Writing process, improvement

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

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

Last typewriter factory (sort of) closes

Tears welled and teeth gnashed last month 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

Writing report card

Make sure your copy makes the grade

Too often, the job of producing communications leaves little time for considering what you’re doing well and what opportunities you have for improvement.

… Read the full article

Reality check

Do you know who I think I am?

In 1998, I told an embarrassing story about another person in this e-zine. Even today, the details remain too painful to reveal.… Read the full article