Writing process, improvement

What is freewriting in the writing process?

Step 2: Get words on paper

There comes a point in any writing project when you need to follow Ernest Hemingway’s first rule for writers: Apply the seat of your pants to the seat of a chair.… Read the full article

Why is the writing process important?

It helps you write better, easier & faster

When I’m feeling whiny about how hard writing is, I turn to my file of quotes from the pros.… Read the full article

Who rocked our one-sentence-story contest?

Winner is witty, pithy and wise

Last month, I challenged you to model my favorite city magazine, Portland Monthly, and write a one-sentence story. Models included:

“News that Powell’s Books and Rogue Ales are collaborating on a beer infused with actual pages of Moby Dick raises the troubling prospect of 50 Shades of Grey-flavored absinthe.”

“Yamhill’s new high school viticulture program easily trumps the self-taught alcohol curriculum offered at most high schools.”

“History’s most depressing souvenir knickknack arrives: the newly released Portland skyline rain globe.”

Thirteen of you rose to the challenge.… Read the full article

Are split infinitives still a grammar don’t?

It may be the most famous split infinitive of all time — Star Trek’s opening-sequence voice over:

“To boldly go where no man has gone before”

That’s a split infinitive, because the adverb “boldly” separates, or splits, the verb “to go.”

So, is that OK?… Read the full article

How to write in the brand voice

Do your brand voice guidelines tell people what to write, but not how?

Let me turn your voice guidelines into a series of writing techniques.… Read the full article

Don’t let the editor in

I definitely agree with American author Robert Cormier who said “The beautiful part of writing is that you don’t have to get it right the first time, unlike, say, a brain surgeon.”

When I started writing this piece, I wasn’t sure how to spell Robert Cormier’s last name, and I didn’t know what he’d written.… Read the full article

Time to book 1st quarter 2012 workshops

Have you been thinking about bringing me in for a writing workshop early next year?

If so, let’s act fast.… Read the full article

How has technology changed our writing skills?

Do the tools we use matter?

Tears welled and teeth gnashed after the world’s last office typewriter factory — Godrej & Boyce in Mumbai, India — announced that it would close.… Read the full article

Make Ann your personal trainer

Pump up your writing with one-on-one coaching

Ever wish you had a writing coach — sort of a personal editorial trainer? In customized one-on-one consultations, I’ll help you jump-start your writing skills, recharge your batteries and get your creative juices flowing.… Read the full article

Rev up your writing

Check out the new RevUpReadership.com

We’ve revved up RevUpReadership.com, the toolbox for writers, is now better than ever. Now she’s faster, friendlier and more fascinating — not to mention waaaaay better looking.… Read the full article