SHORT & SIMPLE
If you are targeting the teen and young adult age groups with your writing, it is imperative that you understand their likely reading levels. Today's distractions with iPhones, text messages, tweets, and other interruptions can easily disrupt the train of thought and lead to very short attention spans. That's why "shorter" is "better" in order to maximize your chances of holding a young reader's concentration.
This is not to say that all such readers fit this category. There are many sophisticated, young bookworms out there who could handle the likes of Shakespear with ease. But if you are targeting the larger masses, simpler and shorter will do the trick.
SHORT sentences:
Strive to keep sentences no longer than 15 to 25 words or you risk forfeiting the attention of many young readers at the first comma. Lots of sentences with three or more commas could spell doom.
SHORT paragraphs:
Nothing bores readers with short attention spans more than a long, drawn out paragraph. Exceed two to four sentences in a paragraph and risk harboring yawns and droopy eyes.
SHORT chapters:
Keep your chapters to seven or less pages, but always include a "hook" of intrigue at each chapter's end to keep readers turning the pages. Everybody needs a break once in awhile for a drink, snacks, tweet, or nature's call. Short chapters with effective hooks allow a needed reprieve but keeps the readers wanting to hurry back for more.
DON'T get too FANCY with your WORDS:
It's best not to get too smart by using uncommon words, unless your objective is to provide an education. If your goal is to present an enjoyable, quick read, stick to simpler, more basic words easily understood by readers of different reading levels.
Don't get me wrong. Vary word choices so as not to be repetitive with "echoes" throughout your story, but choose synonyms that are more easily understood.
For examples of exciting "short & simple" writing, take a peek into the "Look inside" feature of my sequel, The New World: Blue Moon Generation, on Amazon!
This is not to say that all such readers fit this category. There are many sophisticated, young bookworms out there who could handle the likes of Shakespear with ease. But if you are targeting the larger masses, simpler and shorter will do the trick.
SHORT sentences:
Strive to keep sentences no longer than 15 to 25 words or you risk forfeiting the attention of many young readers at the first comma. Lots of sentences with three or more commas could spell doom.
SHORT paragraphs:
Nothing bores readers with short attention spans more than a long, drawn out paragraph. Exceed two to four sentences in a paragraph and risk harboring yawns and droopy eyes.
SHORT chapters:
Keep your chapters to seven or less pages, but always include a "hook" of intrigue at each chapter's end to keep readers turning the pages. Everybody needs a break once in awhile for a drink, snacks, tweet, or nature's call. Short chapters with effective hooks allow a needed reprieve but keeps the readers wanting to hurry back for more.
DON'T get too FANCY with your WORDS:
It's best not to get too smart by using uncommon words, unless your objective is to provide an education. If your goal is to present an enjoyable, quick read, stick to simpler, more basic words easily understood by readers of different reading levels.
Don't get me wrong. Vary word choices so as not to be repetitive with "echoes" throughout your story, but choose synonyms that are more easily understood.
For examples of exciting "short & simple" writing, take a peek into the "Look inside" feature of my sequel, The New World: Blue Moon Generation, on Amazon!