Spelling and grammar in writing are important A reader sent in the question, “Can I ignore things like spelling and grammar in my writing? Isn’t that the editor’s job?” In a word, no. The editor’s job is to shape and guide your work, not to fix things that you should already know how to do. […]
Taxes for writers
Freelance writers might find that doing their taxes isn’t as simple as it was before they started their own business. Big disclaimer: I am not a tax professional, and nothing here should be construed as giving tax advice. It is merely information and personal experience. See your tax professional for advice about your specific situation. […]
I waste so much time
I am not your mama. I can’t tell you what goes in your “time wasters” list. Even your mama can’t determine what is a waste of time for you. A few questions that might help you figure it out.
Facebook for business
Facebook is a time waster, right? Before you say anything, please let me tell you a story. One night I was just about ready to go to bed and had left my facebook window open (I do that often). I heard the characteristic “plunk” sound it made when someone started a chat with me. I sat down and […]
Mistakes in writing—continuity errors
If you want to improve your writing, you’ll need to watch out for certain errors that most writers make, such as continuity errors. Sounds straightforward. What is simple isn’t always easy, though, and it definitely isn’t always done. Continuity errors are mistakes I find quite often when I’m editing fiction. I’m reading along and ooops, something doesn’t fit with what […]
Writing with an outline
Writing teachers, experts, and editors—most of them, anyway—push writing with an outline, or, more accurately, using an outline even prior to beginning to write. The rationale is that it helps a writer be organized and being organized means communicating effectively. I tend to disagree with the party line on that. Yes, disorganization can decrease effectiveness in communicating, but being organized does […]
Do it yourself proofreading
Proofreading one’s own writing presents challenges. We know what should be there, what we meant to say, and so our brains fix the errors as we read, without drawing our attention to them. This fact is why everyone needs an editor (even editors who write need someone else to look at their writing before it goes […]
The best day to post
Like so many things, “When is the best day of the week to post?” depends on your audience. Not all fields of business are the same. That said, I’ll share with you the things I’ve learned over the years as they relate to my field and audience. Mondays suck No, I’m not talking about dreading […]
Why you don’t write
Why don’t you write? You want to. You need to. So why don’t you? Fear, plain and simple, and it’s okay! It’s totally understandable. From the time we were infants, we looked to others for approval. You might even say that was a survival mechanism. Even the noncomformists among us need some sense of belonging, […]
Rest and relaxation help productivity
The need to create is natural as moss on a rock. It’s often stifled and squashed in kids and adults alike, however. Sometimes just having the freedom to play around is enough to bring it out again. Stress relief technique Many a wife has shooed her husband out to the workshop to go tinker, or […]