How to write a letter

I don’t write many letters these days, I can’t afford the stamps! Letter writing like all writing is an art. If you want to write a convincing letter, you have to use words skilfully or get someone else to write it for you. It’s the same with any document. It could be a student essay or assignment or your CV that is an important profile of you for prospective employers. You can start with an introduction. What is the document about? Tell your reader what it’s about and make it interesting enough that they will read on to the next paragraph.

Make the format of the document easy to read, with a large enough font and spaces between paragraphs. When I’m writing a blog, the default font is small and can be hard to read. This post will be in Calibri and a medium font. I’ve also used full justification; to give it a magazine style look. If you’re writing a essay, you’re trying to get a message across. You can start by introducing the reader to the concept, explain the message and then a conclusion that is concise and repeats the message in a concise but easy to understand way. The conclusion on a CV might be different, it might repeat the message, but explain why the message is important. For example, it might say you’re a supporter of the sustainable approach to business projects. Then in the conclusion, you can say one of your interests is nature and the sustainability of the environment.

Above all, whether you are writing fiction or non-fiction, it should be interesting; it should fire the imagination of the readers. Every paragraph should entice the reader to read another paragraph; every page entice the reader to read another page. What you write should be constructed well and plausible. If it is plausible, believable, then your readers will believe. Many articles aren’t plausible, they reflect the writers prejudice. Beware of things like name-calling if you are writing from a viewpoint that opposes someone else’s. Your language and use of words might be emotive, but be careful to keep it rational.

Even when you’re writing fiction, the story needs to be believable, it needs to be plausible for the reader to involve themselves in the story. You need inspiration for both non-fiction and for writing fiction. You also need to carefully use words. I came second in a photography competition a while back. Was I a runner up or a finalist? I use the word finalist because it sounds so much better. You can see something or you can perceive it. Which word do you use? It depends on the context, the way we see the world can depend upon individual perceptions!

When you have finished your letter or whatever you’re writing, read it through. If you take pride in the writing of your letter, CV or essay it will show and send a message to the reader. Edit out any mistakes in spelling, punctuation, grammar or typos. Show commitment and perhaps be brave when you write. Writers that are destined for greatness take risks and write something different, other writers just want adulation or money. Don’t let criticisms for writing something different,  make you write the mundane.

I hope these few hints on writing have been helpful, please comment if they have. There are also more amazing blogs on the home page.