The real work in writing comes in revision. In fact, the changes from draft to draft can be significant. Here are some suggestions. Write for the “intelligent idiot.” Your reader is like you: educated, smart, well-read. She or he has a JD or other advanced degree, or is studying towards one. You can assume that this […]
Here are some suggestions on writing the introduction to your paper. It’s a contract between the author and reader. Make sure that the introduction corresponds to what the paper actually says, and vice-versa. If you say in the intro that you’ll cover something, then be sure to cover it. Write a rough version of it […]
The book by Professors Fajans and Falk (F&F) is very helpful, so I’ll refer you to their many rich and thoughtful tips on starting your first draft. Below are some of idea mixed in with the excellent suggestions of Professors F&F. The zeroth draft. Your initial draft is for you and you alone. It’s not the “first draft” you […]
In chapter I of his book Academic Legal Writing, law professor Eugene Volokh likens good academic writing to a patent. I agree with Professor Volokh. But what does he mean? For a U.S. Patent to issue, a number of requirements must be met. Three of the most important are: Patent Novelty. The invention must be […]
