Writing Tip 1: Flat or Fluffy Writing?

Thought I'd repost some of my older writing tips...

(* See another older tip on some things writers can do at The Teen Word Factory)

The question: Is your writing flat - or fluffy?

The little bear on that Snuggle fabric softener commercial has the right idea - fluffy is better.

How do you get fluffy writing, you ask? Simple.

1. Describe. Give the reader a mental image, but don't overdo it.

It's easy to just write and fill in the blanks, watching your word count pile up, only to end up with serviceable, good sentences that are kind of blah. They're flat on the page.

2. Fluff up your writing by reading authors you like, and even a few you don't like.

Watch other authors' word usage. Remember: a car isn't just a car in fiction - it's a gleaming red hot rod or a burgundy-striped clunker. Flat: car. Fluffy: color and type.

I started thinking about fluffy writing as I'm reading one of Elaine Viets' latest in the Dead End Jobs series, CLUBBED TO DEATH. No criticism meant; I love her books. (Elaine, I mean fluffy as a compliment. Her book was the one at hand at the moment. Any examples of hers are in quotes.)

I'm enjoying the story, but when I read I always take note of the writing, too, in this case, the descriptions. Example: hair isn't just hair: it's "long, chestnut hair."

3. Another example: give a mental image of the person - Flat: He strolled. Fluffy: "...had a bulldog walk..."

When you're writing, it's sometimes easy to forget this and rely on those tired old favorites. (Mine is walked, and sometimes nodded.)

4. Use a fine-tooth comb.

As a few other writers have mentioned, it's a good idea to go back and do a search in Word for your favorite over-used phrase or word. See how many times you used it, then think up a few fluffy new examples. Your writing will only be the better for it.