Guest Post: 16 Quick Writing Tips You Can Use Today

1.  Read everything! You're bound to get ideas from the most unlikely of areas/sources.
2. Write about things that matter to you. If the passion is missing, the writing won't be any good, so make it count.
3. Write whenever you get the chance. Got a spare minute? Write a poem or thought! It keeps you in practice and gets the creative juices flowing.
4. Be clear in what you're trying to say. Floral language is more likely to put people off reading your work than clear, concise language.
5. Put your idea on paper before you begin to write. A quick outline or a couple of bullet points are useful as they help to keep the piece on track.
6. Don't edit as you write; do it after the piece you're writing is finished. Stopping to edit interrupts the flow of your thoughts.
7. Become familiar with writing styles. For certain publications, editors may ask you for references in your work. A working knowledge of APA, MLA, AP and Chicago styles is always an advantage.
8. Rather than banging your head against a brick wall, take a break when writer's block hits you. Take a walk, meet friends -- just spend 30 minutes away from the computer.
9. Break down long articles by using sub-headings, especially if you're writing for an Internet-based publication. It will hold the attention of people longer and allow them to browse through.
10. Use strong verbs in stories, but try to avoid adverbs as they tend to reduce the effect a sentence has on a reader.
11. Build up character profiles for your main protagonists so you can look up the smallest details. If you want the reader to know them then you will have to know them too!
12. Be prepared to present full articles or stories on spec. Yes, they may be rejected, but when you're starting out, it may be the only option you have.
13. Brainstorm. Set aside 20 minutes every day and write down whatever happens to be in your head, new ideas galore!
14. The first paragraph is the most important. It's the decider as to whether someone will read on or move on, so make your first paragraph a good one.
15. Don't be afraid to recycle work by revamping it for another publication. Why waste all that effort when you can reuse it?
16. Hone your writing skills by writing letters to local papers and magazines. Any publishing is good publishing. 

These tips were brought to you by Shery Ma Belle Arrieta-Russ, WriteSparks!™ creator WriteSparks.com