by Barbara McNichol

I have been creating an evergrowing list of common one-word vs. two-word confusions as part of my Word Trippers. I started a list that has now grown and migrated to a page of its own. See One or Two? for the latest. And return often, as I’m regularly adding more!

I appreciate your comments and suggestions for confusions that come up. You never know; they could be featured in Word Trippers of the Week (sign up at www.WordTrippers.com) and/or myblog–nonfictionbookeditor.com.

Always–the goal is to share editing angles for improving your writing!

(Editor’s note: Last week, Jerry gave advice on being gentle when editing others’ writing but ruthless when editing your own. In this article, he provides specific ways of doing exactly that.)

By Jerry Brown, APR (used by permission)

Edit, edit, edit. Then edit some more. Be ruthless when editing your own copy. Don’t fall in love with your own words just because you wrote them.

Some writers don’t like to let other people review what they’ve written before they publish it. I’m in the opposite camp. I want other people to read what I’ve written and give me their feedback.

At times, of course, you don’t have a choice. If you’re writing for clients, they’ll want to review and edit your copy. That’s their right. And they get to decide what does or doesn’t get used in the final draft.

But at other times you, the writer, decide. If I have the final say and other people suggest a change, I pick the version I think works best. Sometimes it’s mine; more often it’s theirs.

Mostly, it’s important to be objective when deciding–and be grateful for the help. If two people suggest essentially the same change, I make their change unless I’m absolutely certain my version is better. If three people suggest a change, I make the change no matter what. It means my version isn’t working.

I also use editing games to improve my own copy. Here are four of them:

• Eliminate the orphans. An orphan is a word or two alone on a line at the end of a paragraph. Edit every paragraph that ends with an orphan. If you’re not used to doing this, you’ll be surprised at how easy it is to take a word or two out of these paragraphs and eliminate the orphan without affecting your message. Your writing will become crisper and, therefore, better.  
• Make the piece shorter. Your word processor will tell you how many words you’ve written. Pick a smaller number and see if you can eliminate words, phrases, or even sentences and paragraphs that shorten your copy without removing anything essential. You wrote 500 words? Can you get it down to 400? If you get to the new word count easily, then pick a smaller number and repeat. Keep trimming until the only way to cut more is to eliminate something that’s important to your story. Then it’s time to stop.  
• “Listen” to your writing. Good writing, like good music, has a rhythm. If something doesn’t sound right, consider changing it. I learned this as a speechwriter and it works for other writing, too.  
• Come back to your writing later with fresh eyes. Are you still satisfied it’s the best it can be? Or can you hone it further? I often make major improvements when I come back to a “finished” piece for one last look. Even if you can’t wait until later, taking one last look is a good idea.

Jerry Brown specializes in Media Training, Media Relationships, and Message Development at www.pr-impact.com.

What “games” do you find effective that you can add to this list?  Share them here.

Editor’s Note: This post by my client Nancy Juetten (author of Bye Bye Boring Bio) sparks reflection beyond the scope of this blog but I share it with you because it packs a lot of value.

In response, please comment on this piece and share your own lessons, your deepest hopes, and your biggest dreams for 2012.

Ah yes, it is that time of year to reflect on steps taken to move forward and to look ahead to see what might be coming next.

So, with that said, here are some of my big lessons from 2011.

1. Move the big rocks first.
2. Speak with authenticity to make a deep connection with those you are meant to serve, even though it is uncomfortable.
3. Leverage packs a punch.
4. Grow your list.  Grow your wealth.
5. Be a “rock star” joint venture partner. That means delivering on every promise and going the extra mile. One good contribution often leads to another, and good news travels fast to the right people.
6. It pays off to be ready when opportunity knocks, and it turns heads in a good way.
7. Practice “sustainable generosity.” That means giving generously and over-delivering for those who invest wisely in your services.
8. Less is more.  Offer fewer products and services in winning bundles to make “getting to YES” easier for your clients.
9. Invest wisely to get help in areas beyond your genius.
10. Take consistent, tenacious action every day to advance toward your goals.

Prior to 2011, I was  one of those “get it done myself” people. And, truth be told, I wasn’t achieving the success I was dreaming of by following this approach. That is why — even though it was VERY uncomfortable for me — I invested in coaching this year change the game for my life and business.   Every day, I am uncomfortable.  Every day, my business takes bigger  and different steps forward than I could imagine taking before getting this extra measure of strategic support.

This journey isn’t easy. I am being challenged in ways that bring up all kinds of “inner game” stuff that is hard to address or talk about.

And, step by step, the results are flowing in the balance sheet and beyond.

And, for 2012, I am going to put more emphasis on the “and beyond” part of this equation. I’ve worked hard, sometimes to the exclusion of taking good care of myself. I think the concept of “sustainable generosity” needs to be applied to my personal life–a big rock that needs attention. That means putting my fitness, health, and self-care at the top of the list so I can be present for my husband, son, and puppy and equally energized to do great work with my clients.

