Archive for June, 2008
Writing a book using Google Docs
I make no secret of the fact that Google Docs is one of my favourite tools for writing. It’s easy to use and convenient — no matter where I am or whether I’m using Linux or Windows (sorry, haven’t gone Mac yet), I get the same interface and features. If and when I need to, [...]
Writing a lot, in a hurry
I’ve been known to bang out decent (and better-than-decent) work in a hurry. Like what? I’ve written 1,200 word articles in 45 minutes, and have on several occasions plowed through a week’s worth of blog posts (for three blogs) in just over an hour.
But all that pales in comparision to what Laura Spencer recently did. [...]
Give them something more than words
As freelance writers, we tend to think in words. For obvious reasons: without words, we can’t write. If we can’t write, then we can’t make a living.
But there’s more that we can offer client, according to this article. Even if you’re not the most visual person (I know I’m not!), you can still expand your [...]
Because we can doesn’t mean we must
In this space, I frequently talk about being untethered. I admit that I my wireless notebook computers are a boon — they allow me to work anywhere, while keeping me connected to the Internet.
But, to be honest, I’m a reluctant mobile phone user. I have one, but it’s nothing fancy. It makes calls, can send [...]
A (writing) room of one’s own
A little while back, I stumbled across this piece at the Guardian Online. It looks at the rooms in which a number of British writers — past and present — have plied their craft. It’s an interesting mix of spaces, that’s for certain.
I have to admit that I’m partial to the rooms used by John [...]
Research, research
The other day, I was idly leafing through my copy of The Copywriter’s Handbook when one heading really leaped out at me: Become a research fanatic. The thrust of that section of the book was that in-depth research brings more credibility to your writing. To quote the book:
[W]hen copywriters don’t bother to dig [...]
Writing with a wiki: an update
A few months back, I wrote in this space about an experiment with writing with a wiki that I was going to undertake. Well, I actually started the experiment and stuck with it. And it’s going pretty well. Here’s an update.
Writing distilled, in around 1,000 words
All advice should be simple. This is especially true for writing advice. And Dustin Wax has done a great job of distilling the keys to writing in this blog post.
He offers 16 succinct pieces of advice that every writer — beginning or experienced — should follow. I’ve covered a few of those in this space, [...]
Staying sharp
It’s easy, especially for the busy freelancer, to fall into a rut. You’ve probably been there before (and will be there again). Everything you write — from articles to corporate work to blog posts — is done quickly. While (to paraphrase Harlan Ellison) it doesn’t burst into flame seconds after it’s published, your work lacks [...]
Repetition with modifiers to improve your writing
Generally, I have trouble dealing with repetition — repetition in my own writing as well as in the work of others. But, as this post at CopyBlogger points out, repetition using modifiers can strengthen your writing.
Like any other power tool, though, you should use modifiers sparingly. But when they’re used properly, modifiers can add punch [...]