One of the best ways to edit your writing is to read it aloud. A member of my writer's group suggests an improvement on the technique: have the computer read to you while you follow the text to check punctuation. Both Mac and Windows operating systems have this feature under "accessibility" options. On the Mac,… Continue reading Editing? Let your computer read to you.
Category: Uncategorized
The value of writer’s groups
Earlier, I posted about The value of critiquing the work of others. Two weeks ago, it was my turn in the barrel. The South Pittsburgh Writer's Group critiqued the first two chapters of my WIP, Sins of Omission. I got some attaboys--"Thanks for the correct punctuation," and "An interesting story that I will buy when… Continue reading The value of writer’s groups
More thoughts on fundraising letters
A friend and colleague, Mark Laskowski, a copywriter for WGBH in Boston added some salient thoughts. "Forget yourself (your tastes, predilections and pet peeves), you’re not writing this for you, you’re writing it to persuade donors to take action. Get inside their heads and think about why they do (or would or should ) value… Continue reading More thoughts on fundraising letters
An effective fundraising letter
I was asked by one of my followers on Quora last week, "What makes an effective fundraising letter?" I answered: -A strong case that makes readers want to give to you. -A strong lead sentence/paragraph that pulls them into the story -Either an ask or an indication that you are going to ask by the… Continue reading An effective fundraising letter
First draft finished; now the work begins
I completed the first draft of my novel, Sins of Omission, two days ago -- 74,000 words across sixteen chapters. Now the real work begins. As many a teacher will tell you (less politely), the first draft is drek. My first four pages already look as though a chicken stepped across it after wading in blood. That's okay. It's… Continue reading First draft finished; now the work begins
The value of critiquing the work of others
My writer's club holds one meeting a month devoted to critiquing the work of fellow members. The process is good for the writer, of course, but it's also valuable for those who participate. During this week's meeting, a writer submitted four chapters, one of which was a long internal dialogue. Along with several others, I… Continue reading The value of critiquing the work of others
I get my best ideas while walking
As I explained in an earlier post, I do my best writing in the early morning. When I'm finished, I put it aside and do something else until the following morning. I walk two miles each day, weather permitting. Since beginning my novel, I've found that this daily forty minute constitutional gives me ideas that… Continue reading I get my best ideas while walking
