Great tips, @ntowl.
I’m bookmarking this post so I can study it when I have more time.
I’m not a native speaker, and probably guilty of every point you’re adressing.
In my own language, I might have 10 ways to say something, but in English I have way less.
That leads to cliches, sneaky phrases and a lot of glue.

I think the tip to read your article out loud might be very useful. I’m going to give it a try for sure.