when it comes to writing

For those of you wondering what the rules were:

     10. Write a draft. Then let it rest.
     9. Read a lot.
     8. Never use a long word when a short one will do.
     7. Never use the passive voice when you can use the active voice.
     6. Know and understand your audience.
     5. Recycle and read the good stuff before you write.
     4. Honor the miraculousness of the ordinary.
     3. Good copy=draft-10%
     2. Look at every word in a sentence and decide if they are really needed. If not, kill them. Be ruthless.
     1. Remember: Writing doesn't love you. It doesn't care. Nevertheless, it can behave with  remarkable generosity. Speak well of it, encourage others, pass it on.      

Question 1: Which of the top ten writing rules makes the most sense to you? 

1. Read a lot.
2. Recycle and read the good stuff before you write.
3. Look at every word in a sentence and decide if they are really needed. If not, kill them. Be ruthless.
4. Never use a long word when a short one will do.
5. Know and understand your audience.

Question 2: Which ones do you practice?
- I practice the ninth and eighth one. I read enough as it is so it provides a lot of source material to help me write. I don't really spend too much time thinking of different words to use as synonyms or substitutes for another word. Short words are fine unless the same ones become repetitive.

Question 3: Which ones do you need more work on?

- I need to work on the tenth and second rule. Drafts are very important and I need to realize that the writing process takes a lot longer than what I would like it to be. Many of my errors fall into the second rule. I need to improve on those mistakes and become more clear and concise.