Three Simple Rules

"All these rules just go right out the window when I start," a beginner complained, concerned about being unable to remember guidelines for good writing. Let's make it simple: use senses, specific nouns, and strong verbs. Most forms of life see, hear, smell, taste, and feel. Add details about these senses frequently. Sharon has Siamese. Isn't that more colorful than "a friend has cats"? Even better, Sharon breeds Siamese. She also strokes, tickles, and brushes them. Use strong verbs in the active voice. "Sharon scratches her favorite Siamese under his chin; his tourquoise eyes slide shut, and a gentle rumble vibrates against her fingers." You could use this sentence in fiction and nonfiction. Or, passively, this sentence could be used.