Pen Zen: Bring Clarity to Writing

Have you ever read an email from someone that was too wordy, lacked focus, and left you confused? How can we learn from reading such emails to improve our own communication? How do we compose emails and writings that others will actually want to read?

Three Obstacles to Clear and Concise Writing

Obstacle 1: False ideas about what good writing is.

Obstacle 2: Not being clear about one’s message

Obstacle 3: Distractions.

How to Develop the Clear Mental State for Writing

1. Read, Read, Read

2. Read Books and Blogs on Writing

The following are resources that have most directly and immediately benefited my writing mechanics.

Book: The Elements of Style by William Strunk, Jr., and E.B. White.
Essay: Politics And The English Language by George Orwell.
Book: Style: Lessons in Clarity and Grace by Joseph M. Williams.
Blog: Copyblogger by Brian Clark

3. Clear Your Writing Space

4. Block-Off Time

5. Eliminate Distractions

8 Keys to Clarity When Writing

1. Visualize Road Signs