A Reader's Skim Button

The best way to learn the craft of writing is to read.  Shocker, right? (note the sarcasm)  I tend to write what I want to read!  So, when writing (actually this happens moreso in the editing process), I think about what presses my skim button as a reader.  For me, this happens when there is a long paragraph.

How do I avoid paragraphs that press a reader's skim button?

1. Use as few words as possible.  Cut out any unnecessary words.  This will cut down on the length of the paragraph.

2. See if you can split the paragraph.

3. Revise.  Revise.  Revise.  I cannot stress this enough.  Editing and revising is critical.