STYLE

◦ The clock struck six and, having swept up the hearth, Beth put a pair of slippers down to warm. Somehow the sight of the old shoes had a good effect upon the girls, for Mother was coming, and everyone brightened to welcome her. Meg stopped lecturing and lighted the lamp, Amy got out of the easy chair without being asked, and Jo forgot how tired she was as she sat up to hold the slippers nearer to the blaze. ◦ ◦ Louisa May Alcott, Little Women

Things to remember about Style… ◦ Style can change the tone (the author’s attitude toward the subject material) and impact of your writing. ◦ Connotation and Denotation are important. ◦ Be clear and concise. ◦ Fewer, more descriptive words are better than a long list of meaningless adjectives and adverbs. Do not overuse adjectives. Properly used, they can add interest and clarity. Too many adjectives, however, slow down the flow of your ideas. So… ◦ Spend time choosing your words carefully. Use appropriate, interesting words, but… ◦ Do not write above yourself.

◦ Use active, not passive voice. ◦ President Lincoln was shot by John Wilkes Booth. (passive) ◦ John Wilkes Booth shot President Lincoln. (active) ◦ Think you won’t remember this?? Add “by zombies” after the verb in any sentence. If the sentence still makes sense, it’s passive and you need to rewrite it. If it doesn’t, it’s already in active voice and you’re good to go. ◦ President Lincoln was shot by zombies. ◦ John Wilkes Booth shot by zombies.