Tip #13: Model the masters.

I usually start my day by reading the gossip and advice columns, then the comics. Not the best fodder for fine writing techniques.

But when I take the time to read the The Wall Street Journal or The New York Times, I take note of how the stories are put together.

Like the other day. A WSJ article about the art world caught my eye with the headline, "Art's Anxiety Attack." The round-up lead told three one-sentence anecdotes that illustrated a trend toward selling off collections. The next paragraph explained the trend and why it matters.

I like this format but rarely have a chance to use it. Until yesterday. It gave me the perfect set-up for story about saving time and money on large-scale infrastructure projects.

Referring back to the WSJ piece, I quickly outlined the format then adapted the structure for my article. Take-away tactics like using an active voice, vivid language and tangible details helped make the story more palatable.

You can learn a lot by studying the writing styles in publications you admire. I should do it more often.