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

---

Writing Made Them Rich #4: Paulo Coelho

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

Three 30 Day Journaling Ideas

Here are 3 journaling or diary ideas that can contribute... Read More

The Practice of Writing

Virgil, the great Roman poet, wrote "Practice and thought might... Read More

7 Book Publicity Tips for Authors and Small Publishers

The biggest mistake authors make when trying to get free... Read More

Top Ten Writing Mistakes Made By New Childrens Writers

Okay. So I'm not David Letterman. But I doubt if... Read More

Kick-Start your Juices

Listen, consider this scenario.You have a deadline to honour. Time... Read More

Comma Usage Made Simple

Don't they drive you nuts?You can visit all the rules... Read More

Top Ten Ways to Write Like a Pro Checklist

Sure you can write, but can you write crisp, compelling... Read More

Letter Writing Journaling

When you read a letter from someone, we are immediately... Read More

Interviewing an Author: Dont Be Left Speechless

Joyce Carol Oates. Langston Hughes. Anne Sexton. F. Scott Fitzgerald.... Read More

How to Write a Holiday Tale that Isn?t a Turkey

When we write stories, with the purpose of sharing them... Read More

Editing for Perfection ? The Personal Statement

This article contains a short guide on how to edit... Read More

The Writers Identity: Exploring the Writer Within

Les Edgerton writes in his book, Finding Your Voice, that... Read More

7 Weapons to Conquer the Giant Procrastination Keeping You from Your Book Dream

Have you been guilty of procrastinating on your book project,... Read More

A Simple Contest with a Strong Message: Wake Up Your Writing Spirit

The Blogfest 2005 Writing Contest has only been running for... Read More

Six Tips for Submitting Fiction - if you want it to get published

You can learn a lot about what it takes to... Read More

How to Write Bad Poetry

So you've decided to crown yourself with a title that... Read More

Get Published: The Nuts and Bolts of Good English, and How to Impress a Publisher (3)

A well-punctuated approach letter may make the difference between acceptance... Read More

Four Act Stories and Beyond

There are various forms of structure, including frameworks, work processes... Read More

Ten Ways to Get Cheap (and Free) Magazine Samples

1 - Join a reading or writing group. Ask members... Read More

Top Ten Tips (Part 1)

The following rules are essential if you want people to... Read More

Writing Technique: The Restaurant Syndrome

Picture this scene.Your hero is sitting in a bar. He's... Read More

Top Ten Reasons Its Great To Be A Writer

10 - You will always have a job. As long... Read More

Mission Possible: Get Published with Goals, Guidance, and Persistance

You send me an e-mail. You tell me you've written... Read More

Go With The Flow: Write With Transition Words and Phrases

One of the most common weaknesses I see in day-to-day... Read More

Important Points of Fiction

Fiction manuscripts receive feedback that addresses and scores:· The theme... Read More

How NOT to Get a Freelance Writing Job

In the business of freelance writing, it's not enough to... Read More

Increase Your Chances Of Winning Writing Contests

Winning writing contests can provide several advantages to writers. For... Read More

I Am Biodegradable - My Writing Is Not

My dad was wrong. I just discovered that I am... Read More

Permission NOT To Write

Quite a few years ago, I enrolled in a Degree... Read More

Mumblings

The self-indulgent writer listens only to the mumblings of sycophants,... Read More

A Writers Inner Battle

There is a psychological nuisance so powerful that can deflate... Read More

Ways to Make Extra Income Using the Internet

To capitalize on ways to make extra income you can... Read More