Legal Writing

When we first learned to write, we had to learn a lot of rules. So we sometimes believe that writing consists entirely of following rules. If we learn the rules, we'll be better writers.

Actually, writing has few rules, and we know and use almost all of them already. We know, for example, the rule that says that sentences must begin with capital letters. We know, in almost every case, the rule that singular subjects must have singular verbs.

To grow as writers, we don't need more rules. What we need are tools. And we need them most when we revise our messages.

This week, randomly pick one of the  posts on this blog that have been tagged "revising." (This post is the 159th, so you'll have lots to choose from.) Almost all these posts are tools, not rules, but if you choose one that you're sure is a rule, pick another. As you revise this week, think of that tool as if it's a physical tool in a toolbox. Look for opportunities to pick it up and use it.