Here are 20 writing tips from John Erickson’s writing memoir Story Craft (Amazon).

#1
The story is more important than style.

#2
The job is to communicate information and emotion.

#3
It’s just good paragraphs and good sentences.

#4
Be clear.

#5
Use active voice, not passive voice.

#6
Good writing is built using blocks.

#7
Highlight the general by sharing the specific.

#8
Use the correct writing voice for the task at hand.

#9
Produce more than you consume.

#10
You learn writing by writing.

#11
Have something to say.

#12
Edit and refine.

#13
Read – and get some experience living.

#14
Use people’s subconscious when you are able.

#15
Writing discipline trumps writing inspiration.

#16
Not every story is worth telling.

#17
You might struggle with being inspired to write. Write through this.

#18
Worry about the craft, not getting a book published.

#19
Keep your day job – until you don’t have to.

#20
Don’t embarrass your mom.

[I enjoyed these tips from Derek Sivers, Scott Adams, and John Saddington too.]

[This is part of the series: 20 Writing Tips From John Erickson]

Don’t write things that would shame your mother – is just good advice.

Of course, this is not only true for writing.

It’s true for everything else too.

Honestly, my wife and I encourage each other frequently in this respect.

We find ourselves reminding each other to:

“Never say anything about a person that you would not be comfortable saying to their face.”

“Never say anything in an email that you would not be alright with everyone at work seeing.”

Or:

“If you have something negative to complain about, vent to your spouse at home, and keep it to yourself at work.”

It all boils down to being careful what you say.

All in all it’s pretty simple: If in doubt, keep your mouth shut.

I say it is all a heart issue. But that’s me.

20. Don’t write anything that would shame your mother.

-John Erickson, Story Craft (Amazon)