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else's. Also, when you see a cliche rearing its ugly head, go ahead and write it in so you can move on with the piece; you can always go back during the rewrite and figure out something more fresh-sounding. Originality ultimately depends on imagination and how experimental you can be.

TRUST THE READER: Sure, you want enough description in your passages so that the reader sees it and experiences it with the full range of his/her senses, but too much can kill the effect. Find a balance between bringing the passage to life and overdoing it. Reading widely can help immensely with this. Details are important, but there should be something left to the imagination. And if it's clear where something is going without actually having to say it, leave it out; if the reader has followed you loyally up to that point, he/she will be able to see where it's going without being told, if your writing is well balanced.

DO NOT FEAR: Fear keeps so many beginning writers from realizing their potential. Many experienced writers still have trouble facing their fears when it comes to putting words to paper. If you're afraid the reader won't understand what you're saying, he/she most likely will understand more than you think, though using simple words and sentence structure will go a long way. Stark nouns and verbs - don't overcrowd your writing with adverbs or fancy phrases. Don't shy away from expressing your deepest feelings, fears, or even your joys; that's what writing is all about, after all. Writing can be the greatest release a human can know and, if you can make your reader laugh or cry, you will know a reward that no amount of money can replace. Don't censor yourself. You overcome fear by acting on it; in this case, writing it.

SPELLING: It doesn't take a computer whiz to use a spell-checker. So do it, and make the corrections. However, the spell-checker only checks the spelling; it doesn't check to see if you've used the right word. There. Their. They're. For these, and other, words that sound the same but aren't the same, a careful proofread is indispensable.

I'll be honest: No one's advice, including mine, can make your writing better overnight, and it ultimately boils down to whether or not you have it as a writer. For those who believe they have it, and are willing to do the work, kudos, and I hope my tips will help.

Ultimately, you can only learn by doing; you can listen to music all you want, but it won't make you a musician. It's the same with writing. So why are you still reading this? Start writing!

Learn more about this author, Jason Lusk.
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