From April PAD Challenge

 ABC’s of Writing

A void passive verbs.

B e succinct.

C liche’s are old hat.

D on’t use two spaces between sentences.

E xamples should be specific.

F ind the funny.

G et a second pair of eyes to critique your work.

H ang out with other writers.

I nterview people in the know.

J ust keep writing, writing, writing.

K eep your project to yourself until the rough draft is complete.

L iteral is the strict definition of a word or phrase, not figurative. Don’t take “G” literally.

M isspelled words speak of your incompetence.

N ever say never or always, or at least, almost never say never or always.

O bserve the world using all of your senses.

P lease, respect your readers’ time.

Q uerying editors can prevent unpublished manuscripts.

R esearch, using primary resources when possible.

S how don’t tell.

T oo many adjectives is like a cake that’s too rich.

U se adverbs sparingly.

V ery, so, really, just, interesting, got (among others) should seldom be used.

W rite what you know.

X ylophone starts with a Z sound. Writers have been confusing early readers for years.

Y ou are a writer if you write. Improve your skills by studying and practicing the craft.

Z ero in on your project: complete rough draft, revise and submit.