Day 131 – August 15, 2014

I post these essays a month late. Although I write everyday, I age each essay for a month before reviewing, editing, and posting.

Editing is as important as the original writing. After I wrote two books, I recognized my tendency to the verbose. I clutter with unnecessary phrases that halt textural flow and complicate comprehension.

So when I edit, I update verbs to the present tense to enliven the action. Then I cut out verbs. “I thought I might run this morning to the beach” turns into “I run to the beach.” I shorten phrases. I clip out mumblings.

I’m training myself to write succinctly and cleanly. I would like to speak similarly: honest, direct, curt.