Writing Tip: Keep It Tight
How we choose and arrange words matters! Keeping it tight, or using language intentionally, is a skill that takes time and intention to develop. Concision doesn’t come naturally to some of us! As an over-writer, this has been something I’ve needed to continually work on. That’s because impactful writing is often the result of precise choices, and I want my work to make an impact.
So, let’s talk about why it’s important, and I’ll share some practical tips I’ve picked up along the way on how to achieve clarity and punch while avoiding the pitfalls of overwriting. Let me reiterate, though: this is an area of weakness in my own writing, so I’m no expert here. I’m just a writer who has worked a lot on this one and wants to share with others what I’ve learned so far.
The Importance of Tight Writing
In a world full of short attention spans, the opening lines of a piece are critical. Tight writing ensures that every word serves a purpose, creating attention-grabbing openers that immediately draw readers into the narrative. The succinctness of language acts as a hook, enticing readers to keep reading. I did a post on this a while ago if you want to check it out. And beyond those opening sentences/pages, tight writing contributes to the overall pacing and flow of the entire story. Unnecessary details and verbosity can bog down the narrative, impeding its momentum. Concise language propels the story forward. Clarity eliminates ambiguity, allowing readers to grasp the intended meaning without unnecessary deciphering, and ensures that our message is delivered with maximum impact. This is where a vast vocabulary (or access to a thesaurus) can come in handy!
Punchy, focused writing captivates readers. It holds their attention and keeps them invested in the unfolding story, so by avoiding unnecessary detours and staying on course, tight writing sustains reader engagement. This isn’t to say we can’t let ourselves express in other ways, nor am I implying that flowery prose is somehow worse. I happen to love prose others might consider flowery. I suppose what I’m saying is, word choices matter. I’ve dabbled in poetry as well, so I love me some good symbolic language and abstract choices that speak to something deeper, but I also understand that even those should be choices, and not the result of poor precision with our language. In fact, poetry is perhaps some of the most precise use of language, as literally every word holds meaning (or should), as do the stylistic choices and overall structure itself.
Unpopular opinion time!
I have distinct memories of reading Steinbeck’s East of Eden when I was young. It was my very first DNF! It was sorely disappointing, as I’d just read several of his other works and had enjoyed them intensely. I loved his richly-developed characters, full of heart and authenticity. I loved his beautiful prose. I loved the way I truly felt immersed in these other times, with people so different from myself. Then came East of Eden. And my primary reason for DNF’ing it was the over-writing. I don’t understand how this book made it to publication on that basis alone. That may be super controversial, but Steinbeck’s dislike of revision shines through on this one for me. It wasn’t just the abundance of autobiographical inserts, or the heavy handed messaging, but the dozens of pages spent describing the setting felt like too much here. And this is coming from a writer who lives for setting, both as a reader and writer. I didn’t disengage with Steinbeck’s work over it, and consider him one of my favorite classic authors still, but to this day, if you ask my mother about it, she’ll laugh at how annoyed I was by having to read endless pages about a turtle on a dirt road. Little 13-year-old me was over it by page 25.
Practical Tips for Tight Writing
Trim Redundancies
Identify and remove repetitive phrases, unnecessary adjectives, or redundant expressions. Each word should contribute to the overall meaning.
Example: "The soft moonlight illuminated the dark night with its glow." → "Moonlight illuminated the night."
We already understand nights are dark, and that the moon glows softly, so those words are unnecessary.
Choose Strong Verbs
Opt for strong, precise verbs that convey the desired action without the need for excessive adverbs. Strong verbs create a more vivid and immediate impact, reducing the reliance on modifiers.
Example: "He ran very quickly." → "He sprinted."
I also try to avoid common noun-verb combinations. If my character knocks on a door, I don’t want to say that. I would try to use the verb to not only indicate more about the character’s action, but their mood and motivation as well. If the character is angry, maybe they pound on, or pummel, the door. If they’re trying to quietly get someone’s attention, maybe they tap.
Be Specific
Specificity enhances the impact of writing. Instead of vague descriptions, use concrete details to paint a vivid picture. Specific language not only adds authenticity but also ensures that every word contributes to a more nuanced portrayal.
Example: "A bird sat on a tree branch above them." → "A red-breasted robin perched overhead."
Adding the species gives a clear mental picture, where “bird” might conjure one of thousands of possible images. In this example, we were able to replace “on a tree branch above them” with “perched overhead” by utilizing the previous tips regarding stronger verbs and trimming redundancies.
Avoid Clichés
Clichés can dilute the freshness of your writing. Seek original expressions and avoid relying on overused phrases. Unconventional language captures attention and adds a distinctive flair to our prose. It’s especially effective when we tie it to the character’s perspective. In the following example, imagine the character is a photographer or a model, and you can really see why the second version of the same concept is better.
Example: "In the blink of an eye" → "In a camera’s flash."
Why Avoid Over-Writing
Overwriting dilutes the impact we’re trying to make, even if we string together a bunch of beautiful words and everything is technically correct. This is because, when every detail is overly described, the essential elements lose their prominence. The reader becomes overwhelmed, and the intended impact is diluted. Dense, overwritten passages can lead to reader fatigue, which is the absolute worst.
Okay, maybe saying it’s the worst is slightly hyperbolic, but it really is a big thing.
Tight writing, on the other hand, maintains reader interest by delivering information succinctly and clearly. They know what information is important, and aren’t questioning why they’re reading the same description three different ways. This is important because the emotional or thematic weight of a piece can be lost in the midst of unnecessary details, and most of us (as writers) want our readers to feel things about the words on our pages. Tight writing ensures that each word contributes to portraying exactly what we want the reader to experience.
Tightening up our prose is a skill that can truly transform our writing. The intentional use of language, where every word serves a purpose, creates stories that captivate, engage, and resonate. By embracing precision, clarity, and specificity, we can craft prose that grabs attention, maintains reader interest, and leaves a lasting impact. So, as I continue to practice more impactful storytelling, I hope you’ll join me.
Happy writing!
