MASC 305 Lecture 2: MASC 305 8-30 1
Document Summary
You write stories to satisfy your readers, not yourself. Stories have to be readable in order to be memorable. Keep most paragraphs one or two sentences long. Eighth grade reading level: make a quotation that forms a complete sentence into its own paragraph, make sure ledes are short and uncomplicated (25-40 words) Keep sentences an average of 16 words long. Vary sentence lengths and patterns to provide pacing and avoid monotony and choppiness. Cut out words and phrases that don"t add meaning. Only use adjectives and adverbs when they"re essential. Emphasizes mechanics to avoid readers from being distracted. Checklist: make sure all sentences flow without abruptly changing topics, write for readability, make sure all likely questions are answered. Doesn"t adhere to rules of grammar, spelling, style, etc. If your editor has a question, so will your reader. Don"t make the reader work to understand your story.
