1. Have something to say. ​ 2. Read books, not just newspapers. ​ 3. Understand the medium you are writing for. ​ 4. Be direct. ​ 5. Write short sentences. ​ 6. Be clear and precise. ​ 7. Never use a metaphor whose literal meaning you don't understand. ​ 8. Write for the reader, listener, or viewer.