Agree on the long wall-of-text paragraphs. I was taught that each paragraph is a thought. The first sentence is like a summary/mini-heading. The second and later sentences explain. There is not normally a recap sentence in each paragraph.
This is also how I was taught to speed read - just read the first of every paragraph to get the gist, read further if not self-explanatory.
But I’m old. We were taught differently back then.
This is one of the reasons I break up the text with images. It somehow acts like headers and subhearders, but also alleviate the eye stress of big blocks of text.
These are certainly some useful tips! Being a writer and being an editor involve distinct, but related, skillsets. Not having editors, we have to be our own, and you can really tell when someone has taken those additional steps to sharpen their writing like a knife's edge for maximum precision and impact.
There are many writers on here I could list as examples of that, but two that spring to mind for me are Tree of Woe and Josh Slocum. They are true craftsmen, always exceptionally precise in what they write. As someone who aims for that but isn't always successful at it, I really admire those who consistently hit that mark.
Before joining Substack, I wrote freelance content for various websites that tried to answer the questions people ask Google in order to capture search traffic. This is part of search engine optimization (SEO). Subheads are a great opportunity to use the sort of phrases people type into Google, which could potentially bring up your Substack in search results. Example subheads from my most recent post, linked below, include "Best tech gadgets for power outages" and "What's the best way to make coffee during a power outage?"
this comment is now invisible to the author and can therefore be used to advertise shamelessly. reply to this comment to confuse our undead friend. imagine if i hit my head and forgot about the shift key. happens to the best of us i'm sure.
Some people write like they are writing a Malcolm Gladwell style book. This can work in a physical paper book. It can be grueling when reading a screen.
I've been blogging so long (under my own name before Rules) that my paragraphs have become rather too short for print. But at least I haven't descended into writing tweets. Got to have some standards.
Agree on the long wall-of-text paragraphs. I was taught that each paragraph is a thought. The first sentence is like a summary/mini-heading. The second and later sentences explain. There is not normally a recap sentence in each paragraph.
This is also how I was taught to speed read - just read the first of every paragraph to get the gist, read further if not self-explanatory.
But I’m old. We were taught differently back then.
Excellent points! I restacked your message, worth reading and sharing. Thank you for posting it.
“Words....from an elder” 😂😂😂
...that doesn’t practise what they preach. I only said I was taught that, not that I do it. And I’m old enough to not give a shit.
You rock, Morgthorak
Ha, ha. But words still worth reading so they should be shared. Good tip! 👍🏻
This is one of the reasons I break up the text with images. It somehow acts like headers and subhearders, but also alleviate the eye stress of big blocks of text.
Images can definitely be useful!
These are certainly some useful tips! Being a writer and being an editor involve distinct, but related, skillsets. Not having editors, we have to be our own, and you can really tell when someone has taken those additional steps to sharpen their writing like a knife's edge for maximum precision and impact.
There are many writers on here I could list as examples of that, but two that spring to mind for me are Tree of Woe and Josh Slocum. They are true craftsmen, always exceptionally precise in what they write. As someone who aims for that but isn't always successful at it, I really admire those who consistently hit that mark.
I've noticed this a lot too it's like they don't realize we're reading on Mobile and my phone is pretty small so please help the cause.
Before joining Substack, I wrote freelance content for various websites that tried to answer the questions people ask Google in order to capture search traffic. This is part of search engine optimization (SEO). Subheads are a great opportunity to use the sort of phrases people type into Google, which could potentially bring up your Substack in search results. Example subheads from my most recent post, linked below, include "Best tech gadgets for power outages" and "What's the best way to make coffee during a power outage?"
https://astrologybooks.substack.com/p/disaster-preparedness-for-astrologers
Excellent tips, Eva. Thanks for posting, I restacked you. 👍🏻
this comment is now invisible to the author and can therefore be used to advertise shamelessly. reply to this comment to confuse our undead friend. imagine if i hit my head and forgot about the shift key. happens to the best of us i'm sure.
Use a San serif font for headings when using a serif typeface for body text. It’ll make the headings pop...
I use Obsidian Notes which inherently uses Subheadings to organize outlines for personal notes that can be self published.
Never heard of it, but it sounds like a good strategy. Kudos!
Good tips. Sub headings are very useful online. As are shorter paragraphs.
My recommendation is when editing always look to see if you can break paragraphs down into shorter ones. Online reading really is different.
Thanks for the tips!
You are most welcome, very glad they were useful.
Some people write like they are writing a Malcolm Gladwell style book. This can work in a physical paper book. It can be grueling when reading a screen.
I've been blogging so long (under my own name before Rules) that my paragraphs have become rather too short for print. But at least I haven't descended into writing tweets. Got to have some standards.
Tweeting made my writing more succinct. Now that I got kicked off Titter, I’m wordier...
(This post is under 160 characters)
👍🏻 😂
Agreed. I appreciate subheadings.