Summary

Mark Twain's seven writing rules are presented to enhance writing skills and improve clarity in communication.

Abstract

Mark Twain, a renowned American author, provides seven writing rules to improve one's writing and thinking abilities. The rules include using precise words, avoiding excessive adjectives, embracing the iterative nature of writing, ensuring good grammar, opting for plain and simple language, planning before writing, and writing without immediate monetary expectations. The article emphasizes the importance of clear communication and the value of continuous practice and improvement in writing.

Opinions

Writing supports thinking, and better writing leads to clearer thinking.
Word choice matters; selecting the right word is crucial to convey the intended message effectively.
Excessive use of adjectives can lead to verbose writing; precise verbs should be chosen instead.
Writing is an iterative process, and improvement comes with practice and refinement.
Using plain, simple language, short words, and brief sentences is the key to writing effectively in English.
Planning and ideation before writing can give the article specificity and direction.
Writing should be pursued as a skill first, with monetary benefits coming later as a result of improved craft.

Mark Twain’s Seven Writing Rules That’ll 10x Your Writing

Seven simple writing rules you can’t live without

Writing supports thinking.

The better you can write, the clearer you can think.

Here are seven rules from one of America’s greatest authors:

1. “Use the right word, not its second cousin.”

Word choice matters.

Select the right word to convey your message.

Copywriting example:

Don’t settle for “good” skincare; choose “exceptional” skincare.

Good sounds good. Exceptional sounds great.

2. “As to the adjective: when in doubt, strike it out.”

Excess adjectives = verbose writing.

Choose precise verbs, and you don't need adjectives.

Instead of: ‘The big, red and noisy car’
Say: ‘The loud Ferrari’.

Specificity is clarity.

3. “You need not expect to get your book right the first time. Go to work and revamp or rewrite it.”

Writing is an iterative process.

Your first ten articles suck.
Your next ten get better.
By fifty, you are coherent.

The solution?

Quantity early. Quality later.

Write a lot.

Improve, then refine.

4. “Use good grammar.”

Avoid these common errors:

Their, there, and they’re.

Your and you’re.

To, too and two.

Use Grammarly and Hemingway Editor to check your grammar.

5. “Use plain, simple language, short words and brief sentences. That is the way to write English.”

Clear is better.

Avoid filler words and jargon.

Example:

Complex: “Utilise this opportunity to engage in an exploration of your personal development.”

Simple: “Take this chance to work on your personal growth.”

6. “The time to begin writing an article is when you have finished it to your satisfaction.”

Think before you write.

Before you start the actual process of writing, you should have a clear and ideated draft in your mind.

Ask yourself:

Who am I writing to?
What problem am I solving?
What emotions do I want to evoke?

Nail these three to give your article specificity and direction.

7. “Write without pay until somebody offers to pay.”

Writing is a long game.

Use these platforms to tap into an audience and improve your craft:

Linked In.
X/ Twitter.
Medium.

Pursue the skill first, then chase the opportunities.

You don't become highly profitable without being highly skilled.

Thanks for reading.