Ernest Hemingway was an awesome writer. But how did he do it? Where did he learn it? And do his guidelines apply in today's digital world? Find out...and how 4 simple tips can make you an awesome writer (kind of like Hemingway; okay, maybe not). Connect with me on my blog at http://www.rethinkeverythingblog.com and on Twitter @_jasonthibeault

1. Be an Awesome Writer
Like Hemingway (well, sort of)

2. Writing is hard.

3. Okay, writing is actually easy.

4. Effective writing.
Emotional writing.
Writing that inspires people.
Writing that convinces people.
Writing that makes us want to do something.
Yeah, that’s hard.

5. But it doesn’t
have to be.
You just have
to be smart
about it.
Text
www.thepursuitofsassiness.com

6. Hemingway was a great writer.
Economical. Pointed. Purposeful.
And you can be too!

7. How?

8. Hemingway followed 4 simple rules
that he learned from his first writing job
at the Kansas City Star

9. #1. Use short sentences.
(case in point)

10. Why?
Get to the point quickly
(when that’s important)

11. #2. Use short opening first paragraphs.

12. Why?
Don’t waste people’s time.
Tell them what they are going to read.
First.

13. #3. Use vigorous language.

14. Why?
Language is emotional.
Words are powerful.
Example?
Avoid passive voice.
(okay, cringing understandable)

15. #4. Be Positive, Not Negative

16. Why?
I think this one speaks for itself.

17. With that said...

18. Digital has changed everything.
So many channels, so many different styles.
So many different purposes.

19. So I’ve distilled those 4 rules Hemingway followed
into something more for the digital world

20. #1. Control Language.
Language is visual.Adding a longer sentence
every now and then breaks it up. Otherwise...
it’s boring.

21. #2. Be impactful.
Your first paragraph may need to be longer
to set tone and to be emotional (that’s #4).
Your fifth paragraph may need to be short
(to hammer home a point).

22. #3. Be impactful.
Gain attention quickly.That can be done in a
lot of different ways.With evocative words or
challenging ideas.With short, crisp sentences.
With a question.With a statement.
In a house, with a mouse...

23. #4. Establish an emotional connection
Unless you are writing explanations of scientific
data, you need to create an emotional connection.
Language is emotional. Use it correctly by
understanding your audience.

24. Now get out there and start writing.

25. Make Hemingway proud.