Benjamin Franklin: His Ageless Writing Tips

If Ben Franklin were alive today, he would be...uh, very old. But his writing style would be as current as e-mail, yet as timeless as the man himself.

This great American championed succinct writing, and his epigrams became part of our national heritage. Before discussing his classic quotes, let's first examine how he grew into an acclaimed wordsmith.

Apprenticed as a printer's helper, Franklin studied the handbills and circulars his shop printed. When newsletters and newspapers began in the colonies, Franklin submitted letters or witty sayings under a pseudonym.

More and more of his short sayings began to appear. People enjoyed them, so Franklin decided to publish even more with the creation of "Poor Richard's Almanac." What attracted readers to him?

a. He wrote simply. He knew his audience, and focused on basic words and ideas.

b. He wrote briefly. The Almanac itself emphasizes frugality and brevity. "Silence is not always a sign of wisdom, but babbling is ever a mark of folly," Franklin said.

c. He used humor. Franklin's sayings are among the most quoted in history.

d. He spoke of moral truths, and offered valuable advice.

Next time you sit down to write, remember that the reader's very busy. So deliver your message simply and memorably.

Rix Quinn wrote the book "Words That Stick," which offers lots of writing advice for both students and professionals. It's available through your local bookstore, or Ten Speed Press. http://www.tenspeed.com/catalog/all/ite m.php3?id=1661

---

Does Your Theme Contain Character, Conflict, Resolution?

Creative Writing Tips ?For a theme to work and the... Read More

The Bottomless Notebook

Reading through a writer's notebook or journal is like discovering... Read More

The Beginners Guide to Freelance Writing

The Big IdeaOkay. So youve figured out that you would... Read More

Publication Road

The journey to having my first novel for children published... Read More

How To Self-Publish Your Own Books, Manuals, Reports Or Newsletters

You can make a lot of money by writing and... Read More

5 Ways to Break the Story Spell

You sink back into your favourite chair with a new... Read More

Writing the KAIZEN Way

Over the past eight years or so, I have tutored... Read More

Writing with a Sense of Adventure

We've all been told that we need to use all... Read More

How To Cut the Clutter and Win Readers

Most of us hate housework.Nevertheless, even the most hopeless slobs... Read More

Writing Made Them Rich #1: JK Rowling

Joanne Kathleen Rowling was born in Chipping Sodbury,England in 1965.... Read More

5 Reasons People Like Technology White Papers

A good white paper is a paper that makes you... Read More

Secrets Of Successful Authors

When the writing bug hits you, get out your pencil,... Read More

Is The Theme Reinforced In The Ending?

Creative Writing Tips ?By now you should have an idea... Read More

Proofreading for Profits

How to avoid mistakes that undermine your credibilityYou're probably already... Read More

Taming The Book Proposal

Taming the Book Proposal: The BasicsOh, that most maddening of... Read More

Top 7 Writers Sites for 2005

If you dream of turning your book into a best... Read More

New York Code Orange Jaisini New Art Series

The creativity of Jaisini is not designed to be preaching... Read More

71 Ways For A Writer To Make Money

There are so many ways for writers to make good... Read More

A Single Technique

Writing is hard work, and like all hard work, one... Read More

Self-Examination

Self-examination sheds light on a writers motives, goals, and aspirations,... Read More

Can Your Theme Be Proved In Your Story?

Creative Writing Tips ?Your theme has to be something you... Read More

Getting Looked Over, Without Getting Overlooked: Writing for Scanners and Skimmers

* Scanning and Skimming Practices *Whether you're writing e-mail messages... Read More

Does Each Element of Your Story Further The Theme?

Creative Writing Tips ?Whichever theme you choose, all the elements,... Read More

3 Tips to Achieve Your Writing Goals

1. Make your goals achievable.By achievable, we mean realistic and... Read More

Mexican Living: Lets Be Perfectly Clear

Readers often send me interesting and exciting e-mails about the... Read More

Does Your Fight Scene Pack a Punch?

Long ago, movie directors mastered the technique of creating a... Read More

Print-On-Demand: A Definition and a Comparison

The purpose of this article is to consider Print-On-Demand publishing... Read More

Understanding The First Rule Of Writing ? Before You Start The Great American Book

Chaos and confusion come when established rules and procedures are... Read More

Turbo-Charging Your Writing Career - 6 High-Yield Strategies

Hands up all those who'd like to have a successful... Read More

Screenwriting, Screenplays, Screenwriters ? Incremental Productivity

When attempting to understand Creativity and Innovation, it pays to... Read More

Crime Writing Beckons

If your cash is running out fast and you have... Read More

Reasons for Recording Your Life Story

1. No one else will do it for you.2. No... Read More

Writing Made Them Rich #4: Paulo Coelho

Paulo Coelho was born on August 24th 1947 in Rio... Read More