Like most journalists, I belong to the Scrooge School of Writing. Words are my currency and I don’t believe in spending them recklessly. I use just as many as I need to make a point and not a single word more. It’s called the KISS principle – Keep It Short and Simple – and it should be tattooed on the forehead of every would-be writer.
Sadly, it isn’t.
Instead, wannabes labour under the delusion, fostered by their English Literature teachers, that the WIG theory – Wordy Is Good – holds the key to good writing.
No, it doesn’t!
Writing short and writing simple means the writer does all the hard work and the reader can wallow in the luxury of active, clear, snappy sentences that are easy to digest and don’t give them heartburn.
Sadly, it isn’t.
Instead, wannabes labour under the delusion, fostered by their English Literature teachers, that the WIG theory – Wordy Is Good – holds the key to good writing.
No, it doesn’t!
Writing short and writing simple means the writer does all the hard work and the reader can wallow in the luxury of active, clear, snappy sentences that are easy to digest and don’t give them heartburn.
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