Are you on Twitter? If you’re a writer and you’re not using the social media source, you should probably change that.
Photo by shawncampbell
1. Connect with Other Writers
Twitter is a great place to “meet” other writers. Using hashtags like #amwriting, #writer, #writestuff, #writeclub, and many more, you can connect with other writers who are struggling, publishing, and published. There is power in community. I see writers cheering for each other, helping each other, and promoting each others’ work all on Twitter.
If you’re looking for ways to connect, start with your Write Practice team: @Write_Practice, @JoeBunting, @MelissaTydell, @Sophie_Novak, @KatieAxelson.
2. Succinct Sentences
Twitter’s 140 character limit means that every letter counts. Superfluous details and ramblings are ousted because there just isn’t space. In writing, this looks like cutting backstory and tangents. It’s tempting to put in but unnecessary and actually a bother to your reader.
3. Precise Word Choice
When you’ve only got 140 characters to get your message across, you have to pick the exact words you mean to express yourself. In writing, this means adverbs are gone. On Twitter, you can’t say, “Run quickly” because you only have space to say “Sprint.” In writing, you should try to avoid anything than ends in “ly.” There’s usually a stronger verb that can stand alone. Your job is to find it.
Have you found your writing to be crisper since you began Twitter?
PRACTICE
Summarize a creative writing piece you’re working on using only 140 characters. Post your “Tweet Summary” in the comments below.
