Even in the modern world of spell check and tools like Grammarly, it’s always best to know how to get things right on the first go-around.
So let’s do a quick walk-through on some of the more common grammar/usage mistakes that crop up in writing...
Summer Vacation?
For some, the focus is fast growth, authority-building, #MAKEthatMONEY--all the time. Don't get me wrong: I, too, like to #MAKEthatMONEY.
But for me, I want to work efficiently, with clients I really like, on projects I enjoy--and really, that's it. I don't want ALL THE JOBS. Because I still want some time for "me" stuff.
Images Vs. Words: An Experiment
Full disclosure: I wrote this in the middle of an intense migraine. It’s either really good or really bad. I’ve lost all objectivity at this point.
This week, I’d like to try an experiment and get some feedback from you on a particular topic that’s been rolling around in my brain.
Confidence, Part 2
I've never done a “part two” in the 3+ year history of this blog, but there’s a first time for everything, right?
I want to continue the conversation we started last week about confidence.
Last week we talked about writing confidence. But today, I want to talk about a different type of confidence.
Here’s where this is coming from…
How to Become a More Confident Writer
There’s one thing I hear from writers more than anything else.
Know what it is?
It’s that they don’t feel confident in their writing abilities.
The 6 BEST Pieces of Writing Advice
I gathered six of the best pieces of writing advice from writers and authors who are ~way~ smarter than me.
My hope is that these bite-sized pieces of writing wisdom will help you with whatever type of writing it is you’re working on this week.
How to Nurture Your Creativity with Side Projects
You know, sometimes…sometimes I don’t feel all that inspired by my writing work.
Am I good at it? Sure.
Can I deliver on time? Yep.
But that doesn’t mean that I’m always excited to write the same types of articles day in and day out. Plus, my work can be fairly technical and research-heavy, which doesn’t always lend itself to a lot of creativity.
How to Be a Better Self-Editor
Is there anything worse than submitting a piece of writing somewhere and getting it sent back with endless edits?
Opening a document filled with notes is like an instant gut-punch.
It says, “You didn’t nail this one.”
Writing Ugly: The Secret to Overcoming the Blank Page
When it comes to writing, sometimes getting started is the hardest part.
It can result in hours of procrastination, sweaty palms, and a last-minute scramble as a deadline approaches.
So what’s behind the first draft intimidation — and how can writers overcome it?
A new desk won't make you 100% productive
This post is a teensy bit longer than usual--and it’s not about writing. If you want writing-related content, perhaps check out this post: The Cure for Crappy Copy. It’s a good one.
Otherwise, settle in and keep reading.
A few weeks ago, I shared a master list of everything that’s helped me freelance and write for the past four years on Twitter.
How to Write for Fidgety Skeptics
The title of today’s writing lesson is inspired by the book 10% Happier, which I’ve been listening to lately on audiobook.
Dan Harris (the author) talks about being a fidgety skeptic in regard to meditation...and that got me thinking:
That’s how I feel about a lot of sales-oriented writing.
Fidgety. Skeptical. It just doesn't work for me.
2017: In Review
10 Things That Help Me Write
Today’s not so much a writing how-to in the traditional sense; it’s more of a how-I-do.
Cue the Montell Jordan!
Ahem, sorry about that.
Anyway: I wanted to share a few of my favorite things that help me write in hopes that maybe they’ll help you, too. Even if you’re not a writer, some of these items could make a nice addition to your workspace.
Curiosity & The Non-Scummy Way to Write Irresistibly
Curiosity is one of the most prevalent writing tactics we see today.
Many writers leverage what’s called a “curiosity gap” to drive click-throughs. But they take it to an outrageous level.
And sometimes, the curiosity gap ends up being a curiosity CANYON.
You click through to the article or email, only to discover that it over-teased and under-delivered.
How To Make Your Writing Sell Stuff
In the survey I put out last week about this newsletter, one thing that became pretty clear was that you guys want more long-form, actionable writing lessons.
So with this being prime selling season, I thought it only made sense to share my best tips on...well, selling. With words.
I’ve written fairly consistently about this topic for the past four years, so I’m breaking down some of my most valuable articles on the topic (and linking to them) in a TL;DR format here.
How to Get More (Ideal) Work as a Freelance Writer
If there’s one question I get asked more than any other, it’s this: How do I reach my target audience and get them to hire me?
So that’s what we’re covering today.
The approach I’m outlining below is applicable to almost any niche and for any type of freelance work. If you want the long-form version, you can read it here. Otherwise, I’m doing the shortened version below.
Let’s get to it.
How to Write Stronger Sentences
Writers often struggle with a common issue: Putting their thoughts into concise sentences.
Instead of communicating with a tight, to-the-point narrative, they fumble around. They add unnecessary words and write long, rambling sentences that cloud up the overall idea.
But it doesn’t have to be that way.
This summer, I helped create an online course for freelancers
The story of how I helped Paul Jarvis revamp The Creative Class, a course about the business side of freelancing. Currently open until 10/17.
Read MoreWhy Punctuation Matters
When we talk about writing, we often think only about words.
But the more I write, the more I realize that punctuation…it’s huge.
It determines how your words are read, understood, and interpreted.
I’m not talking about proper grammar, either. I don’t care so much about that.
This is a conversation about how punctuation influences the style and voice of your writing. Let me illustrate with an example:
End-of-Summer Thoughts
Summer’s over.
Usually this makes me sad.
I think, “Where did the time go? I didn’t do all the things I wanted to do!”
But this summer, I feel like I finally got it right. I allowed myself to enjoy the flexibility of freelancing.