I'm an older man who grew up reading mostly 19th century authors. I've struggled to understand why my writing voice felt so unnatural and formal. Your tips opened my eyes. Thank you.

I don't understand almost anything you say but I try to watch your videos almost every day to learn English. I send you a virtual hug from Argentina ♥

The filtering aspect is one I always struggle with and something I have to edit out later (when I remember to).

"When in doubt, cut it out" is a motto that has saved me more times than I'd like to admit. If I re-read my work and feel that a sentence is too complex, I cut it out and rewrite it in a simpler way.

In all my years writing and consuming writing content, never have I heard passive vs active voice explained so succinctly. Maybe I have, but it finally made sense where as every other explanation had failed. "Is the subject performing the action?" It's so good. Thank you as always for your great work.

If “disconsolate” is a ninth grade word I’m in big trouble.

Love the tip about avoiding unnecessarily complex sentences. It's easy to write a bad sentence if you force that sentence to do too much

Giving examples after every suggestion was the best choice you made in this video. It made a significant difference for me. I'm dyslexic and I'm trying to improve my writing ability as I tend to write on the messy side. This was excellent and thank you doesn't feel enough!

Guilty of all 12. It took me over 10 years to break most of these habits, but old habits die hard. What I've found useful is whenever I use a starting action, like in the example you shared: "Elizabeth started to laugh." I find a starting action helps when you want to have it interrupted by a character. "Elizabeth started to laugh... until John gave her a death stare. Then it wasn't funny." I also wholeheartedly agree on cutting unnecessary words. In one sentence it's not a big deal and is easily forgivable. In a 90,000 page novel the work feels bloated for no reason. If a word is going to be included, it should be a detail with a specific purpose. When I had to write a tribute to someone who had passed, I used a sentence: "And taught her daughter how to calculate sales prices at Dunham's." I could have just said and "calculate sales prices." The sentence can survive on its own. But I added Dunham's so the people local to the area might remember the time period when that store existed. I would have left Dunham's out if it had been a generic chain like Wal Mart. But because this particular Dunham's was a specific store during a specific time period, I added the detail for those who remembered the store. Since I manage a website, I also found using a plugin called Yoast SEO helped improve my writing significantly because it has tools to identify passive voice and wordy sentences. It's mainly geared towards marketing articles and website traffic, but I find it's also useful for improving your own writing style when you force yourself to be more concise. Great video, I also love the graphic and font selection. Very easy to read and extremely educational.

I’am a Peruvian filmmaker and scriptwriter. I have started to write a novel picking up a script of mine. I am going thru hell. You can’t imagen dear Ellen how useful and illustrative your videos are!! I thank you so much!!

Hi guys! I forgot to wait for the HD to finish processing before I published the video, so if it looks blurry to you, just wait about a half hour before watching. Also, typo at 16:48. It should be "set" not "sat." Sorry! I checked my cards a dozen times, but I always manage to miss something. Dang long covid brain fog! Thanks for watching and for your support!

As a not native english speaker, -ing verbs vs the past conjugation of the same have total different meaning. "She was walking" is she doing the action. "She walked" is already finished. Also, as someone with pretty high aphantasia, I think I experience the writing and reading completely different as someone that can visualize normally: "Yes," she said, walking. // She walked. "Yes." // "Yes." She walked. // Each is 100% different to me.

Excellent rundown. Professional (nonfiction) editor myself and I'm still guilty of some of these. A tip I've given some of the writers I work with (especially ESL): If you're worried a sentence is getting into run-on territory, read it out loud under your breath at a normal pace. If you find yourself wheezing by the end, split the sentence roughly where you started running out of breath. Punctuation is meant to replicate on paper the pauses we naturally take when speaking. Also, could I possibly request a video about how to jot down the first page or two of a novel? Not just the opening plot beat, but literally the first few hundred words. Do you have any advice as to how to get past those first few paragraphs/how to make them count?

I truly appreciate how clear your examples are. A lot of writing advice doesn't come with clear examples or information on how to improve specifically, but your advice is fantastic!

Passive voice has been a struggle for years. A whole editing pass is needed to get that out of my writing…🙃 You can also hit “smelled” and “tasted” with other verbs. “The stench of aged garbage assaulted Jim as he rounded the alley corner” or “the luxurious sweetness of the berry juice coated Joira’s mouth. It lingered. A moment later, but a moment too late, Joira noticed the background bitterness of the arsenic.”

