Tuesday 5 May 2015
Monday 4 May 2015
Monday 20 April 2015
Saturday 18 April 2015
Friday 17 April 2015
Thursday 16 April 2015
Wednesday 15 April 2015
Thursday 9 April 2015
Wednesday 8 April 2015
Tuesday 7 April 2015
Keep A Notebook And Pen Next To Your Bed
During the day I use my phone to jot down notes. However, I prefer a notebook or notepad to an electronic device when in bed because it’s less distracting.
In this busy world, I feel it’s difficult to steal some me-time. Our occupations require us to be on point but without quality rest we can become mentally fried. Sleep is essential; therefore, it’s my number 1 me-time.
Imagine you’re asleep or just drifting off when you have a great idea or a brilliant sentence you want to remember.
You can:
- try to commit it to memory and hope you (have great powers of recall) remember in the morning.
- reach over to your notepad, jot down your idea, roll over and get a great night sleep.
Let’s check out the pros and cons …
Notebook pros:
- limits the interruption of sleep
- you can relax because you know you will not forget your amazing idea.
- you will not be tempted to check emails, twitter etc
- you will not be overstimulated by a bright light
- grab quality sleep
Notebook cons:
- your writing might be illegible
- you may need to spend a little time deciphering what you wrote
Recently, I spent more time trying to decipher what I had scribbled the night before than I care to admit.
Finally, I gave up, got up and started my day. It wasn’t until I went to make my first cup of coffee that I realised I was out of milk. It wasn’t an amazing idea (this time).
Do you have a system in place for jotting down ideas? Do you prefer digital or paper?
Sunday 22 March 2015
Friday 27 February 2015
Pithy Proofreading Pointers
When it’s as good as it can be, press that key.
Professional writers recognize the value of allowing their writing to ‘rest’ before submission.
If you proofread your own blog or email without taking a break, you will peruse what you think you wrote. You might catch an error or two, but it may need polishing. When you’re at the point where you believe you’re fussing, that’s your cue to stop self-editing.
Email
Even if you’re sending out a brief email, write, save as a draft, and complete a different task. When you return for the final read-through, you will have an increased objectivity and clarity.
If time is an issue, consider establishing an account with a professional proofreader. Ensure that they will return your proofread documents within your designated time frame.
Blogging
Readers appreciate your posts; therefore, show your readers you care by ensuring the piece is well written. Good writing takes time, and it’s difficult. Spending time on the mechanics of writing helps the reader, as a result, reading is easier.
Don’t be too hard on yourself; typos always hide. It’s easier to critique than to create. The love of writing, combined with a genuine desire to communicate is more important than a couple of typos.
Don’t be too hard on yourself; typos always hide. It’s easier to critique than to create. The love of writing, combined with a genuine desire to communicate is more important than a couple of typos.
Pithy Pointers
#1 Read out loud
Does it sound correct?
#2 Slow down
Slowing down may assist in detecting typos.
#3 Limit distractions
Proofread when it is quiet.
#4 Read each sentence individually
Focus word by word, sentence by sentence.
#5 Re-read after corrections
Correcting errors can produce new errors.
#6 Love it or delete it
If you don’t love it or it’s not absolutely necessary, delete it.
#7 Double check your facts
Ensure your information is accurate.
#8 Proofread when you are completely satisfied with the content
Proofreading is not a time for creating.
#9 Stay focused
If you find yourself daydreaming or distracted, leave it.
#10 Print it
Reviewing work on a printed copy may assist in detecting errors missed on-screen.
Tuesday 24 February 2015
Pithy Writing Tips
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Write when the mood strikes you.
If you’re not at home, near your computer, use an old-fashioned writing implement.
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