writing Archives - Page 2 of 2 - Scott Flood Writing

Seven steps for making writing easier

November 16, 2021 by Scott Flood

“I hate writing!” Perhaps that should be music to my ears because it ensures a steady stream of work, but it saddens me. Many people dislike (or even fear) writing and are intimidated by knitting words into sentences and sentences into paragraphs. Nearly everyone needs to write now and again. Being able to assemble words … Read more

Improve your writing by starting in the middle

June 23, 2020 by Scott Flood

Many people regard having to write as sheer torture. Unfortunately, nearly every job or business endeavor demands a certain amount of that torture. The good news is that there’s a simple trick that can make your writing easier and more effective. That trick is starting somewhere in the middle. If that sounds odd, consider that … Read more

What color is your copy?

June 17, 2020 by Scott Flood

Want to know how effective your copy is likely to be? To find out, highlight it in two different colors. Whether you’re developing a blog post, a brochure, a web page, or any other channel, take a few moments to highlight all of the sentences that are really about your customer and his or her … Read more

When you write, write to Mom

February 12, 2020 by Scott Flood

Want a simple way to write more clearly and effectively? When you begin to write a letter, a memo, or an email, write it to your mother. Or you could write to your best friend or your Aunt Agatha. The key is that you want to write to someone you know instead to of a … Read more

JUST WRITE SOMETHING, ANYTHING

October 15, 2014 by Scott Flood

One of the most commonly expressed frustrations about writing is the inability to get started. Whether someone has to write something for work, for school, or for any other purpose, nine times out of ten, their struggle begins with the first words they need to put on the page. Some people call it writer’s block, … Read more

JUST WHAT KIND OF WRITER ARE YOU, ANYWAY?

July 17, 2013 by Scott Flood

Although nearly everyone knows what writers do, it’s amazing how few people really understand how business writers earn a living. When people find out that I write, most make certain assumptions about what I do and why I do it.

For example, many people start talking about novels and writing books, and assume I must be furiously at work on a novel. When I explained that the writing I do is more prosaic and less about prose, they don’t understand. To many of them, writing isn’t legitimate unless it’s fictional or destined for entertainment.

SAVE YOUR BEST WORK FOR EDITING

July 27, 2011 by Scott Flood

One of the surest signs of a professional writer is that his or her first drafts are absolutely terrible and often unreadable.

Surprised? It’s true. While most non-writers assume that those of us who earn a living stringing words together try to create brilliance and beauty with every keystroke, the simple fact is that our real skill emerges in the rewrite stage.

YOU REALLY SHOULDN’T BE WRITING YOUR OWN COPY

March 25, 2010 by Scott Flood

No, I’m not questioning your ability to write. I’m suggesting that it may not make sense for you to handle your own writing projects. Why? Several reasons: