Asian Voice frequently urges its readers to write shorter letters. This is good advice because it gives more readers an opportunity to air their views. During my 58-year career as a professional journalist I picked up a number of useful lessons on “tight writing” which I am happy to share with you. Here are just a few:
Writing gets more interesting as it acquires precision, not length. The art of writing is the art of abbreviation. Be a miser with words. Write to express, not to impress. Nobody is obliged to read what you write - you have to earn their attention by being clear, concise, interesting. Make your writing intensely readable. Aim for simplicity. directness, clarity at all times.
Does this make me sound like a know-all? Goodness, I hope not!. Even the world’s best writers freely admit that they have a lot more to learn and never stop learning. When you think you know enough about writing, they remark, that is when you start going downhill. Always bear this in mind. Remember it was someone like that great writer Oscar Wilde who penned this immortal sentence to a friend: “Sorry for writing such a long letter but I didn’t have time to write a shorter one.” In other words, take your time to write shorter letters.
Rudy Otter
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