The ten commandments of writing

Whatever our areas and methods, social scientists share a common problem: how to write so as to foster communication. I present a set of propositions to lighten and brighten sociological writing. Sociologists ought not be afraid of using these tropes and techniques of literary writers. Each sociologist must develop a personal style that sparks an audience. Yet, this poses a challenge for those not trained. Writing is a craft that must be developed. As Wyndham Lewis noted: "It is dangerous to live, but to write is much more so."