A friendly writing tip…
September 18, 2011
Self-Editing your work can cause you lots of unnecessary angst…
It’s a good idea to just write your first draft without worrying about spelling or punctuation. Then just put the writing to the side and “rest your eyes”.
When you are ready to begin self-editing, read your words aloud – your ears may catch something your eyes miss. Edit in segments or even work backwards so that you don’t anticipate your words.
To hone your editing skills, try editing previous works – it will also be interesting to see how your style has changed. If any of your works were published, try comparing what you submitted to what was actually printed; it’s a good way to learn preferred styles and note which writing habits need to be modified.
A friendly writing tip
August 21, 2011
Write without shame. Do not edit, do not check spelling, do not worry how the story flows. Just write.
Let your words and feelings just fall out onto the paper (or keyboard). Write, or type, the words as they come to you, try to keep up. Like a car rolling downhill, you will gain momentum as you CONTINUE to roll. Do NOT stop, just write.
After you have written your story, put it down and walk away. Take a walk, watch an inane sitcom, read SOMEONE ELSE’S novel. Free your mind.
When you come back to your UNEDITED manuscript, you are ready to check your spelling, punctuation and grammar. Read through your story to make sure it flows and reads clearly. Verify that your characters’ names are consistent throughout the book, make sure that events are in chronological order – or if you are making use of flashbacks, make sure it is clear and not confusing.
When you finish editing your manuscript, edit it again.
A Friendly Writing Tip
August 7, 2011
Study Your Target
Decide WHO your potential readers are. This means if you want to write for a specific publication (magazine, newspaper, blog, etc.), find out who the readers are. The age, gender, location, career, and other factors will have a lot of influence on your terminology, basic vocabulary, references and topic; for instance, a 40-year old would have a greater understanding of references to a 70′s sitcom than a 20-year old would.
Consider your target if you are writing fiction as well. Learn the demographics as to who reads the genre you write in. Consider the social mores for the region/country/religion/age-group you are writing about and for and avoid offending potential readers. When you begin to market your book or story, concentrate on the folks who are going to be (hopefully) reading it; place ads in the periodicals the target group reads, for instance, don’t try to sell erotic to school-age YA suppliers.
new article ~ College Bound Kids
August 3, 2011
College Bound Kids
Sending your child off to school can be filled with angst and lots of learning lessons for all.
Money and Your Kids
July 26, 2011
a friendly writing tip
July 17, 2011
Try using a thesaurus when checking definitions of words you’ve used in an article.
Find the word you are checking, substitute it with a synonym and then read it aloud.
Does it make sense? Is the thought as strong as you meant it?
A thesaurus is also a great way to keep from repeating yourself over and over again in your writing.
A Friendly Writing Tip ~ New Feature on the Bylines blog
June 19, 2011
Research, research… check your facts, and more research.
If you are working as a journalist, make sure you have your facts straight. If you are using a statement of a fact, be sure to include your source; a statement asserting something like “the highest rated car dealership in the state” may not be verifiable. Unless that statement is part of a direct quote from a valid source, be very careful about using something that specific.
As far as research for a fiction writer, visit Romancing the Pen today for my take on the necessity of research, accuracy and authenticity.
Need a writer, editor, photographer or AV tech?
June 15, 2011
Have a look at Chelle Cordero’s credits for writing & editing services
Have a look at Mark Engelman’s resume for photography or Audio Visual services
Check out a few samples of our work
Schultz Ford Steps Up to Aid Police Programs
June 13, 2011
Schultz Ford Steps Up to Aid Police Programs
A local business has stepped up to help
Rockland County’s law enforcement agencies.
Craig Schultz, owner, and Schultz
Ford made donations of three 2010 Ford Focus’
and an 18-month old German Shepherd named
Taz to help keep our kids and our communities
safer… (read more)
article by Chelle Cordero
photos by Mark Engelman
The Journal News ~ June 10, 2011
As Baby Boomers Get Older
June 6, 2011
Fredericksburg.com – Many work past retirement age
BY CHELLE CORDERO. CREATORS.COM. More older Americans are looking to rejoin the work force–some to keep busy, and many because they need the income. …
fredericksburg.com/News/FLS/2011/062011/…/627531?rss…
