A few weeks ago, I was approached about a web design project. I’m not sure why as I am not skilled with web design nor do I promote myself as a web designer. I am a writing coach, writer, poet, and artist, not a web designer. Yes, I tinker with my site, and I dabble with HTML and CSS, but neither of those things make me a web designer. They only make me realize how inadequate my web language skills (Not my coding skills as I consider coding to be the realm of Ruby on Rails and C++.) are.
The Writing Life isn’t for Sissies
One of my favorite blogs is Bill and Dave’s Cocktail Hour. I especially enjoy their “bad advice” columns on Wednesdays, which usually don’t contain bad advice. One of their latest Wednesday pieces has stayed with me, probably because it’s an idea I’ve been contemplating.
Why You Should Read Your Work Aloud
One of the principles outlined in my e-book is that of reading one’s work aloud. It’s a principle by which I live and breathe. I don’t remember when it became a part of my writing process (College? Grad school? My mom?), but it’s a part of it. It’s critical to the pieces I write at Write Right, and it’s equally critical, if not more so, to the poems I write. My work is a part of an oral tradition, even if it isn’t read aloud by my readers.
Who’s in My Audience?
A lot of time is spent identifying the right audience for one’s message, and rightfully so. It’s important to target a receptive audience. Sometimes, though, a person doesn’t have any control over who is in the audience. The person then has to deal with different types of audience members, something I discuss in my latest video.¹
Why I Write about the Writing Rules
While I do have a penchant for the writing rules, my love for them is not the primary reason why I write about them. I write about them because they are a means to an end. More effective writing and better communications are found in knowing the rules.
How Clear is Your Call to Action?
I hate making a hard sale. Hate it, hate it, hate it. I avoid it at all costs. I prefer to do a soft sale – let people get to know me, to develop a level of trust, and to know that I’m not going to swindle them out of their money. I then make suggestions and let what I can do for them take care of itself. It’s been my strategy since the days of selling shoes. It worked, too. I sold many a pair of shoes in my days as a Nine West salesperson.