[doodaddy]

For all the writing there is about writing, Orwell’s six rules have yet to do me wrong:

1. Never use a metaphor, simile, or other figure of speech which you are used to seeing in print.

2. Never use a long word where a short one will do. (To add: short words are best, and old words when short are best of all)

3. If it is possible to cut a word out, always cut it out.

4. Never use the passive where you can use the active.

5. Never use a foreign phrase, a scientific word, or a jargon word if you can think of an everyday English equivalent.

6. Break any of these rules sooner than say anything outright barbarous.

Though there is one more that is deserving of seventh place: 7. Edit ruthlessly. “Murder your darlings.”

[B1FF_PSUVM]

Grunt. Sniffle.