This is going to require mindset shifts and behavior changes that will be uncomfortable for me. Borrowing a phrase from Oprah, “What I know for sure” is that if I apply the same level of discipline and focus to my personal life as I do to my business in the New Year, wonderful things are going to happen that will be priceless in their rewards. Those priceless rewards count for a lot.  To me, they matter the most of all. So, I’ve got my eye on that prize, and I’m going to take step-by-step progress to see what shape it takes with high hopes and high expectations. 

What are your biggest lessons from 2011?  What will you do differently in the New Year.  Please share, and let’s help keep each other accountable for making our dreams come true in 2012.

(Reprinted with Nancy’s permission)

by Barbara McNichol

What can editors tell writers about improving their writing before they even begin the editing process? I shared my ideas and examples on a recent teleclass hosted by Janice Campbell of NAIWE.

You can listen to the full hour of “fixes” I presented by dialing dial 1-218-844-3182 and enter Recording ID: 90075555

In the meantime, here’s a summary:

Mistake #1.      Being so self-absorbed as a writer that you’re unaware of the reader’s experience. The fix? Know your core message and write to that message, leaving out the experience of writing.

Mistake #2.      Addressing readers as readers rather than a single key person whose interest you want to capture with your message. The fix? Keep a single interested person in your target audience top of mind as you write.

Mistake #3.      Skimming the surface, not going deep enough. The fix? When describing an experience, explain what you felt, what the other person felt as best you can, and what exact words were spoken. Go deeper with the details.

Mistake #4.      Having no rhyme or reason to the order of the paragraphs. The fix? Make a conscious decision about the order based on logic and facilitating your readers’ comprehension.

Mistake #5.      Overusing weak verbs and throwing in extraneous phrases and wobbly words. The fix? Rewrite using active verbs; question use of every adjective and adverb; throw out wobbly words: really, very, much, some that.  “I Really Think That We Should Not Use Some Words Very Much.”

Mistake #6.      Using multiword noun phrases when one active verb will do. The fix? Whenever possible, get an active verb to do the “work.”

Mistake #7.      Writing sentences that ramble (on and on and on and on). The fix? Limit sentences to 15-21 words max but vary sentence length.

Bonus mistake: Mixing metaphors and flat-out choosing the wrong word. The fix? Use a word choice guide like Word Trippers to help you select the perfect word when it really matters.

by Barbara McNichol

Let me shake this writing “pet peeve” off my pen.

It perplexes me why writers overuse the words “start” and “begin.” In a 5,000-word document I recently edited, those two words appeared 14 times while only 5 were deemed necessary.

Don’t “start” to do something; just do it!

The following examples show how you can write a stronger statement by going straight to the action verb rather than “beginning” to go for it.

Example 1: Slowly and easily, start to move toward the other person.

Better: Slowly and easily, move toward the other person.

Example 2: Start rubbing your hands together.

Better: Rub your hands together.

Example 3: Let your breath begin to relax and deepen.

Better: Let your breath relax and deepen.

Example 4: Allow your energy fields to begin to merge.

Better: Allow your energy fields to merge.

Determine if you’ve made “start” and “begin” a habit in your writing. Question each time you use either one of them. Is it essential to the meaning of the sentence? Chances are, you can glide right to the action verb without it!

Yes, please share your pet writing peeves in the Comments section here. 

by Dawn Goldberg, Write Well U (reprinted with permission from Fuel)

Writing is more than just packaging your words. Those words are the meat of your project and your message. You have to think about content and your audience and writing it well and getting your readers’ attention and keeping your readers’ attention and…. The list goes on and doesn’t ever seem to stop.

If you write well, then your writing will accomplish all those goals: getting your readers’ attention, keeping their attention, and meeting their needs. Now, we’re not talking about correct grammar and sentence mechanics, although that is important to writing well.

We’re talking about how to make the writing come alive, to be yours and yours alone.

• Be creative. Whether you’re writing titles or giving examples, come up with your own ideas. It seems clever to riff off the “Got Milk?” slogan, but after a while (and sometimes a very short while), that gets old. You don’t have to worry about your writing being cliché or old when you come up with your own creative ideas.
• Be yourself. You’re not the answer for everyone, and not everyone is going to be attracted to your stuff. However, if you write authentically, then you have a better chance of people sticking around to see what you have to say. It’s basic Law of Attraction.
• Be original. You don’t have to do it like everyone else. You don’t have to follow all the rules. Just because you get great advice from E-zines and books on writing, it doesn’t mean you have to follow all of it. Do it your own way and stand out from the crowd. If you’re like everyone else, what would make people gravitate toward you? Give them a reason to pick you.
• Be strong. Choose a stand and believe in it. If your writing is filled with “I think” and “I guess” and “I believe” and “it seems,” you come across as wishy-washy. Take those words out and stand firm. Say what you believe and believe what you say.
• Be human. We all make mistakes. Don’t try to pretend you’re perfect. If you make a mistake, own up to it. Your audience wants someone to whom they can relate. If you come across as perfect, how can they relate to you? Admit your weaknesses and be authentic.
• Be fun-filled. Enjoy what you’re writing about. Write from the heart. Be passionate. If you like humor, be funny. If you like word play, add a few puns. If you’re thrilled with what you’re doing, let that joy come out in your writing.

