In some ways, people can write differently to way they speak.

I don't usually speak much...but I use plenty of words in my writing!

Good style is essential in any writing.

You won't get published without good style.

It means writing with clarity and precision.

Writing is a craft which needs to be learned and practised, so be self critical.

I try to write simply and with little doses of my 'weird' or ' bizarre' (not bazaar) sense of humour and have written this article in a "short and sharp, punchy" style.

I also have a serious, yet simple style for my novels on South Africa. They are written "from heart" In a totally different style to this lesson/article's "brief, punchy and to point" style. I wrote ANGOLAN DAWN in a different style to my other novels to portray way an unsophisti- cated big word!) Angolan migrant labourer would see world, think and speak.

In my non-fiction works, like this article and my self-help books, I try to write in a style that will best accomplish my writing aim: to "inform, entertain and hopefully even inspire people to reach out and become all they are CAPABLE of being".

HOW TO USE DIFFERENT STYLES

Your style can vary from time to time to suit subject.

A good writer is able to vary their style to suit subject matter andthe publication concerned.

For example, use short simple sentences when writing for very young children.

When writing articles for magazines, keep them strictly factual and to point.

No room for my flowery sort of language!

Style varies from publication to publication.

Some prefer to stick strictly to facts of matter, while others allow their writers to digress.

IS YOUR MEANING CLEAR?

That for me is good style.

TONE This reveals your unique personality. It means "how are you coming across" ? #

# Can I end a sentence with a "preppie"?

Is your tone angry, arrogant, breezy, sarcastic, bitter, ironic, cynical or informal? What do you think is tone of this lesson (article)?

Tone may be used to inform or instruct.

You should use variety in your choice of rhythms.

In my non-fiction works, I try to write in a simple and unobtrusive style, with odd "whacky" bit of humour thrown in to keep reader entertained,as well as informed.

I believe anyone can improve their style by reading and writing more.

People want quality content : for their ezines and their web sites .; however, competition for content is fierce. Every Web site owner wants content and hundreds of writers want their content visible on Web It's FREE promotion through your signature file at end of your article* Articles that give good information or explain how to accomplish something are usually best, and will be read most often.

Here are some pointers in writing articles for www:

Firstly,

1. Accept that writing for web is different to writing for off-line world. People tend to skim and scan (note alliteration) when reading online. They read quickly scrolling down page.

2. Identify your target audience.

3. Give your article a catchy title that will grab attention and make people want to read.

4. Keep your title reasonably short. Put some thought and effort into your heading - again to get your reader's immediate attention.

5. Be professional and take your article writing seriously. Write about something you know professionally. Don't be overly casual in your writing (ie. don't write exactly as you speak) 6. Keep your paragraphs short.

7. Get to point quickly (enough waffle with maple syrup, Craig!).

8. Target your article to your audience with "focussed information".

9. Be brief, if you are a "waffler", like this writer. People want immediate information online and have limitedtime usually - it's "instant coffee, sorry generation.

10. Write briefly and concisely (redundant words, meaning same thing, Craig!) Try to keep your article under 1,500 words. Most paying markets usually only accept between 500 and 2,000 words... and with a bit of luck they may even "pick up" your great article. Try to be concise in your wording. Brevity is hall-mark of good writing...or so say many of teachers of writing!

11. Use OCCASIONAL exclamation mark (!) to get your readers attention. Forget ALL CAPITAL LETTERS and exclamation points!!!