What ploy do you use to overcome writer’s block? Here’s a quick and dirty list of practical tips I use every time my mind goes numb. Come, share some of yours.
blogging, writing
A numb mind
writing
writing
Stop abusing that apostrophe!
It’s not tattoo’s unless you’re saying, “The tattoo’s color faded.” It’s not you’re unless you mean you are. It’s not visitor’s unless you’re saying “It’s because of my visitor’s loyalty that I remain motivated to blog.” It’s not taco’s and burrito’s. It’s not “kid’s have fun on the weekend.” It’s not pizza’s or computer’s or…
writing
Writing is all about editing
One of the most critical aspects of writing is often the one most overlooked: editing. Everyone thinks they can write. But there is a difference in writing, and writing well. That difference is where the editor comes in. Looking to trim unnecessary words, making expressions stronger, paraphrasing quotes, moving critical information to the top, ending…
blogging, writing
The three M’s
As I read Tony Anders’ inspiring blog post about the journey of a thousand miles starting with a single step, I was struck by this line: I have found that for me, movement creates motivation, and motivation turns into momentum! This sentence stayed with me. I had not realized that this is exactly what I have been…
writing
This, dat…whateva!
The last couple of weeks I have been busy updating the university style guide — you know the readily available, easily accessible booklet that serves as a “dictionary, a spelling reference, and a guide for basic grammar and punctuation”? A handy journal that helps you understand the difference between its and it’s, use and utilize,…
writing
Visual storytelling: learning the ropes
When I was doing my master’s in journalism (magazine track), we were taught to build a story — have a hook to pull people in at the outset, sprinkle interesting details throughout, show and not tell, have a surprise element close to the end, round it out with a conclusion that triggered an emotion: contentment,…
writing
The five W’s of Web writing
Before you start posting any informational content on your personal or professional website, consider answering the five W’s as clearly and simply as possible: Who is your audience? Kids? Young adults? Seniors? Parents? Tech-nerds? Tech-dudds? General interest community? A combination of two or more of the above? What is your message? Is it to impart…
writing
Good Web writing is a skill
For those of you re-purposing, or producing, news content as well as magazine-style features for the Web, here are a few handy pointers: Make it concise – you don’t want your readers scrolling through reams and reams of text. Good writing doesn’t necessarily have to be lengthy. Break it up – subheads help the flow…
professional, writing
Five tips for journalism/PR newbies
Love writing: If you don’t absolutely love writing, don’t take a job in which you’ll spend more than 75 percent of the time working with, and around, words. As with everything else, writing becomes second nature with practice but if you don’t enjoy it to begin with, there’s no reason for you to get yourself…
writing
Use vs. Utilize
My friend and colleague Professor Andy Wood provides some insights into the usage of “Use vs. Utilize” today — interesting read. I agree with him in that utilize is often used in place of use to bolster credibility. simple strategy: bigger word, stronger impact The Grammar Girl’s take on the usage can be summed up…
