Tag Archives: editing

Use Your Journal

Journaling, Wellness, , , ,

This is a good to time to pick up your journal. Writing can provide the opportunity to work out problems, create dreams and become a safe haven for your deepest fears and largest dreams.

Work out problems:

  1. List problems- write down everything that is concerning you.
  2. Prioritize the problem- Use an ABC or number system to highlight the most pressing problem.
  3. Brainstorm solutions-  Take one issue and without hesitation write down possible solutions.

Use journal writing to work out issues without fear of being stupid. Sometimes when you are in a fearful state of mind it is difficult to think clearly. An obvious solution may be less so when you are stressed. Take the time to reflect on your fears. You may find that large fear is more manageable. Or, you have listed workable solutions and action steps to take to resolution.

Either way use your journal. Write a bit every day.

Writing Chameleon- tip #4 Bullets can be a writer’s best friend.

article, article writing, How-To, , ,

Tip #4 Bullets can be a writer’s best friend.

I am not talking about the kind that can hurt. Bullets can make your article easy to read in short concise points.Here is a shortened example of turning my blog tips into an article. I am missing some elements to this article but I think you can get the idea of using my paragraphs from previous posts and breaking them into bullets.

Writing Chameleon

Tip #1: Write for them not for you.

  • Publications usually offer submission guidelines at their websites.  Don’t ignore them. If you are lucky you will get a kind editor who will guide you through their submission process.  But don’t count on it.
  • Each publication whether it is in print or online will have their own style. Read the publication and take notes on what kind of articles they publish.
  • Remember if you are getting paid you must offer the client what they want.

Writing Chameleon- tip #2 Don’t take it personally

  • When writing for a publication remember you are writing for them not yourself.  You are being hired for your talent, style and your ability to be a chameleon. It is a skill to craft an article that meets the needs of a publication.
  • Even with the best writing the editor may ask you to make changes to the article.They have a vision of what they want and it is your job to deliver it to them.  It may feel like they are chopping and dicing to pieces.
  • Don’t take editing personally. Editors are there to do a job. Use their editing suggestions to create an ideal article and get hired again and again. The advantage of editing is the free coaching you get. You can’t beat having a professional go over your work and make suggestions.
  • Again don’t take it personally- it is not about you but doing the best job you can.

Next, tip # 5 An easy layout.