tips
Advice for writing better headlines
Whether it’s an article, a blog post, or marketing copy, a strong headline helps grab the reader. Writing a good headline is tough. Doing that consistently is a lot tougher. As you can probably tell, I still haven’t mastered that skill.
This blog post from 37 Signals offers some excellent advice on how to write better [...]
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. [...]
Tips for generating ideas
As I’ve written before ideas are the lifeblood of any writer — regardless of whether you’re working in the world of fiction or non-fiction. Sometimes, though, it can be tough to come up with a good idea.
This blog post offers 15 tips on how to generate ideas, and to write with ease. I’ve always felt [...]
Write an ebook in a week
Ebooks can be great marketing tools. They showcase your knowledge and expertise, and (I hope) demonstrate that you can explain and express an idea clearly. Heck, a well-written ebook can also make you a few dollars if you pick the right subject and are able to draw in buyers.
But the problem is finding the time [...]
Selling your content
A few weeks ago, I was talking with someone about the ebooks and reports that I have in the works, which I plan to sell off my Web site. This person, not a writer, gave me a quizzical look and said “Why would anyone buy that from you when they can get the same thing [...]
Going analog
One of the keys to writing is to approach the task with a clear mind. Barring that, a clear understanding of the flow of the document that you are writing or intend to write. Sometimes, though, you can’t get that by sitting in front of a computer. You might be able to write, but what [...]
How to make the most of your freelancing career
Let’s face it, freelance writing isn’t for everyone. Not everyone has the talent, the drive, or the staying power to make a go of being a freelancer. And maybe that’s a good thing — none of us in the field wants too much competition!
But if you’re seriously considering taking the plunge as a freelance writer, [...]
Some great productivity tips
Finding yourself falling behind in your writing? Or maybe you aren’t writing as much as you think you can or should. If so, then check out this blog post. It contains 10 great tips that can help you improve your productivity.
Interviewing tips
Interviewing is an essential skill for any writer. Whether you’re a reporter, a technical writer, a freelance journalist, or a marcom writer you need to know how to ask questions. I was very fortunate to be taught interviewing skills in journalism school by Paul McLaughlin — who is widely considered to be one of the [...]
Common punctuation mistakes
Whether you’re writing for print or the online world, one of the skills that you need is an ability to properly punctuate. This blog post looks at six common punctuation mistakes that bloggers make. If you’re unsure about punctuation, take a peek at the post. It’s useful even if you don’t blog.