Writing Tips at GarySpeer.com

In the “real” world, there would be absolutely no market for diet pills. In the “real” world, losing weight simply means eating less food and getting more exercise. Of course, in the world we live in, diet pills, diet plans, special foods, and various weight-loss groups still can’t accomplish lasting weight loss for most people.

In fact, if you write ad copy, you create the world we live in. No weight loss system hires copywriters to explain in plain, clear fashion that their products are unnecessary. None of the companies manufacturing special 30-day diets will hire copywriters to say, “Don’t spend all that extra money to buy our pre-measured, pre-packaged foods. Just buy good, fresh food, prepare it with a minimum of cooking, eat small amounts, and exercise regularly.”

Never underestimate the power of good ad copy writing. If you write content for a website, think about who you’re writing to, think about what your visitors are looking for, and you’ll “get it right.” Always emphasize benefits, not features. Now get out there and create the “real” world you wish to work in.

Technorati Tags: ad copywriting, creating your world, writing tips at garyspeer.com

Here’s an important lesson for beginning writers: Keep your eyes open, do your research, and you never know when something useful will pop up for your writing.

A few months ago I worked for awhile with a guy who used to do telemarketing for an online hotel reservation chain. You know the sort of business I mean, right? They arrange great hotel deals for people who use their online reservation service.

This particular company, as I discovered from talking with my coworker, was contractually obligated by the hotels they worked with to take care of all the guest’s requests if those guests had made their reservation through the company. (Awkwardly written wasn’t it?)

My coworker explained it this way: “If a guest needed extra towels, he would call the hotel desk. The desk would say, ‘Sorry, sir, you made the reservation through XXXXX.com. You’ll have to call them. Here’s their toll-free number.’ The guest would call us at the toll-free number, we would call the hotel desk, and tell someone at the desk that the guest in room such-and-such needs two extra towels.’ ”

How bizarre. But what a great idea to work into a plot. Next time you write something regarding a hotel stay, why not put in some bit about a guest getting frustrated about making toll-free calls just to relay the message and get extra towels?

Do your research well and you’ll uncover little oddities that make nice additions to your stories. Keep your eyes and ears wide open at work or around friends, and you never know when such a gem will drop into your writer’s bag of tricks.

Technorati Tags: advice for new writers, plot devices, story details, writing tips at garyspeer.com

I am sorry to say that, after doing this for several years, I’m sort of putting the blog into a state of “semi-retirement.”

Due to the 1) increased hours I must spend at my “day job,” 2) the lack of comments and/or participation by most of the people who visit here and read my ramblings, and, 3) increased time I must spend on my online marketing efforts, I will not be able to spend as much time as you and I might like on this blog.

I hope you’ve found some useful writing tips and writing information here in the years since I started this blog. I trust you’ll come back and check for new information, as well as use the “Search” function to find “old” info I’ve written about in the past. Those of you who’ve been around here awhile know that I went through most of a year when I did lot’s of “Useful Website” paid posts for everything from phone cards to weight loss pills. I trust you who are interested in writing ad copy might find that entire category useful — to learn how and how NOT to write ad copy, I guess.

And I really have appreciated the various comments and questions many of you have shared with us all over the years.

This isn’t “goodbye.” It’s not “farewell.” Think of it as sort of “see you again soon — but not as frequently as in the past.” I guess.

Let me append a big “however” to all this: Should some generous patron of the arts (!) or literature wish to offer me a “blog for money” arrangement with sufficient income to do this full time, hey, you’ve got me! LOL! (And that’s probably more exclamation marks than you’ll ever again see me use in a single post.)

I really know very little about jewelry in general, and even less about pearls in particular. Doing some research for a writing project, I discovered my understanding of saltwater pearls and freshwater pearls was seriously lacking.

I always thought freshwater pearls were, well, sort of “fake” or less desirable than “real” or saltwater pearls. I never really knew why I thought this, but I was certain it was true.

I was wrong. Although freshwater pearl prices I found browsing the Internet were generally less than saltwater pearls, the freshwater varieties are still valuable and many are highly sought after.

Above all, I discovered that there is a whole world of types, shapes, sizes, and colors of pearls. The “value” of a pearl has far more to do with shape and coloration than whether it’s saltwater or freshwater, “natural” or cultured.

The “moral” to this story for writers, I guess, would be this: Research with care, taking nothing for granted when you’re getting ready to write about something you aren’t very familiar with.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to research the value of postage stamps for a plot idea I’ve been mulling over about stamp collecting.

Technorati Tags: freshwater pearls, saltwater pearls, research, plot devices, writing tips at garyspeer.com

I’m not asking which you prefer to USE, of course, but which you prefer to read or see in print — adult diaper or adult incontinence product.

What we’re talking about here, in writing terms, is the use of a euphemism — which one online source defines as: “Substitution of a delicate or inoffensive term or phrase for one that has coarse, sordid, or otherwise unpleasant associations, as in the use of ‘lavatory’ or ‘rest room’ for ‘toilet,’ and ‘pass away’ for ‘die.’ ”

We ought to be aware of euphemisms and use them appropriately in our writing. But we ought also, for the cause of honesty and direct writing, be aware of euphemisms run amok. In my thinking, “adult incontinence product” for “adult diaper” is close to being a runaway euphemism. Why do we find “adult diaper” objectionable — or do we? Must all references to human biological processes be considered “crude” or “rude” and be replaced by euphemisms? Why??

Enough of my editorializing, how do you feel about using or not using euphemisms? The standards certainly are very subjective, varying from place to place and social setting to social setting. What are your guidelines for using euphemisms or not using euphemisms in your writing? Share with us, please.

Technorati Tags: euphemisms, active writing, direct writing, English usage, writing tips at garyspeer.com

I’ve always thought being a freelance travel writer would be a wonderful gig. How could you not like going to interesting places, meeting interesting people — then getting paid to write about it?

Since I’ve never been a travel writer, and never written any travel guides, I’m sure that’s an incredibly naive view of the business.

So enlighten me. We have readers from all over the world. Many of you are successful, “practicing” freelance writers and bloggers — who probably have done travel writing. I would love to share a quick “how-to” or “day-in-the-life-of-a-travel-writer” account. Either leave a comment explaining what you do and how/why you do it — or use the contact form and we might even work something out for you to do a guest post.

We’re all in this together, so let’s help each other learn.

Technorati Tags: travel writing, travel guides, freelance careers, writing tips at garyspeer.com

If you’ve written much, you know what I mean when I say there comes a time when the writing just isn’t working. No matter what type of writing you do, I’ll bet you’ve been there once or twice — that point when you realize the plot just won’t move, the characters are unreal, the dialog is flat, etc., and you really have to bury the thing.

Back in the “old days” before such high-tech wonders as computers with never-fail hard drives, CD/DVD backups, thumb drives, etc., I would chuck such turkey manuscripts into a bottom desk drawer until I could develop the courage to toss them in the trash, or maybe let them sit awhile hoping to revive them (resurrect them from the dead?) at a later date. I’ll bet I’ve still got a couple of those lamo paper piles stashed somewhere in the haunted office I no longer use.

What about you? Any of those lost children of the writing world hidden in your closets? How did you decide when it was time to kill them off?

I know the feeling of joy that eventually comes when I finally do the right thing and abandon such projects. It’s a relief. I’ve never tried any of the rehab programs, or detox products, or colon cleanse miracle supplements on the market — but I’ll bet the feelings of renewal and relief are similar.

Tell us your experiences with writing projects, manuscripts, whatever, that have failed and how you deal with such things.

Technorati Tags: failed writing projects, unfinished manuscripts, writing tips at garyspeer.com

Let’s suppose you’ve invented something that you’re sure will change the world, and now you want to put your miracle product/service online and watch the world change — and your fortune grow. Perhaps it’s a marvelous electronic gizmo or gadget you know every household needs at a price you know they can afford. Perhaps it’s a diet pill that works. Whatever.

Within three months your website has gotten such notice that you’re seeing 10,000 visitors a day. You have great ad copy written and in place, you see people coming to the site and your site stats show you they’re hanging around, and even going to the “buy now” page you’ve tried to get them to. They’re even leaving favorable comments and feedback telling you they appreciate your revolutionary pill/gadget/gizmo.

But few to none are actually pulling out their credit cards and buying. What are you doing wrong?

