Rescuing Writing That Feels Like Overworked Cookie Dough
by Jesaka Long @ AKA WriterOne of the hardest things for me to do as a writer is to turn off my inner editor and just write. I’m getting better about actually allowing myself to get the words onto the page. That said, I really enjoy revisions. Whether it’s fine-tuning and delicately tweaking web copy or slashing extraneous paragraphs in an essay, I find revising to be fulfilling.
Comedy Writing
by Sarah Lam @ Writing ConsultationIn humor writing, the first person that has to think something is funny is you. If you don’t think what you’ve written is funny, probably no one else will either. Still, that’s no guarantee others will enjoy your comedy because not everyone shares your sense of humor. We’re all unique when it comes to comedy. We laugh at different forms of humor. Some like clever jokes, others visual slapstick comedy, and others dry wit. That’s the hardest thing about writing funny humor and comedy. Creating comedy that is universally funny and appeals to a large audience is challenging.
How Writers Can Find Copy Inspiration
by Jesaka Long @ AKA WriterIn a prior post, I wrote about challenging myself to do my very best work for my clients. Every time. Before I turn in a draft, I ask myself if I’ve done my best or if I need to invest more time. Sometimes that challenge isn’t about pushing myself to excel, it’s about getting started.
Several of my recent projects have been writing vertical marketing e-mail campaigns and corresponding web landing pages. The jobs are challenging: writing creative, snappy copy for typically “dry” topics like manufacturing (chemicals, food & beverage, high tech) and services (banking and insurance). But, once I’ve reviewed the background materials and need to get type on the page, it can be a struggle to begin writing.
How to make the reader care – Mamma Mia, here I go again
by Roz Morris @ Nail Your Novel reader relationshipsMaking the reader care is one of the most important things you can do. Without it, a story is just a puzzle of what-happens-next. No matter how intriguing, startling or mysterious, it will feel flat and trivial.
But a good story makes the reader feel the events matter. How? Two steps.
Tips for Proofreading Web Content
by Sara Lancaster @ No. 2 Pen proofreadingIt goes without saying that proofreading for books is different from proofreading for the web – formatting-wise and style-wise especially. Here are six tips to help you proofread your web content.
The 5-Question Interview: Christine Schwab
by Meredith Resnick @ The Writers Inner Journey interviewThe writer talks about tempering fear with passion, the warning signs of repetition, and being a trendsetter, not a copycat.
The 5-Question Interview: Rachel Shukert
by Meredith Resnick @ The Writers Inner Journey interviewThe writer muses about creative versus productive, when an idea is rememberable and the drama of obsession.
Writing Background Inspiration
by Laura @ Word GrrlsToday I was thinking about what you like in the background as you write? Music is the most likely background. I flick on the radio to an oldies station and then I ignore it completely while I write. Some of it likely leaks into my brain but I couldn’t tell you even one of the songs that played.
5 Q’s with Anna David
by Susan Johnston @ Urban Muse Writer interviewParty Girl author Anna David is a former partier herself, but now her drunken adventures are confined to the page. She’s contributed to the New York Times, Cosmo, Self, and Women’s Health, among many other publications. Her debut novel was released last week. Read my commentary here and see below for insight into Anna’s success.
Reading Into It
by Laura @ Word Grrls ideastechniquesHere’s a writing exercise for you: Write a short description of a scene or action with one character in the scene. Don’t describe the character, or avoid as much description of the person as you can.
Putting Your Ego in Your Back Pocket
by K.M. Weiland @ Word Play egoI’m lucky. Everything I write turns out flawlessly. I have perfect instincts that ensure everything I write is right on the mark. I know the instant I write something crummy, and I’m able to toss it out the window before anyone else ever gets a glimpse of it. By the time my words reach my readers, I’ve honed them to perfection. So why in the name of red ink and Bic pens would I need to bother listening to someone else’s unfounded criticisms? I already know my work is parfait. Anyone who thinks otherwise, obviously just isn’t bright enough to get it.
Get FAQ’ed
by Laura @ Word GrrlsTry this: Consider your website (or your computer if you don’t have a site) and put together a FAQ (frequently asked questions) page all about your site. Don’t forget a guide to how to use the site as well as the purpose for it being there. Study a few other FAQs to get ideas.
5 Q’s with Kim MacGregor
by Susan Johnston @ Urban Muse Writer interviewKim MacGregor is the author of Be… a Woman, a beautiful book combining photography and prose to celebrate woman of all ages and shapes. Here, Kim talks about writing, publishing, and finding inspiration.
5 Q’s with Wendy Tokunaga
by Susan Johnston @ Urban Muse Writer interviewContinuing our series of interviews with other writers, Wendy Tokunaga’s novel, Midori by Moonlight, debuted last September. Here, Wendy shares her thoughts on writing, publishing, and choosing an MFA program…
Setting up a Home Office on the Cheap
by Laura @ Word Grrls getting startedtoolsNot everyone can decide to freelance write and then go out and buy up a storm. Likely those are very few and far between. So, for most of us we are looking for ways to cut corners without leaving out something or making ourselves feel we are second rate.
Qi: No iron can pierce the heart with such…
by Chung Nguyen-Le quotesThe “Quote Inspirational series” features great quotes – providing little nuggets of inspiration, motivation, insight and humour for you and your writing. “Qi” in traditional oriental cultures broadly translates as ‘energy flow’, and I hope that the ‘Quote inspirational’ series energises you and your writing.
Viral Marketing, Pt. 4 of 4: Diversifying
by K.M. Weiland @ AuthorCulture series: Viral MarketingAlthough all of the networking options in the sites discussed previously in this series are important for extending our web presence, the contacts we make through them will be of little use if we don’t have something to give those contacts. A steady stream of somethings, in fact. As the world careens down the technological highway at a dizzying clip, authors can’t afford to be left behind. Having a “home” on the web is vital. Owning a website, a blog, or, preferably, both is almost a no-brainer these days. But figuring out how to optimize these web presences-and then diversify them-is often missed.
Qi: Whenever I have endured or accomplished…
by Chung Nguyen-Le quotesThe “Quote Inspirational series” features great quotes – providing little nuggets of inspiration, motivation, insight and humour for you and your writing. “Qi” in traditional oriental cultures broadly translates as ‘energy flow’, and I hope that the ‘Quote inspirational’ series energises you and your writing.
Viral Marketing, Pt. 3 of 4: Overlooked Sites and Wastes of Time
by K.M. Weiland @ AuthorCulture series: Viral MarketingThe key to viral marketing is being viral. We need to have a presence on as many sites as possible. It’s impossible, of course, to take advantage of every single one. Even full-time marketing firms aren’t capable of managing that many accounts. But it’s vital that we weigh our available time and schedule in as many different options as possible. Those options include, but are certainly not limited to the following:
When Writing, Know Your Audience
by Sara Lancaster@ No2Pen audienceShort quiz.
You are writing a letter to your 90-year-old grandmother. Which of the following do you do?
a) Craft a two-page e-mail discussing your company’s recent merger and do your best to use the words “streamline” and “economize” wherever you can.
b) Hand write a letter on college-ruled paper, front and back, about your obsession with the iPhone.
c) Buy her a $2 card from Hallmark because it has a nice picture and a nice poem, and then fill the envelope with pictures of your kids and garden.
Answer? Anyone….anyone?