Useful rules for writing

Michael Nielsen’s blog is hard to follow. However, this post, on rules for ‘rewriting’ (I’d say rules for writing) is spot-on. Highlights:

  • Every sentence should grab the reader and propel them forward
  • Every paragraph should contain a striking idea, originally expressed
  • The most significant ideas should be distilled into the most potent sentences possible
  • Use the strongest appropriate verb
  • Beware of nominalization

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