If I could give you an easy, definitive answer to THAT question, I’d be writing these words while sitting in the breeze on a balmy beach somewhere with a happy smile on my face.

I can make a good guess, though, if you find yourself in a situation similar to the one I’ve outlined above: You are drawing traffic to your website, BUT YOU ARE NOT DRAWING TARGETED TRAFFIC. Heavy traffic to a marketing/sales site which produces little or no sales means “browsers” or “visitors” — but not “buyers.”

So now I’ll ask you to share with us. What do you write and how do you write it to “sell,” rather than just “inform”? Have you had success writing web content that converts visitors into customers? What tips would YOU suggest. Frankly, my Internet marketing efforts have produced only sporadic success. Share your insights and “bless” us all with your expertise in a comment, please.

Technorati Tags: Internet writing, writing sales copy, website content, website sales, writing tips at garyspeer.com

In my last post, I pointed out the joyous flexibility we have as freelance writers thanks to the high-tech world we’re living in.

But one of the biggest downsides of the business is the difficulty of finding good, affordable health insurance. Let’s take a look at that.

Until a few years ago, health insurance was not a problem for me. My wife, St. Shirley the Encourager (St. Shirl for short), took an early retirement offer some years back from the employer she had served for 17 years. Part of the package included maintaining her health insurance at the low group rate for company employees until she is old enough for Medicare insurance. Her coverage included her family, so I was covered at a very affordable rate.

Unfortunate circumstances I won’t go into led us to take me off her policy — and presently her company insurance won’t take me back. The new “day job” I just started offers very inferior health insurance with no hospitalization/surgical options.

How do those of you who freelance take care of health insurance coverage? Are you on a spouse’s health coverage as I was for many years? Do you simply find a way to afford health insurance and pay a big premium? Or are you in the situation I’ve been in for the last nine months and have no health insurance?

Tough times out there for all of us in this economic downturn, days of high gas prices, and expensive health insurance. Tell us your solution to the health insurance problem.

Technorati Tags: freelance writers health insurance, health insurance crisis, writing tips at garyspeer.com

I’m writing this sitting in a recliner in my 102-year-old home in Springfield, Missouri. Where are you reading it?

The beauty of being a writer in our age is that “office” can mean anywhere you like — and your readers can be worldwide. If you blog, you can publish your writing and get it to your readers virtually instantly.

I have an online acquaintance whose “writing” is mostly content and coding for affiliate marketing websites. He does much of his daily work in an office that consists of his laptop and WiFi connection working in Las Vegas hotels and casinos, seated comfortably, sometimes even poolside.

About 15 years ago, when “laptops” or “portable computers” were incredibly limited and often huge, bulky behemoths compared to today’s laptop/notebook beauties, I used to fantasize about doing my writing someday on a portable computer from a lounge chair, perhaps even poolside. (I had neither a laptop nor a pool then; one out of two now ain’t too bad, I guess.)

I suppose if there’s a point to this post, a “writing tip,” it might be this: Mix up your work routine. Change can be good for you. Certainly you need to be flexible enough to write every day in whatever circumstances you may find yourself. Enjoy the freedom today’s high-tech world offers you as a writer.

Technorati Tags: high-tech writing tools, flexible writing setup, portable office, writing tips at garyspeer.com

Are you a rodeo fan? Have you ever even been to a rodeo before? I began thinking about rodeos when I watched a segment of “The Today Show” a couple of weeks ago where co-host Matt Laurer took a turn as a rodeo clown.

I’m not sure “rodeo clown” is the most professional term for it. They used that but also a different term on the television segment. I’m choosing rodeo clown, because I proudly say I have (or had?) a rodeo clown in my family. Yes, a cousin of mine, whom I remember only by the name “Junior Goodner” or “Shorty Goodner,” was a bona fide rodeo clown. This was back in the late 1950s, early ’60s, and the cousin was older than I, so I doubt he’s still “clowning,” though he’s probably still alive.

Those of you who’ve hung around here long know that I’m a fan of the Old West and all things Western. I even posted here some lengthy excerpts from a Western novel I have unfinished.

I mention all this because you, as writers, should broaden your horizons and experiences whenever possible. It’s good for the old brain, and will always provide mental fodder for your writing. Coming up in December 2008 is THE major rodeo event, the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (known to fans as simply the NFR), held in the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.

