One great thing about asking your subscribers for blog post topics? They come up with countless ideas. Thanks to Margie G., an executive assistant for a racing team, we'll consider useful meeting reminders. The question that started it all As you might imagine,...
WRITING group
A fun look at the Oxford comma squabble!
Hey, everyone! A bit of a change-up, this month, as I give you a peek into my world of writing. OH! No, no, no! Don't click away! I promise: you're going to have fun. Here we go …. Try this when you get bored: 1. Corral a few writers in a room. 2. Ask, "Do you use the...
“HOW did my file get so messed up?!”
Whether you’re a business owner, a job seeker sending out résumés, or a writer trying to break into the ‘big time,’ you will appreciate this post. This information isn't hidden away in a vault. You don't need a government clearance to read it. But, sometimes ... we...
Check out these writing tips from author Jerry B. Jenkins. For reals!
A publisher buddy, Brian K. Morris (Rising Tide Publications), sent me a gift. After 30 seconds, I knew I would share these writing tips with you. As a copywriter, editor, and proofer, I was excited to discover this short coaching video. It’s packed with surprising...
“Who kidnapped these two words?!”
Don't you think we need a break from the intensive January and February posts? Yeah, I agree. Here ya go. I don't often jump on my writing rebel soapbox (not here, anyway 😎 ). But, today is different. 'Cause this is creepy. Invasion of the Body Snatchers weird. A...
“We didn’t catch it.” An expensive lesson in proofing our own work
I no longer take on proofreading projects, but I thought you might find some non-overwhelm help, here. This stuff is still happening, and your day can turn ugly fast! The project manager (PM) grabbed a 28-page training manual off the stack ... of 200 conference...
National Pasta Day!
'Newsjack' alert for writers: National Pasta Day is fast approaching. According to the National Pasta Day website: “Marco Polo did not discover pasta in Asia and take it to Italy. Early Romans used a very simple flour and water dough: pasta is Italian for ‘dough.’”...
Give your proofer a break!
“What’s the hardest part about being a proofer?” My answer always surprises people. It's not doing the work. “The hardest part is convincing people they need a proofer, and having them listen once we're hired!” (Remember the story on my 'Home' page?) Crickets During...
Johnny Appleseed Day
Freelance writers: an interesting ‘newsjack’ for next Wednesday In Indiana...
It’s Left-Handers’ Day
Hey, freelance journalists, here's a 'newsjack' idea for you: Have schools' attitudes about left-handers changed? When my dad grew up, schools forced retraining of ‘southpaws.’ Or tried to, until they came up against Gramma Mary. 😎 She intervened and embraced...
Rescue your proofing budget!
Do you remember that D+ report in high school? The one with sentence fragments and wrong words in place of the right ones? Yeah. That report. Mom wasn't happy. Let me help you avoid this problem and save money on proofing your company documentation. ’Cause in the real...
It’s National French Fry Day
Freelance writers: an interesting ‘newsjack’ for ya! OK ... who'da thunk it? There's an honest-to-goodness fun holiday celebrating French fries. I'm sure all you freelance writers out there have your own story about this crunchy treat. 'Newsjack' this idea! Here's my...
“Say WHAT?!”
As a proofer, I sometimes shake my head in wonder and chuckle at word problems. This headline, for example: How Much it Costs for a Family to Live in 20 U.S. Cities "Say what?!" I thought it was difficult paying our bills, but 20 different places to keep up? The...
International Axe Throwing Day
Are you looking for a different-angle news story? I think I can help you with that. Take a look at my Fun Holiday, this month. Hurry to get it on the schedule, because International Axe Throwing Day is coming up on Wednesday. This sport takes skill, helps with...
‘Newsjacking’ Harry and Meghan
To paraphrase the classic song, "We're just wild about H-a-r-r-y." For Brits and Yanks, the May 19, 2018, wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle is still on our minds as this posts 18 days later. If you are a writer, you can use this topic tomorrow or 10 years from...
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