Passive voice can be really useful for creating tension, subtext or being efficient with words, particularly when it leaves out the person doing the action altogether. This can be because we don't know who did something: 'The jewels were stolen sometime before dawn.' Or don't want to say (eg avoiding blame): 'Dad, your favourite mug got broken!' Or we're building suspense: 'The door had been left ajar. Voices were hushed as she called out, "Hello?". Or it's just not necessary to say who did it: 'The house was painted a flat, dismal grey that matched the rain-filled sky.' It's a really powerful tool that we often don't notice we're using, so not always bad or a 'no'. 🙂

i've been removing filter words for a years now and it's SUCH an incredible way to strengthen the connection to the character's POV. another tip would be removing "filler" type words like just, really, very, kind of, etc. or whatever kind of common word you use a lot that could be removed for the same meaning, or replaced with a more specific word. i never considered how vocab choice could change the reading speed, that's very cool! also i found your example sentence "he ran across the yard like a soccer player running for the ball" very funny for some reason. thanks for another great video!

I follow most of these tips already, but I've never considered my use of -ing words. A glance at the first few pages of my latest story, made me realize I can do better. Thank you, Ellen! A great video with excellent examples as always.

Why have I never heard of Hemmingway Editor before?! This is gold! Thanks for the recommendation, and for all your tips! They're things that I (generally) knew already, but sometimes forget in the heat of writing. Definitely a great guide for what should be on a sentence-level "cheat sheet" for an editing pass.

During the early years of my education, I was embarrassed by my writing, but as I matured and became less sensitive, I learned to read what I had written out loud. That made all the difference, and many errors were avoided.

This is, without a doubt, the best writing tips video I've seen so far. I've seen dozens, perhaps hundreds at this point. And yet, this has proposed a set of simple, common, and fatal issues and mistakes, then presented a coherent explanation and provided fluid examples. Thank you very much!

Thanks Ellen! You do such a good job of 1) giving "best practices" 2) pointing out specific times where exceptions may apply, and 3) acknowledging that the sound and flow of the writing and what the author wants to accomplish trumps all =) Thanks for another informative video!

This video would be a great addition to most Jr/Sr High writing classes. Well done, Ellen.

21:30 I'd like to add something about Vocabulary that I learned on test readings. Using a term correctly can lead to confusion if the reader doesn't have the same understanding of that word. It's interesting that now it's trivial to look up unfamiliar words immediately, before going on with the next sentence. When I first read the original Sherlock Holmes stories, I wrote down words to look up later. Now, reading on a tablet or e-paper reader, I can point to a word and get a definition (or translation) instantly. This should remove the barrier toward using a higher vocabulary or highly specific terminology, pushing some readers to learn, and not talking down to those already more familiar with the subject.

I also feel (hehehe), that in case of filtering, removing the "unnecessary" ones can help adding weight to the places where you do want to use "felt", "saw" or "realized" etc because the feeling or realizing was the relevant part. If every other sentence is dotted with the filtering words, then there is no difference.

The examples are so helpful. They take the point out of the abstract and make it concrete and more easily understandable. Wish all writing advice was like this.

Thank you, thank you! This is the most helpful video on writing I’ve ever watched. Your advice is actionable and the examples you provided really helped solidify the concepts you discuss. I’m such a visual learner so it was great to see things laid out so clearly and plainly.

Thank you Ellen! Especially for the vivid examples and compromised explanations - great video!

This video definitely made me rethinking about how I have been writing my sentences. I appreciate how Ellen was able to give examples of strong sentences vs weak sentences.

Thank you for the examples in your video! Watching this video not only gave me insight, it helped me with the imposter syndrome issues I've had recently. I also loved the differences between third grade and ninth grade novels. The examples hit home better than reading technical editing books. Thanks again!

This was really helpful! The way you explain things so effortlessly and easy to grasp! Active and passive voice! Wow!

I had no idea that filtering was called filtering XD Thank you so much for explaining this!!! I didn’t understand why my story didn’t sound as immersive. I finally understand that I have to remove the character feeling these things to just having these things exist on their own for the character and reader to feel!!!

I'm glad you mentioned filtering in this video. I use filtering a lot in my writing, but I never knew there was a name for it! These tips for avoiding filtering were very useful to me! I think we as writers tend to underestimate how smart our readers are! I, personally, find the need to add on those extra words to clarify, but if you think of yourself reading something with fresh eyes, you can infer many things without the add-ons included. Thanks for the video!

wow this all makes a looot of sense.. thank you for being so gentle in the way you conveyed it too.

Incredibly helpful content. Thank you for the clear examples and explanations. I can already see my writing improving with this advice.

I just want to say, you've done the best job explaining everything in this video than anyone else I've seen. Plus your voice is so easy to listen to. I just subscribed and plan on playing catch up with your videos over time! :)

Your ability to relay information quickly and straight to the point, while also being super thorough is something I am so thankful for! Thank you for sharing these amazing tips that are most definitely helping so many authors achieve their dreams of writing and publishing one day!!

This is possibly the best video I've seen on sentence writing (or even writing in general) Incredible. So helpful, thank you!

