One of the things I found out from years of writing in school and in everyday life is that exclamation points help anything. They can turn a bad into a good, good into great, great into supergreatfantasticandbest. For instance, here's an example of a letter that needs a lot of help:
Dear Susan,
I am terribly sorry that your great-granduncle just died. A loss like this is certainly something to be mourned over. My family sends its condolences during this most difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your loved ones.
Sincerely,
Leroy
That's really depressing and boring. First and foremost, all great writers know that less is more, and it also needs to be brightened up. Here's where the exclamation points kick in.
Dear Susan!
Wow! I'm sorry! Your great-granduncle!!! Dead!!!!!!! Condolences and Prayers!!!
Sincerely!
Leroy!
Isn't that better? That's like giving a bad situation a coat of sunshine and sprinkles.
Lesson: Less is more! And use exclamation points!
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