WNFR Tickets are available, and Team One Tickets offers some great prices on great seating. (They’re also in the market to buy if you have some NFR tickets you wish to sell.) So whether you’re a Western writer or simply a curious writer — and even if you don’t have a rodeo clown in your family — I encourage you to attend the NFR if you can, and certainly take in a rodeo somewhere near your location. If you haven’t been to the rodeo before, you owe it to yourself to experience the excitement.

Technorati Tags: WNFR, National Finals Rodeo, rodeo, rodeo clowns, useful website, writing tips at garyspeer.com

A deadline is only daunting if you 1) ignore it hoping it’ll somehow go away, or, 2) procrastinate. Well, sure, some deadlines are harder than others, because they may seem impossibly near, even if you’ve made a conscientious effort to work promptly and hard on them.

I have found that the best way to deal with a deadline is to face up to it, look that sucker straight in the eye, and say, “Bring it on!” Setting aside the bravado, what I really find works best for me is to break that deadline down into a series of steps or mini-deadlines, then methodically work at them one by one.

My wife, by the way, is far better at working with deadlines than I. She always gets a jump on me from the start. I look at a deadline and take time, first of all, to think of it as a “dread” line and say, “Oh my gosh. I can’t do that.” Shirley, however, looks at a deadline and says nothing — or if she does, she keeps it to herself — and simply, quickly gets to work.

I’m learning from her to face deadlines straight on and get right to work at them. My advice is for you to learn from her example, too.

Technorati Tags: deadlines, working with deadlines, procrastination, writing tips at garyspeer.com

How do you decide when you’ve done enough research on a project and you’ve reached the point when you’re ready to write? Or is there a distinct threshold or starting point when you research a writing project?

I think, personally, there is no fixed or set guideline for when, what, or how much to research before you write. I also think you cannot compartmentalize research and writing completely. For example, let’s say I’ve been given the job to write ad copy about a company’s specific LCD mount — those stands and mounting support brackets used to set up or hold up an LCD screen. What might I need to research to write the ad copy.

Well, of course, I would want to know the technical specs of that particular mount. I also would want the company to tell me how their LCD mount compares to similar mounts by other manufacturers. And I would need also to know what brands of LCD screens the mount may work with, and NOT work with.

At that point, I would read the research materials I had and make a stab at writing the ad copy, or starting to write the ad copy. I would have sufficient material to think of benefits this LCD mount offers buyers.

After writing the first draft of my copy, I would look it over, rethink the project, and at that point I might find some “holes” or missing information which requires more research.

How do you work the old research/write/research/write cycle when you’re doing a writing project? Is it easier for you to research and write fiction, ad copy, non-fiction, or what sort of writing? Why is that particular writing easier or better for you than others? Tell us, please.

Technorati Tags: writing and research, writing ad copy, writing tips at garyspeer.com

I just read a somewhat bizarre article in The Washington Times regarding former White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan’s “tell all” book about his years in the White House. I’m sure you’ve read about the book, perhaps read excerpts, and probably have seen McClellan being interviewed about it.

The chief criticism in that WT article could be summarized this way: We are angry about McClellan’s book disrespecting/criticizing Bush, but really he never says anything insightful or new and really doesn’t give any “inside” information supporting his criticisms — he’s simply drawing on his reading, research, and reflections following his White House career to voice public criticism of Bush.

Now, I find that argument against McClellan’s book interesting. In other words, they’re saying it really isn’t a “tell all” worthy of disappointment or criticism, because he says nothing new from his own information. He’s only doing a sort of public “mea culpa” about being duped, along with the President himself.

So what’s the real criticism? Isn’t it wrong to condemn McClellan ethically as some sort of White House insider “snitch” on the one hand, while on the other hand suggesting he really didn’t reveal anything personal or of an “insider” nature? I don’t get it. You’d think he was a scoundrel on par with something as outrageous as vegan shoes made of genuine leather.

Is McClellan a writer speaking out for the truth? Or his he a writer simply working to sell copies of a book he wrote to capitalize on his White House years? Or both? What do you think? Leave a comment and tell us.

Technorati Tags: McClellan’s tell-all, White House history, writing and honesty, roll of research, writing tips at garyspeer.com