Writing How Tos and Round-ups

Been busily writing a lot of how tos and I do a monthly column with a round-up of new and updated mobile software. It’s easy to write these types of articles, but they do present a challenge: repetition. As I write them, it feels like I’ve said the same stuff many times before with the … Read more

Blog vs. Post/Entry

Talk about confusing. MySpace says, “Post new blog.” You click “Post Blog” button after writing the entry. A business magazine recently encouraged readers to add a blog. In this case, it was talking about adding an “entry.” A new entry can’t be defined as a new blog. A blog consists of entries. Entries consist of … Read more

Show Numbers as Figures in Online Content

All numbers should appear as figures with the exception of: * Phrases and sayings. * Proper names. * First word in a sentence — better to rewrite so it isn’t the first word. Headlines like “5 Steps to…” are exempt. * Mentioned in a sentence where the number isn’t an important fact (I know this … Read more

Getting Published and Working the Internet Interview

Busy with getting my 50 pages done by tomorrow… only one-third of the way there. So taking the easy way out and pointing to People In The Know, a site that shares experience, knowledge and life tips. Bobby Ellis, the person behind the site, conducts interviews with experts in various jobs and industries to share … Read more

Writing with a Short Deadline

Must blog fast. Finally got go ahead on a project with about 150 written pages due before May 1. Best thing to do is just type it all out. Don’t worry about being perfect. Once the content is on paper… it’s easier to modify and beautify. This material has sidebars/boxes. Those I’ll fill in after … Read more

That's Fort Worth, Mr. Attorney

Do you want to hire an attorney who can’t spell the location of where he serves? Note the ad identifies the attorney’s specialty as “DWI.” I wonder if the lawyer was TWI (typing while intoxicated). I was born and bred in Fort Worth, and I’m a proud Cowtown native. I’ve seen my share of “Forth … Read more

Hearing Words in Your Head

In talking about speed reading, Scott H. Young mentions a word I hadn’t come across: Subvocalization. He defines it: “Subvocalization is saying the words inside your head as you read them.” I’ve done this almost my entire life and didn’t know there was a word for it. Hearing words in my head is a natural … Read more

Freelance vs. Corporate

Matthew Jordan, a freelance designer, explores the benefits of being a lone freelancer. Though I’m a freelance writer rather than a designer, both share many things in common. I started writing on the side as a part-time gig while holding a corporate job for the benefits and security. I made the move to full-time freelancing … Read more