Communication

by Marsha Ward

A husband and wife were thinking of getting a new vehicle. Ever since they'd decided they needed to replace their old car, they'd been thinking about what they wanted. The husband thought about buying a simple truck, something within their budget. The wife envisioned a snappy, expensive red sports car with which she could zip around in traffic.

Shortly before the husband went to purchase the new vehicle, the wife said, "It's my birthday. I want something red, that will go from 0 to 200 in less than 4 seconds."

The husband bought her a bright red bathroom scale.

Effective writing is all about communicating. The writer has a story to tell, whether it be in fiction or nonfiction. The reader wants to understand the story, gain insights, or be entertained. It's the writer's duty to make the book, story or article as clear as possible. Logic in sequence is important: if this, then that. Cause and effect. Clarity is important: using a simple word over a fancy one does a quicker job of getting the point across. Write tight. Sprinkle in just enough description to engage the reader's point of reference, then be done with it.

Write so that you enjoy the journey and can bring the reader along for a zippy ride.