Having an effective writing ritual can help you as a writer. The benefit is that you can quickly access your creativity. You can then use it to focus on a specific task and complete it.
Discover where, when and how you produce your best work, and repeat the process. This can provide a smooth path to your goal.
Taking writing classes can’t guarantee you immediate access to a literary agent, editor or publisher. You can, however, improve your knowledge, skill and confidence. You can also expand the network of people who can accelerate your progress. Education can help your career blossom.
Success in writing can be achieved in several ways.
They are instruction, practice and feedback.
We can sometimes feel lost when we are writing. When this happens, focus on the process, not the product. Engage in the steps of prewriting, writing and revision.
Concentrate on your original idea and why it’s important. Visualize readers who can benefit from it.
When you can’t see the path ahead, remember that you create it.
Your words will light the way to readers.
Creativity is everywhere and in everyone.
Remember this whenever you doubt that you will learn to write well.
What you have to say and how you will express it will be your unique gift to others.
Stories will tell you want they want to be. Just pay attention to them long enough.
Let yourself be free to be creative.
Writing a resume is an art that can be mastered. Providing a clear, concise picture of your experience and expertise can help you obtain jobs or other opportunities you are seeking.
Arrange your categories of information from the most important to the least. Begin by centering your name and contact information. Then add sections on education, work experience, memberships and leadership and service roles in professional associations, civic service, awards and honors and special skills. Lists of other accomplishments like publications, presentations, grant-funded research, art exhibits and musical or dramatic performances can also be included. If they are lengthy, they can also be placed in separate documents. Use reverse chronological order for information within categories. Readers can then see first what you’ve done most recently. At the end, list the names and contact information for two to three current or former employers or faculty or those with whom you’ve worked in associations or organizations. They should have granted their permission for you to mention them.
Use one font size and type throughout. A serif style like Times Roman 12 is attractive and readable.
Have your draft critiqued to ensure it presents a positive and professional image of you.
Keep your resume updated so that it’s always ready when you need it.
Writing speeches is an essential skill in public life.
Learn who your audience members are and what they want and need. Decide what gift you alone can give them. You’ll then know what to write and how.
Have an interesting, informative and inspiring message. Show your passion for your beliefs. Use the introduction, body and conclusion format. What you create should be clear, concise and organized.
In terms of style, short sentences work well. Include memorable quotes. Have stories as examples to help listeners understand your points. Enrich your language with metaphors and similes. Allusions you use should be known by listeners.
Your time limit determines the length of your talk. For example, you need three minutes to read a single double-spaced page of text in Courier 12 font. This produces about twenty-five lines of ten words each.
Study famous speeches and others you especially liked. Read articles and books on writing and giving them. Simply Speaking, a book by Peggy Noonan, former speechwriter for a U.S. President, is one I liked.
Make yourself available to give presentations, and you’ll soon develop your ability to write them. You’ll also have texts that you can turn into articles or books.
Sharing what you’ve learned in your journey through the mountains of life can greatly help others.
People need to have well written resumes. They are generally required in seeking jobs and promotions. They can also be useful in applying for college admission, scholarships and internships. Applications for leadership and service opportunities in community and professional organizations may also require them. Those invited to speak or write for publication must also provide them. Nominees for awards are frequently asked to submit them. Create a resume that will help others see how unique you are.
To learn how to make your creative writing manuscripts more publishable, consider taking my fall 2016 editing class. I will teach it from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Sept. 22 and 29 and Oct. 6, 2016. This will be offered as part of the community education program of North East ISD in San Antonio, Texas. To read a description of the class in the adult program catalog and learn how to register for it, visit https://communityed.neisd.net. This can help you on your road to success.
Creating a positive and professional image on the internet depends on your having a website that can help you shine.
High-quality writing on the site of your legal, medical or other professional practice or company is critical to achieving this goal. This is because it’s read by those who can become great clients, employees, referral sources, vendors and project partners.
Your text should be clear and concise and free of technical jargon. Use a large-sized font with black letters on a white background. Write at a level between the eighth and twelfth grade. To do this, use Microsoft Word’s readability statistics feature. Have only a few homepage links to offer viewers quick access to what they need. Provide contact information for all staff. Have your site’s text and design critiqued by a writing consultant to improve it.
Doing all of this should help you be successful.
Jan Kilby, Writing Consultant 