Some of George Orwell’s principles on how to write well:
- Never use a long word where a short one will do.
- If it is possible to cut a word out, always cut it out.
- Never use the passive where you can use the active.
- Never use ... a scientific word or a jargon word if you can think of an everyday English equivalent.
These are very helpful for inventory, e.g.
“Mrs Jones. She’s a nut—she snubbed me. She committed her husband for drinking. He’s my friend. She’s a gossip.” (Chapter 5, Big Book)
When I follow these principles, the inventory is quick, easy, and clear.