I really love that you use examples when giving tips. I truly enjoyed this video. Thanks a lot!❤

Thank you so much for your videos! I'm writing more of a mindset and how-to book to help people begin homesteading, but I'm reviewing my communication and how I deliver a message. I can be spunky and firey, and I want to convey my personality without burning or scaring off my audience. Ultimately, I want my message to be received, and your videos are helping me to refine my style of communication. I appreciate you!

Probably one of the very best writing guides I've seen & heard. So precise and succinctly explained with excellent do/don't do examples. Also very, very thorough. Superb Ellen, thank you.

I just found your channel and I can’t love it more!!! English is not my mother tongue but, anyway, your tips are incredibly helpful and I enjoy listening to your explanations. Thanks so much!!

Great video! I'm a screenwriter and essayist and this video helped me see some major challenges I have been facing. Thank you!

Great tips! I need to work on my novel and now I have a clear idea on what makes a great sentence. Thank you Ellen.

Ellen, as always, you are super helpful. I hadn't thought filter words were that deep. Now I'm looking at my own writing going "Uh oh!" Thank you for real in depth writing advice.

This was extremely helpful. I’m a newer writer so the in-depth examples and description was Mitch needed. Thank you 🙏

Just love this video. From time to time I come here to refresh my memory about those tips! Tks a million!

I never even realised how much filtering I was subconsciously putting into my writing, until I watched this. A real Eureka moment, this will help bigtime with my redrafting, thank you!

Thank you! This really helped me to be more aware of some mistakes that I make in my writing. And it is great that you gave specific examples for each one. 👍

This is genuinely the best video I’ve seen. I love the proper examples on screen!

Thank you for another helpful video. I knew some of these but others I haven't heard explained so well.

Just found you - thought this was one of the best easy to understand videos I’ve heard. Looking forward to hearing your others.

Great tips! I think I'm gonna look extra close for these during my last edit of my WIP. The Hemingway Editor is also one of my favorite tools to check the pacing and flow of my stories. I always use it while doing finishing touches (deleting filter words) and using my text-to-speech naturalreader.

This is excellent and very helpful, Ellen. I appreciate your disclaimers regarding style choices. With Historical Fiction, it's challenging to find the right balance when creating a period feel. It's easy to slip into the heavy verbiage from the classics. I read a current novel that was so full of unnecessary similes and metaphors I skimmed to the end. The story took place in the 1800s and every other thing was 'like' something modern or far outside the POV character's world. Totally blasted me out of the story. Over and over again. I remembered your old video where you read bad metaphors/similes from your own writing. :)

Wow! What a great video. I just threw this on and viewed it as a reader, not a writer, and appreciated the content. Thank you. Great job.

I have been a Bibliophile since my childhood and to be very honest this was the best decision of my life. I also started writing rather than only reading but at that time UKposts was not that popular so all i wrote was from whatever i learned by reading. Still i got a 8.5 in IELTS. So instead of making excuses we should try to work everything out.❤

This is such a great list. I love your explanations... especially of passive voice.

This is so helpful as someone who never studied the technicalities of writing before. Thanks so much, these tips are amazing!

I tried the Hemingway app and found it really useful. I didn’t realize how complex my sentences were and this really helped me tighten them up. The passive voice in one chapter I struggled with as the protagonist was reminiscing, but I suppose it’s ok in this case. I was worried that I was doing it wrong. Great tips, and video, thanks so much ❤

Thanks for another great video, Ellen! I can already picture myself coming back to re-watch before line editing sessions. :) Your explanation about how vocabulary level influences pacing was especially helpful! Cheers ❤️

I have never come across filtering as a literary concept but as soon as you explained this is clicked! This has been one of my biggest issues with my own writing I just couldn’t put my finger on it. Thank you!

Thank you, Ellen! It’s always a joy listening to your explanations and examples and your videos have developed over time and are so exquisite! I‘ll never get tired of your advice. And besides, as one of your patreons, I know you‘re also a wonderful person so again: Thank Thank Thank you!

I LIKE lengthy, complex, intricate, obtuse, sentences, that meander, "hither and yon," albeit, conforming to strict logical structure, possessed of perfect grammar, and devoid of errors of punctuation and spelling, whether due to a misguided keystroke (aka, a "typo"), or a lapse of memory regarding the correct spelling.

I've been following your channel for years, and have to say, your content is GOLD DUST.

Fantastic. This is so good. I could listen to these all day. Super helpful.

I love the way you explained passive vs active voice. I knew what it meant but it never clicked until now. Now I want to go back to my old works and see if I can make them better using active voice. Your videos are so helpful! Thank you!

I cannot put into words how helpful this video is! People need to see it. 👏👏

The Hemingway Editor. Thank you for that! This video blew me away. Very well done. Your explanations and examples helped me tremendously.

