discussion on the platform.

Quality is subjective.

While any content creator would like to be known for quality, you’ll do well if your posts fall into the good content range.

Good Content

At the core of good writing, is well, writing. You want to be sure to include:

• interesting topic
• organized thoughts on the topic
• an introduction, the message and conclusion
• write to draw your reader into the piece

Your writing style will make or break the reader’s experience. It’s not just information you’re delivering. It’s a message, your message.

Create a Storyline.

Pay attention to stories you read. Writers feed you details in an organized flow. You become immersed into the story.

Your message also needs to flow. Allow the reader to absorb and understand what you’re telling them.

Find balance between leading your reader through the details and taking too long.

The average person reads at about grade 5-7 level. Target your writing level there. You can target to a higher level, but, you narrow your audience.

So how long should your good content be?

Length is not an arbitrary value. What matters is your content shares a message with your reader. If you can accomplish your message in 200 words or if it takes 10,000 words, it really doesn’t matter.

Deliver a Complete Message.

If you want your reader to read your message you need to take care to be organized, concise and well presented. If your reader feels they are being led in multiple directions without some sense of a thread to follow, they will leave your post.

In many ways, a good post is one your readers want to read.

You Can Learn to Write

Writing is a craft. It’s not a gift that you’re born with. As long as you’re willing, you can learn the craft of writing like any other craft.

It doesn’t matter the topic you are writing about. Write well in an engaging manner and your reader will enjoy reading it.

Short precise sentences are preferable to long meandering sentences. A short well-written sentence carries more weight. More words do not make for better reading.

Once you’ve written your words and polished them to the best of your ability, it’s time to turn your attention to how you present them.

Pay Attention to Presentation

I have spent a lot of time over the years working on improving my writing and how to present it for an online audience.

The Basics of Presentation

White Space Rules

Electronic screens are not easy on our eyes. White space gives them an opportunity to relax.

• short paragraphs with line breaks between them are important
• vary the length of paragraphs
• generally, paragraphs shouldn’t exceed four sentences
• write left aligned or fully aligned.
• don’t write centered paragraphs they are hard on the eyes to read
• use bullet points when possible

Graphics Matter

People respond to visual cues. The graphics you use matter. Take the time to select at least one graphic. It can either relate to the subject matter or catch the reader’s attention.

Be sure to add your source to the graphic(s) and the source grants you rights to their use.

Use Effective Headlines

People scan before reading. Use headings as a first layer for your reader. If they get a sense of your content from the headings, they will pause to read.

Proofread

I try to avoid doing a lot of editing while I’m writing. In the first round, I want to get the details onto the screen.

I’ll read through the piece two or three times after I finish. I’m looking for:

• spelling mistakes
• missed punctuation
• not using the right form of a word like — two, to or too
• awkward sentences
• information gaps in details
• my writing weaknesses

Over the years I’ve identified weaknesses I have with my writing.

For example, I tend to overuse the word ‘that’. I’ll read through looking for where I’ve used it. I’ll remove the word and see if the sentence makes sense. If it doesn’t, I leave it in.

Take the time to read your work out loud. When I do this, I usually find mistakes I’ve missed.

Will your work be perfect?

That’s the goal, but don’t let uncertainty stop you from posting. You’re shooting for a good post, perfection is not required.

Keep writing and working to learn the craft. You’ll surprise yourself as it evolves.

Shadowspub is a writer from Ontario, Canada. She writes on a variety of subjects as she pursues her passion for learning. She also writes on other platforms and enjoys creating books you use like journals, notebooks, coloring books etc.
NOTE: unless otherwise stated, all images are the author’s

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