Ninja Writing: The Four Levels of Writing Mastery

Explore tactics that can dramatically improve your writing. Learn about the power of the four levels—narrative, paragraphs, sentences, and words—to make your writing stand out.

Introduction

• The rocket science of writing
• The four ninja levels
• A quick proof

1. The Narrative

• Find your voice
• Kickstart a narrative
• Organize your narrative
• Killer intros
• Cool kickers
• Other types of narrative
• Embed imagery
• Ninja writing exercises
• Bonus ninja tactics: Symmetry
• Bonus ninja tactics: Extend a narrative
• Bonus ninja tactics: Get a fresh perspective

2. Paragraphs

• Why have paragraphs?
• Different paragraph styles
• Ninja writing exercises: Paragraphs
• Bonus ninja tactics: Superthick paragraphs

3. Sentences

• Recognize a non-sentence
• Tighten sentences
• Sharpen sentences
• Give sentences rhythm
• Produce poetic sentences
• Create emphasis
• Whip up drama
• Don't give readers whiplash
• Stick to what's necessary
• Avoid back referencing
• Avoid run-on ambiguity
• Ninja writing exercises: Sentences
• Bonus ninja tactics: Write for your grandma
• Bonus ninja tactics: The one breath readback

4. Words

• Choose precise words
• Avoid technical, abstract words
• Choose colorful words
• Notice implied words
• Avoid pointless distinctions
• Degrees of orderliness
• Create more special effects
• The power of reminder words
• Words that sound good together
• Numbers into words, titles into descriptions
• Don't overemphasize
• Slice syllables
• Ninja writing exercises: Words
• Bonus ninja tactics: How to boost your vocabulary
• Bonus ninja tactics: Obsolete hyphens

Conclusion

• Summary