Here are some writing tips PINAWOR members find helpful:

• Correct spelling, punctuation and grammar are essential.
  
  
• Include sentences of varying length to maintain reader interest.
  
  
• Omit all unnecessary words. If something doesn't pull the reader into the story, you don't need it.

• Don't repeat words in close succession - find another way to say the same thing.
  
  
• Stay in a specific Point of View - it's easy to skip around without even noticing it.
  
  
• Write what you know.
  

• Reading your work aloud to yourself can help you find problems you may miss otherwise.
  
  
• Research is vital to ensure that even the small points in your work are accurate. When readers see one mistake (i.e. Franklin Roosevelt was President in 1904), you lose their confidence and they'll stop reading.
  
  
• First write just to get the ideas down, ignoring grammar and spelling, then go back and edit.
  
  
• Edit, revise and edit again.
  
  
• Some writers begin with an outline, knowing exactly where their manuscript will end. Others just start writing and see where the story leads. Both are valid methods to use so pick what works best for you.
  
  
• Show, don't tell - i.e. write, "Tears brimmed in David's eyes." rather than "David was sad."
  
  
• Try to avoid adverbs - "ly" words.
  
  
• Avoid cliches - make up your own way of saying the same thing. Instead of "happy as a clam" use "happy as a writer with her first acceptance letter ".
  
  
• Make it clear who is speaking. Use tag lines, "he said", "she said" sparingly, when needed. The voice of the characters should be unique so that just the language will let the reader know who is speaking.
  
  
• Share your work with friends who will be honest about their opinions - you KNOW your mother will love it so give it also to Aunt Jenny who will be more objective.
  
  
• Take others' comments for what they are, just suggestions. You are the author and have the final say. Just because someone else thinks you should kill off a character doesn't necessarily mean they are right.
  
  
• Learn how to write a good solid outline, synopsis and query letter.
  
  
• Read material similar to your writing, magazine articles, poetry, novels, fantasy, true crime, etc.
  

• Learn to take critiques and rejection letters in stride. All writers are very familiar with them.
  
  
• Spend time with other writers for encouragement and support - everyone needs those! And it's really helpful to bounce ideas off of other writers. Formal writing groups like PINAWOR can be an invaluable source of help because of the variety of experience of the members. For example, PINAWOR includes teachers, lawyers, police officers, doctors, business professionals, artists and a variety of other professions. Some were reared in other countries and all have unique perspectives to share.