Posted 11:40 AM by Melissa
Gareth's Tips on suck Less Writing were very helpful and mentioned alot of the mistakes I make as a writer.

Top Ten List of Suck Less Writing
1) Read it out loud.
2) Don't Use Cliches
3) Don't repeat yourself.
Sometimes we think that saying something over and over in a paper, helps the effect of the message. But once your make your point you should state or show its importance there, not over and over throughout the paper. It's like: say it once, and say it strong.
4) Have fun.
If you are unhappy in your writing that will become obvious to the reader, which won't help your paper.
5) Always keep a pen a paper handy.
Getting ideas at the weirdest moments always seem to happen to me, so I try to write it down because I know I will forget if I don't. Gareth mentions keeping one near your bed, it seems like I get alot of ideas while I'm laying down, resting.
6)Seperate Editing from Writing.
Especially when writing the first draft you should focus mainly on getting your thoughts and ideas on paper, as opposed to trying to correct the little that you have. He says don't try to edit while writing because it will affect the material of the paper.
7) Be aware of spelling and grammar.
These factors shouldn't be weighed heavily in first drafts but as your drafts get better so should the spelling and grammar. Many times I leave this until the final draft when I'm fine tuning the paper, these are minor details but should be corrected before presentation.
8) Tell the truth
9) Be yourself.
10) Don't dwell too much on your first draft, even if it is crap.