Writing Improvements 1: Varying Sentence Structures

Writing is a tiring and draining process. It reminds me of that scene where Harry Potter has to write with a special pen that drains his blood to be used as ink on the paper. Yes- that about sums it up.

Lately, I feel myself trapped in a cycle of re-using and repeating old sentence structures, varying them only a little. Maybe I'm just being self-conscious, maybe I'm not. But a good writer [or one who strives to be] has to try and improve him/herself.

My method includes reading other author's work and going to the library to pick up those Writing 101 books.

Now, when I say read other author's work, I don't mean read only ONE author but a variety. As hard as that sounds, you've just got to do it. For example, I read way too many Nora Roberts' books that I know exactly how she's going to phrase her next words and ideas. So more than one... preferably 4-5 authors.

Right, so here are some of things I learned from reading these Writing 101 books/websites:

1. Vary the rhythm by alternating short and long sentences.

Several sentences of the same length can make for bland writing. To enliven paragraphs, write sentences of different lengths. This will also allow for effective emphasis.

Example: The Winslow family visited Canada and Alaska last summer to find some native American art. In Anchorage stores they found some excellent examples of soapstone carvings. But they couldn't find a dealer selling any of the woven wall hangings they wanted. They were very disappointed when they left Anchorage empty-handed.

Revision: The Winslow family visited Canada and Alaska last summer to find some native American art, such as soapstone carvings and wall hangings. Anchorage stores had many soapstone items available. Still, they were disappointed to learn that wall hangings, which they had especially wanted, were difficult to find. Sadly, they left empty-handed.

2. Vary sentence openings.

If too many sentences start with the same word, especially "The," "It," "This," or "I," prose can grow tedious for readers, so changing opening words and phrases can be refreshing. Below are alternative openings for a fairly standard sentence. Notice that different beginnings can alter not only the structure but also the emphasis of the sentence. They may also require rephrasing in sentences before or after this one, meaning that one change could lead to an abundance of sentence variety.

Example: The biggest coincidence that day happened when David and I ended up sitting next to each other at the Super Bowl.

Possible Revisions:

• Coincidentally, David and I ended up sitting right next to each other at the Super Bowl.
• In an amazing coincidence, David and I ended up sitting next to each other at the Super Bowl.
• Sitting next to David at the Super Bowl was a tremendous coincidence.
• But the biggest coincidence that day happened when David and I ended up sitting next to each other at the Super Bowl.
• When I sat down at the Super Bowl, I realized that, by sheer coincidence, I was directly next to David.

3. Link Sentences Through Subordination:

Link two related sentences to each other so that one carries the main idea and the other is no longer a complete sentence (subordination). Use connectors such as the ones listed below to show the relationship.

after, although, as, as if, because, before, even if, even though, if, if only, rather than, since, that, though, unless, until, when, where, whereas, wherever, whether, which, while

4. Transitional words and phrases

Vary the rhythm by adding transitional words at the beginning of some sentences:

accordingly, after all, afterward, also, although, and, but, consequently, despite, earlier, even though, for example, for instance, however, in conclusion, in contrast, in fact, in the meantime, in the same way, indeed, just as... so, meanwhile, moreover, nevertheless, not only... but also, now, on the contrary, on the other hand, on the whole, otherwise, regardless, shortly, similarly, specifically, still, that is, then, therefore, though, thus, yet

source: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource