Extrovert vs. introvert: is being introverted a challenge for writers?

2018-06-14T21:07:32+00:00May 27th, 2014|

Any time writers get together, it seems that someone brings up the “problem” of being an introvert. After all, they say – quite accurately – writers also need to promote their work, unquestionably an uncomfortable activity for many introverts. Moreover, when using primary sources, the tool is usually the interview – which involves contacting and

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Craft an appealing writing structure with captivating opening lines

2018-06-14T21:07:32+00:00May 20th, 2014|

Romance your reader with captivating opening lines Studies into speed dating, where people seeking a relationship meet multiple potential partners in a short amount of time, suggest that two people tend to “click” – or “not click” – within a matter of seconds. Why? It’s hard to say. Maybe it’s her laugh or his eyes.

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Subject matter experts: tips on finding & choosing expert sources

2018-06-14T21:07:32+00:00May 13th, 2014|

Subject  matter experts: how to find and choose expert sources Talk about a story that gives you the shivers . . . in 2012, Forbes shared the tale of Ryan Holiday, a “self-styled ‘media manipulator’” who was quoted numerous times in print and online publications. Here’s the problem: “He is not an expert in barefoot

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Breaking writing rules: when is it okay, if ever?

2018-06-14T21:07:32+00:00April 29th, 2014|

Breaking writing rules: is it ever okay? In 11th and 12th grade, 20 or so students from my class were able to take a computer programming class – learning Fortran and Cobol – back when programming meant typing each individual command on an individual manila punch card and then feeding a thick set of these

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Find the courage to write: author Ralph Keyes provides direction and hope

2018-06-14T21:07:32+00:00April 15th, 2014|

Finding the courage to write “I worry that I’m not good enough,” says Joy Bautista Collado, although she can’t define precisely why. “I need courage.” And, even though other people encourage her to write, she doesn’t try to publish much because of her fear. “My biggest insecurity,” the writer from the Philippines confides, “is that

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Over-confidence is one of deadly sins of writing: tips on managing your ego.

2019-10-14T10:31:09+00:00April 8th, 2014|

Deadly sin of over-confidence: managing your ego Now, I usually don’t brag. I really don’t. But, in this post, I’m going to do so, openly and without shame. Through my entire elementary school career, I was the spelling bee champion. Yes, I was. Without question. I didn’t just win some of the weekly spelling bees.

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How to critique writing effectively: find tips from professionals.

2018-06-14T21:07:32+00:00March 28th, 2014|

How to critique writing effectively Last week, our blog post on critiquing focused on: finding the right critique partner(s) for your writing helping you to eliminate feelings of defensiveness to get the most out of the feedback provided This week, we’re turning the topic upside down and sharing tips on how to provide quality feedback

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Writing mentors: read examples of positive mentoring relationships

2018-06-14T21:07:33+00:00March 12th, 2014|

Celebrating writing mentors Recently, the head of the Cleveland Job Bank, Kelly Blazek, made the news – at first locally and then nationally and then internationally – for writing harsh responses to younger job seekers. The story has even apparently qualified as Hollywood gossip; been dubbed “BlazekGate”; risen to the level of a top trending

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