Articles » Tips On Writing
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Sometimes it is so infinitely better for us to write as freely as possible. Some of us may feel that writing with no restrictions can help us express our point better. Unfortunately for us free thinkers and writers, there is such a thing as formal writing. It can be as complicated and strict as a research proposal or as partially definite as a business letter. You may ask, “What does partial definite mean?”
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Writers Block: What Causes it and How to Overcome it
If you are a writer then you know what I am talking about. You have everything ready, a drink, a snack, the topic, and even reference material. You sit down ready to start typing or writing, which ever you prefer, and it happens. You are stuck, your mind is blank and you have no idea how to fill that blank canvas in front of you. It is a writer’s worse nightmare come true. You have writers block.
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How to Choose Writing Software and a Few Suggestions
There are many choices available to today’s writers. From the cheapest to the most expensive the choice is entirely yours. Writing software can make you life easier and more organized. Whether you are an established writer or just starting out there is writing software available for you.
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Finishing a Masterpiece and Getting it on the Shelves
Writing a book is a monumental task in itself. The process is long, drawn out and grueling. Even if you thoroughly enjoy writing and writing on the same subject for an extended period of time, you will no doubt be exhausted by the writing of a book. Getting that book published, however, will take even more time and effort than producing the thing in the first place. Are you thinking about writing a book?
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Writing talent is very subjective. In other words, while your mother might think you’re fabulous, you may receive countless rejection letters as well. Many times, writers are criticized for not having a “voice.” But what is a writer’s voice anyway? And furthermore, if you don’t have a voice, can you ever find it, or are your forever doomed to be an untalented voiceless writer wanna-be?
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Query letters are an important part of any professional writer’s world; however, most people don’t truly understand how to write them effectively. Although a great idea is essential for acceptance, or at least editor interest, your query letter is your first impression. It can be compared to your resume or cover letter when you apply for a job or a handshake when you meet your significant other’s parents!
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Unplugged: Will your Offline Writing Skills Work Online?
Twenty years ago, the world of writing was drastically different. Today, writing is still done in various print medias, and the query letter still remains king, but a good number of the entry-level writing positions available are jobs found online. However, if you’ve simply done magazine stories, newspaper articles, and the like in the past, you may be wondering what this means—are your offline writing skills still appropriate if your take an online writing position?
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Presenting the Facts: Writing Non-Fiction
Writers who announce to others their profession are often confronted with, “So, you write stories?”. However, the vast majority of writers do not invent stories. While fiction writing is a great art, non-fiction writing takes just as much care. In fact, many people consider non-fiction writing even harder than fiction writing, simply because you have to find a creative way to present information that is not always especially fun to read.
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Beating the Block! How to Meet your Writing Deadlines
Writer’s block happens to the best of us. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve sat down to pen an article and found myself still staring at a blank computer screen an hour later. Nothing is more frustrating, especially when you have a specific deadline that you must meet.
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How to Get Published in a Magazine
You’ve conquered the local interest section of your hometown newsletter. You’ve paid your dues with ghostwriting assignments. You’ve even collected letters of recommendation from editors and publisher. Are you still being rejected every time you query a magazine? Never fear—use the following tips to help boost your submission and magazine writings skills so you’ll be able to claim magazine publication fame.
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Don’t be so Dramatic! Writing Scripts and Screenplays
Writing fiction is extremely difficult, but if you’re got a few short stories or even novels under your belt, don’t automatically assume that you know what you’re doing when it comes to scripts and screenplays. Also writing in the dramatic media is also a form of fiction, there are a number of special rules that dramatic writers need to follow. Make sure that you understand how this writing world works before you try your hand and writing a play or movie.
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Putting your Funny Thoughts on Paper
If you’ve tried comedic writing in the past, you’ve probably found that it’s harder than it sounds. Telling a joke is easy, but writing and original funny story, script, or joke is not! There are a number of pointers to keep in mind when you’re trying to write something funny. Remember, just because you’re a funny person, doesn’t meant that everything you write will produce belly laughs.
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Creating Interesting Characters
Writing fiction successfully often relies on how well you’ve created your characters. It doesn’t matter if you character is a middle-aged housewife from Minnesota or a purple-skinned alien from some imaginary planet you’ve created—if they don’t seem “real” to your readers, you’ll lose the entire story. Use these five tips to create characters that will enhance your book instead of kill it.
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Five Tips to Improve your Blogging Skills
These days, it seems like everyone from your teen neighbor to your great-aunt writes a blog. While there are literally thousands of blogs on the Internet created for people simply to communicate with loved ones or give opinions in diary format, blogging can also be a serious business. Aside from all of the personal blogs on the Internet, there is another realm of bloggers, who treat their blogs more like online columns than like journals.
