Author Archive
Just between you and me: multi-tasking gets harder with age
There was a time when I could work out on one of those fancy NordicTrack ellipticals or other exercise equipment, listen to a CD on my walkman (sure, I’m old; never owned an iPod), interview a fellow exerciser, and take notes for the interview profile practically all at the same time.
These days, if the cat’s […]
Never underestimate the power of well-written ad copy
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 […]
Good research, careful observation may uncover surprising story ideas
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 […]
Not hanging out here as much anymore — such is my new ‘day job’
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, […]
A pearl is a pearl is a pearl — do your research carefully
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 […]
Which expression do you prefer — ‘adult diaper’ or ‘adult incontinence product’?
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 […]
Any travel writers out there? Anyone who writes travel guides? Care to share?
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 […]
How do you recognize when your writing simply isn’t working? How do you start over?
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 […]
Key to successful online ad copy: Write something that draws targeted traffic
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 […]
One of the NOT so joyous parts of freelancing — health insurance is tough
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 […]
One of the joys of writing these days: Your office can be almost anywhere
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 […]
Writers who are up for the challenge might enjoy a day at the rodeo
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. […]
More about deadlines: Don’t panic, just get to work one task at a time
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 […]
How much research is enough research before you start writing?
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 […]
McClellan’s ‘tell all’: Was his use of research materials somehow wrong?
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 […]