Thank you so much for this! I've felt something "off" with my writing recently, and I realised that I've been using a lot of filtering words which was really holding me back.

I have watched this video six times and for me, it's been one of the most important videos That I've watched. I have typed up the principles into a document that guides my editing processing. So, thank you.

This video is nicely put together. Clear and precise. And great tips entailing examples. Thanks. .

This was extremely helpful! Thanks for keeping it simple and easy to comprehend!

All the line level tips I needed in one video. I'll be sharing this with my CP's.

Awesome video. I've been writing for over fifteen years and made a few of these mistakes. Especially the 'started to' and 'began to.' Thanks.

Wow - so many of these are game changers! Thanks for breaking them down so clearly!

Extremely valuable points, particularly for largely self-taught writers. Thank you.

this is one of the best writing technique videos I've ever watched. Thanks!!!

Just found you. Great info that’s well delivered!!! I have on 2 books in the works. I know I have some corrections to make in areas that didn’t flow. Now I know why. Thank you. Please keep it coming.

Fantastic lesson with great examples. Saving this to my writing folder.

I found your channel just now through this video and I am hooked! I am in love with your content. It is very very helpful. Thank you so much!

An amazingly dense and pragmatic set of tips. Have to admit, I was dubious when I saw the bold video title. :) For me, the section on filtering was the most pertinent as it's an easy trap to fall into when a book encompasses many POVs, as mine do.Thanks very much!

Thank you. This contained some tips that have helped me. I am in my first draft and I am writing without much self-editing, but it's good to avoid some pitfalls before the first revision.

She comes up with a new video when you need her the most! Thank you Ellen for reminding me that I still need to write my novel!!!

I just loved it! Definitely I needed to simplify my writing! Thanks a lot!

I think this is the best video on writing tips I've ever watched! Really helpful and thorough

Hi Ellen, great to wake up to a new video this morning. I so look forward to them and find your channel is one of the most valuable on UKposts. Merry Christmas 🎄 and take care xx

the word "that" is my nemesis. take it from me, it's not *that* important, pun intended. If any one is looking for writing advice, you can probably cut it out a bunch, which, I've found can help make your sentences flow better, and just tidy them up into something more immediate. "that" is good/necessary for somethings, but I find it's helpful to review and be like, "how many that's do I really need in this chapter?" and the answer is usually much less. Lol. happy writing! great video!

This video is jam-packed with valuable tips for creative writers! These tips will give any writing that professional polish anyone looking for.

Thank you! I really enjoyed your video. You explain things so clearly and engagingly. My writing is often too wordy, so all your tips are very useful for me.

Two writing/journalism professors influenced me more than the others. My least favorite teacher in college had a rule prohibiting auxiliary verbs: Am, is, are, was and were, being, been, and be, have, has, had, do, does, did, will, would, shall and should, et al. They are so easy to use, and a difficult habit to break. Some are hard to write around, but 99% of the time, they sound better when you do: My least favorite teacher in college relentlessly prohibited auxiliary verbs. The incessant correction stung. I absolutely despised the woman at the time, but she undoubtedly influenced and improved my writing.

First time watching your videos. First time sitting down to remember or relearn how to write and everything you said was awesome and understandable. Great video. Thank you.

Super glad I found your channel!! Thank you ❤ Excited to learn more and refine my writing :)

This was amazingly helpful as all your teaching videos are, thank you so much! You're the best 🥰

One of the best videos you've done, so incredibly helpful!

Truly appreciate this! This is excellent advice broken down with easy to understand examples, and even without pulling up my latest bit of story work, I can see mistakes I have been making for years that no one has ever pointed out before. THANK YOU! I do have a question, however: I was always taught that when writing in the dialogue, yes, contractions are fine, they are normal, because that is just how people speak. But when writing in the narration parts, contractions were to be avoided (unless writing in first person). So it was fine to write: He //did not// see how she could do such a thing and he //could not// believe she ever would. But she turned a slow, menacing smile on him and asked, "What? //Didn't// you see it coming?" Is this not correct any longer? I know that writing rules do change over time, as most things do, but this is something that might have gotten by me.

Thank you, Ellen. Well done and extremely helpful. Merry Christmas!

I've never heard of that Hemmingway editor app but I'm absolutely using it now! I'm always scared that I'm using a lot of passive voice or consistent filler words that my brain doesn't notice. I think this will help with a lot of those problems going forward :) Also, I don't think I've ever heard of "filtering" words before but it'll be another thing to keep an eye out for.

Thanks for this video. It pinned down a lot of issues I had.

Ellen, you're a gem. Thanks for your insights and lessons.

Just wanted to say thank you for this video, it was so helpful and well made! 😊