Read good writers in your field of interest. 1) Outline their works to see how they build logical structure/argument -- See how they introduce key points in th

Read good writers in your field of interest. 1) Outline their works to see how they build logical structure/argument -- See how they introduce key points in the structure/argument -- See how they support key assertions with facts or examples -- See how they exploit the "ladder of abstraction." When they make an abstract assertion or point, do they back it up with specific examples or concrete evidence? 2) Identify the "elevator statement;" e.g. major thematic assertion of the work. If you can write it down on the back of a business card, you're on the right track -- Study how they introduce the theme -- Study how the develop it -- Study how consistently the stick with it -- Study how they reach a conclusion that hammers the theme home 3) Study how they construct paragraphs -- See how they transition into a paragraphs -- See how they set up and establish the main point of the paragraph -- See how they stick to that point within the paragraph -- See how they set up for the next paragraph (transitions of thought) 4) Study how they construct sentences -- See how they use concrete vs. abstract nouns -- See how they use active vs. passive verbs -- See how they use (or avoid) adjectives and adverbs -- See how they make every word count -- See how the vary sentence rhythm across simple, compound, and complex structrues. 5) Study how they relate to the reader -- Study the voice (formal vs. intimate, etc.) -- Study the tone (friendly, angry, ironic, etc.) 6) Master spelling, punctuation, and grammar 7) Lean about different conventional "formats" -- e.g. essay, opinion piece, news story, report, thesis, etc. -- How do they differ? -- What are essential elements of each? 8) Write for specific readers -- What does your readers expect? 9) Follow the "yeah, yeah, oh!" pattern. E.g. Introduce a thought (yeah), introduce a logically connected thought (yeah), throw in a surprising image or twist of thought (oh!) 10) Tell the truth, but tell it slant (e.g. avoid cliches and dull, worn-out language; keep it fresh..