Some writers say that the proper way to use the semi-colon is to never use it. I think that semi-colons can be used, but only if it feels right. Which is to say, almost never. A sentence that needs a semi-colon it is probably too long. If I go ahead and use a semi-colon when I have any doubt about it, I have tacitly admitted to the inability to craft a better sentence.
Smart people have big ideas that are unable to easily fit into one sentence, which is good. We need more big ideas. But if a smart person tries to write down their idea, they often think that they have to cram into one sentence. The human mind seems to think “1 idea=1 sentence.” The genius may have taken hours or weeks to bring that idea into fruition, and then they expect the reader to instantly grasp it in one sentence. That does not work, nor is it good writing.
I prefer to introduce the large idea at the start of the paragraph so the reader knows what I think. I then use the rest of the paragraph breaking down my thoughts. I prefer that method, I think it keeps the reader engaged. Many writers prefer to start with the build-up and then drop the idea at the end, which works fine if you have a dedicated reader.
My personal policy is to not have more than 1 semi-colon every 10 pages in the final version. Many writers like to fly through the first draft and thoroughly edit the work later. If you do this, please use as many semi-colons as you want. Then, when you edit, rewrite your long sentences into smaller, awesome sentences. And for the love of all things holy, please do not go out of your way to incorporate semi-colons.
Ian Weatherall 