Writing Tipsfor Non-Writers

Julie Harrison@coffeewithjulie

www.coffeewithjulie.ca

“Grammar Police”

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Sure,GrammarMatters.

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But not asmuch as somepeople think.

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“Non-Writer”

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A “non-writer” could be someone who …

• Needs to write in order to effectively share their expertise

• Runs a small business and needs to create content for their website

• Writes regularly, but wants to earn an income from writing

• Recently discovered blogging, but doesn’t identify with the term “writer” yet

• Is traumatized by an incident with the grammar police

• What did I miss?

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A “writer” …

• Has a specific goal or objective to meet for each piece

• Applies learned techniques

• Edits work several times before considering it finalized

• Proofreads work at least twice before considering it finalized

• Meets deadlines (writer’s block is a luxury he cannot afford!)

• Pays her bills with income earned from writing

• Continually markets and “pitches” for work

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I am a writer

• What ya’ gonna do with an English degree?

• Paid to write since 1995

• I am not an author, journalist, novelist

• Speeches, newsletters, bios, articles, websites, annual reports, white papers, product feature sheets, investor kits, brochures, billboards, case studies, training manuals, performance reports, RFPs, blah, blah, blah, you name it and I will write it …

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What is the real differencebetween a non-writer and a writer?

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“We are all apprentices in a craft

where no one ever becomes a master.”

—Ernest Hemingway

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Writing Tipswere

Pinky-Promised!

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Tip #1

There is no secret sauce.

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Great writing =Hard work

Hard work =Editing, editing, editing

You most likely need a thesaurus, a rudimentary grammar book, and a grip on reality. This latter means: there's no free lunch. Writing is work.

~ Margaret Atwood

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Tip #2

Get active.

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Find instances of passive voice in your post.

The students are being taught by the professor.

The entire stretch of highway was paved by the crew.

The word “by” is a giveaway

Is the highway the “do-er”?

The crew paved the entire stretch of highway.

The professor teaches the students.

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Tip #3

Read your post out loud

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Ask yourself:

• Have I used active voice?

• Will this pique reader curiosity?

• Does it allow for self-selection?

• Can you make it shorter?

Tip #4

Tweak your headline.

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PiquingCuriosity

Use power words• Free, Secret, Discover, The Top X, Easy• Discover 5 Writing Tips that the Pros Use

Ask a question• So the reader will want to know the answer!• Want to Write like a Professional?

Identify a clear benefit• WIIFM?• Increase Traffic with these 5 Writing Tips

Solve a problem• Why do you search for things on the internet? • Keep the Grammar Police at Bay

Make it personal• Include “You” and “Your” in your headline• Improve Your Blog with 5 Simple Writing Tips

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Self-Selection & KeywordsBe specific and let readers know if this post is really for them

• 5 tips for getting over your doubts … about what?

• Writing Tips … for who?

Plugin: WordPress SEO by Yoast

Mimics Google Suggest to help you identify your focus keyword

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Tip #5

Hook.

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Some hooking techniques

• Relate your topic to a news headline• “Rob Ford brings the topic of addiction and the workplace to the forefront.”

• Reference pop culture• “What does Miley Cyrus’ tongue say about this generation?”

• Share a personal anecdote• “My heart raced as I stepped into the interview room.”

• Cite a new major study• “According to a new nation-wide poll, 60% of women have cheated on their husbands at least

once.”

• Contradict convention wisdom• “Money does buy happiness.”

• Use an anniversary• “Exactly 10 years ago today …”

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Tip #6

Reel.

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Some reeling techniques

• Agitate, then solve

• Convince using metaphors, similes, and analogies

• Address objections

• Tell a story

• Make predictions

• Point to social proof

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Tip #7

Read.

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Tip #8

Don’t let ideas slip away!

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Keep a running journal of your post ideas

• Kick it old skoolwith a paper journal

• Use your phone (iNotes, Evernote)

• Use a WordPress plugin (Ideas)

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@coffeewithjulie / #wcottawa

Tip #9

Plan wisely.

Tip #9

Plan for it.

Plan for …

• Interruptions

• Time to edit & proofread

• Topics that must getcovered (sponsored, etc)

• Filling your editorialcalendar

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WordPress Plugin: Editorial Calendar

Drag, drop, and track progress

The Tips

1. There is no secret sauce (get over it, and get to work!)2. Get active (because passive voice is boring)3. Read your post out loud (and fix the awkward)4. Tweak your headline (you need a great headline!)5. Hook (don’t drop ‘em after the headline)6. Reel (you want to eat, don’t you?)7. Read (or weep from lack of ideas and new techniques)8. Don’t let any ideas escape (these are precious!)9. Plan (you know, to use the ideas you have)10. Did I mention there is no secret sauce? (Caffeine helps! )

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Thank You!

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