Today's post is all about using plain English. I think you’ll agree that official documents can be confusing. To help, President Obama signed the Plain Writing Act of 2010 requiring that Federal agencies use "clear Government communication that the public can understand and use." Regardless of where you stand politically, I'm sure you'll agree, making sure wording can be understood by the general public is a good thing.
The
Grammarly team decided to find out if Federal agencies have indeed started communicating in plain English. Here's what we learned:
- NASA, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Department of Treasury communicate the most clearly to the public.
- Top writing mistakes among Federal agencies include long sentences, passive voice, sentence fragments, redundant prepositions, dangling modifiers, redundant phrases, and more.
This is the inforgraphic they made with the results:
Whilst most of you probably aren't writing Government communications, have you thought about whether or not your writing can be easily understood by your readers? Are you writing clearly? This applies to both your books, and your marketing.
Becoming a better writer not only requires writing on a daily basis, but it also is done by reading a vast amount of books, articles, newspapers and stories. Read more, write more and edit personal works to become a better writer with information from a writing and communications specialist in this free video on writing.
Tell us a bit about your latest book?
My current book, "Indian Summer", is an historical romance set in St. Augustine, Florida in 1739. Gabriella Deza, the daughter of the Spanish governor, accidentally exposes a spy who's working for British General Oglethorpe. His mission - to overthrow the Spanish government, take over the fortress and town and pave the way for the British. It's up to Gabriella and her fiance, Manuel, to stop the spy and save the town.
What is your typical writing schedule like?
My typical writing schedule is chopped up to fit around my other obligations. I write a lot at night and edit during the day. I print out copies of my work and take it with me to doctor's appointments, etc. I think a good word to describe it would be chaotic.
Do you have any tips for new writers just getting started in their careers?
A tip for beginning authors is one that an author friend of mine gave me years ago. "Don't let anything stop you from telling the story. Write."
How do you market your book?
I use my blogs and my Blog Talk Radio shows to market my book. I have put other marketing plans on hold for the time being, as I've been dealing with some health issues. However, I plan to contact the historical societies in St. Augustine and New Smyrna Beach as the action is centered in both locations. I am also offering copies of the book to the libraries in my area.
Where can people find out more about you and your work?
My book is available at Amazon.com and through the publisher www.secondwindpublishing.com