The point is to throw yourself into your writing. It can be scary, yes, but you’re more likely to grab your readers and have them follow you rather than get a lukewarm or so-so response. Take risks. Be yourself. Let your words be powerful.

Which “Writing Well” tips do you find most helpful? Share your thoughts here.

by Barbara McNichol

According to Writer’s Almanac, in 1946, George Orwell (famed author of Animal Farm and Nineteen Eighty-Four) wrote an essay called “Politics and the English Language.” In it, he included five rules for effective written communication.

I share these five rules here with my own commentary in red. For the life of me, though, I can’t figure out what the fifth one means. What’s your best guess? 

Please share your interpretation of what (v) means in the comment box below. Yes, it can be outrageous!

Orwell’s Five Rules for Effective Written Communication

(i) Never use a metaphor, simile, or other figure of speech that you are used to seeing in print. I’d say – Use  original, creative figures of speech, not common (worn out) cliches that everyone knows.

(ii) Never use a long word where a short one will do. Ditto!!

(iii) If it is possible to cut a word out, always cut it out. I’d say – Find ways to Whack Wordiness in your writing. (See my blog posts on how to do that.) http://nonfictionbookeditor.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=250&action=edit

(iv) Never use a foreign phrase, a scientific word, or a jargon word if you can think of an everyday English equivalent. Agreed (most of the time)! One of my criteria in creating Word Trippers is selecting everyday words, not obscure ones.

(v) Break any of these rules sooner than say anything outright barbarous. Help! Need a translator for this one!

What would you add to Orwell’s list?

Barbara McNichol

Writers take their observations of the world, draw a few conclusions, and translate them into messages on paper (or computer screens). When you write something to market your products or services, you don a writer’s hat to express your message in words. But don’t stop there. You then need to put on your editor’s glasses and focus on fine-tuning those words to make sure they communicate with your intended audience. That requires you to read your piece as if you have never seen it before and think like an editor.

A skilled editor examines every phrase and asks:

• Is it NECESSARY?
• Is it CLEAR?
• Is it CONCISE?

When you review your own writing, you likely won’t answer “yes” to all these questions. So take off your writer’s hat and look through your editor’s glasses, then make changes based on these five common writing problems.

1. Use the active voice. (WHO does WHAT to WHOM.)

Passive: It was decided that everyone would take the class.
Active: The principal decided everyone would take the class.

2. Make subjects and verbs agree. (No mixing singular and plural.)
Incorrect:  A group of writers were in town. (“Group” is singular while “were” is plural.)
Correct: A group of writers was in town. (“Group” is the subject here, not “writers.”)

3. Use parallel construction. (Give your writing rhythm.)
Weak: We’ve learned to read, write, and we’re making sure information is shared.
Stronger: We’ve learned to read, write, and share information.

4. Make the subject obvious. (Don’t let your participles dangle!)
Yucky: Driving down the highway, the new stadium came into view. (Who was driving down the highway? The stadium?)

Better: We could see the progress on the new stadium as we drove by it on the highway.

5. Use specific, vivid verbs and nouns. (Don’t overuse adverbs and adjectives.)

Dull: I saw some really pretty yellow daffodils.

Interesting: I reveled in a riot of daffodils.

When you wear your editor’s glasses, make sure every word counts. What are your favorite writing/editing tips that will enhance someone’s writing? Please share them here.

by Dawn Goldberg (used with permission)

No matter how much we want and love to write, unless we’re terribly disciplined or have deadlines (or an editor/agent looming over us), our default activity is not writing. In other words, if we have a spare minute, a break between activities, the rare gift of an unplanned hour, do we write? Or do we fill it in with stuff that “needs to be done”? Or take a much-needed nap? Or call a girlfriend and relax? Or make plans for dinner?

I will write – after I take a shower and get dressed – and after I make the bed – and after I do the dishes.

Why do I delay? Why do those things come before writing?

For one, those other things are calling at my attention, nagging me, so I tell myself that I’ll write better if those nags are quieted. But the list of nags must be quite long because there are a lot of times that I never seem to write.

Secondly, I might be afraid of writing. I’m not where I want to be in my project. It’s stalled. I want it to be perfect, compelling, and impactful, and I’m afraid it’s not. Or it feels hard to get started, so it’s much easier to do other things.

