Writing Tics, How To Spot Yours and Weed Them Out

Writing is a skill that can be mastered over time. However, like any skill, it takes practice and effort to improve. One aspect of writing that can be particularly challenging is identifying and eliminating writing ‘tics’. Writing tics are habits that are unique to each writer and can become ingrained in their writing style. These habits can be distracting, repetitive, and can ultimately detract from the quality of the writing. In this blog post, we will explore what writing tics are, how to identify them, and how to weed them out of your writing.

What Are Writing Tics?

Writing tics are writing habits that are repeated and may not add value to the content. They can be stylistic, such as using a particular phrase or structure frequently, or grammatical, such as overusing adverbs or using incorrect punctuation. Writing tics can be seen as a kind of crutch that a writer uses when they are unsure of what to write or how to express an idea. They can also arise from a lack of self-awareness or a failure to edit and revise one's work. One ‘tic’ that I commonly see as an editor, is a repetitive sentence structure. For example: John said as he… Julia said as she…

A variety of sentence structures and lengths, works well to keep the reader engaged.

Identifying Your Writing Tics

The first step in eliminating writing tics is identifying them. This can be a difficult process, as writers may not be aware of the habits they have developed. One way to identify your writing tics is to read your work out loud. This can help you hear the rhythm and flow of your writing, and identify any phrases or structures that you may be overusing. Another way to identify writing tics is to ask someone else to read your work and provide feedback. They may be able to identify patterns or habits that you may have missed.

Eliminating Your Writing Tics

Once you have identified your writing tics, the next step is to eliminate them. One way to do this is to consciously avoid using the tic in your writing. This may feel uncomfortable at first, but with practice, you will begin to develop new habits and a more varied writing style. Another way to eliminate writing tics is to use software tools such as Grammarly, which can help identify overused phrases and grammatical errors. Additionally, revising and editing your work can help you identify and correct writing tics.

Conclusion

Writing tics are common among writers, but they can be detrimental to the quality of your writing. Identifying and eliminating these habits can be a challenging process, but it is essential for improving your writing skills. By reading your work out loud, seeking feedback from others, and using software tools, you can identify and eliminate writing tics and develop a more polished and professional writing style. Remember, writing is a skill that can be honed with practice, so don't be discouraged if it takes time to break old habits and develop new ones.