And – here’s what I’m afraid of the most – maybe I don’t want to write badly enough more than I want to take a shower, get dressed, make the bed, and do the dishes.

When I was teenager in Texas, I’d get up in the summer early and go run. The heat, no matter how early in the morning, was oppressive. Step outside, and one hits a wall of heat. Yet, I’d invariably get up and go run in that awful furnace. Why? Because I’d rather do that than deal with my parents when they got up in the morning. Running in the heat was preferable to being around my parents. I would rather run.

So what do we need to create so that writing IS the default activity and it is THE thing we would rather do than anything else?

1. Be aware of what DOES get in the way. Pay attention. Are they always the same things (chores like cleaning the house, work tasks like returning emails, etc.) that you do instead of writing?

2. Understand why you would rather do those things. Are they nagging items? Are they delaying tactics? Are you afraid of something?

3. Just do it. Make writing more of a routine, and it’s harder not to do it. Kind of like brushing your teeth. You do it every day. The day you might miss, you run that tongue over your teeth, and you’re constantly reminded that you didn’t do it that day. So write regularly, and it will be harder to not do it.

4. Set up rewards. Yeah, it might seem childish, but it works. Don’t schedule that massage until you’ve reached your word count goal. Don’t eat the piece of chocolate until you finish a page. Your spouse cooks dinner if you write today. Make it so that you WANT to write because of what you get after you’re done.

5. Visualize the end of the rainbow. What if you finish that character sketch? Wouldn’t you feel great to have finally figured out your main character? You’d be so far along – farther than you are now. You don’t have to see to the end of the ultimate rainbow (an entire finished project), just today’s little rainbow.

6. Make writing pleasurable and fun. Don’t want to sit at your desk and write? Go outside with your laptop or – gasp – a notebook and pen. Get a chocolate malt and enjoy while you write. Go to the park, the beach, the mountains, a tea room, a cool coffee place…. some place gorgeous and inspiring. However you design the pleasurable and fun aspect, only do those things when you write. So save that chocolate malt only for your writing times.

7. Set concrete goals. It’s a lot easier to write with a measurable goal in mind instead of just write until….whenver. And, as soon as you hit that concrete number of words, number of pages, number of minutes, you are done!

8. Think of your writing project as an adventure. Where are your characters going to go today? What outrageous article title can you come up with? How brazen can you be and get away with it?

It’s a blend of figuring out what gets in the way as well as thinking about what you could do so that you really want to write – and not do anything else.

***

Dawn Goldberg, Write Well U, offers a content-rich teleclass called 10 Surefire Ways to Get Started on Any Writing Project on May 10, 2011.

If you have a writing project begging you to get started, but you’re having some trouble, check out this teleclass. Dawn says, “It’s very affordable (only $19), and you’re guaranteed to find at least one strategy that will get you out of stuck and into started.”

Along with the 75-minute class, you get the mini Get Started workbook and an Open Q&A session.

DATE: Tuesday, May 10
TIME: 7:00 pm Eastern | 4:00 pm Pacific
LENGTH: 75 minutes
PRICE: $19, live class, recorded audio, and Get Started workbook

Get more details and register for 10 Surefire Ways to Get Started on Any Writing Project.

by Barbara McNichol

As a speaker or author at anystage of creating your book, you already know that having a quality bio is essential to opening the right doors to new opportunities.
 
To help you attract money, clients, and media attention, I invite you to invest an hour listening to an excellent audio interview with my colleague and Extreme Bio Makeover Expert Nancy Juetten. She was our guest interviewee for Writers/Publishers special interest group of the National Speakers Association on March 17.
 
In this engaging audio (at this link), Nancy takes you through her Rock Star Status Reality Check to determine how ready you are to welcome the spotlight.  Guiding you through the questions, she offers compelling insights and useful tips for telling your own story better than ever before.
 
In fact, this Reality Check is part of Nancy’s Bye-Bye Boring Bio System, which is earning rave reviews among coaches, consultants, solopreneurs, aspiring and thriving authors, speakers, and infopreneurs. She also offers a Laser Bio Feedback service to those wanting a trained set of eyes to make bio drafts better than ever. Her aim is to take the struggle out of bio writing and guide you to get seen, heard, celebrated and COMPEN$ATED for your expert status.
 
Visit this special link so you can learn more.
 
This web page gives you access to YOUR copy of the Rock Star Status Reality Check when you sign up in the box at the right. It also gives you access to Nancy’s ezine list, the first chapter of Bye-Bye Boring Bio, and an audio file/written transcript to kick your boring bio to the curb.
 
Then, with your Rock Star Status Reality Check in hand, you’ll really enjoy listening to this PEG interview, which talks your through it step by step by clicking here.