How to Choose a Topic

AdminFran — Thu, 30 May 2024 21:15:35 +0000

by Fran Geiger Joslin

A friend of mine feels the Lord nudging her to write. Her question to me? “How do you figure out what to write about?”

When just dipping your toe into the writing waters, begin with a topic you already know. Writing about something familiar to you eliminates the need for research. You can trust your own information.

Also, write about what ignites your passion. Your writing will begin with one leg up if you feel fiery passion for the topic. The passion will naturally rise to the occasion if you draw on your fury, hunger, or obsession, for example.

Next, write a short, simple outline. Don’t try to flesh it out yet. Start by writing a sentence and then a paragraph. Flesh out your outline. Now complete a first draft, making the effort to enhance your wording, grammar, and reading level. Consider your audience and your purpose.

Another consideration comes when you write for any purpose other than for yourself. In that instance, you must think about what other people find interesting or possibly what your boss asks you to write. This can prove a little tricky because you may not know anything about the topic, and it may not spark any passion. In that case, challenge yourself to great writing even if the topic feels a little mundane. Great wording goes a long way.

How does one accomplish “great wording,” you ask? Active words, words that draw vivid pictures in the mind, and words that grab attention all work together to create a beautiful masterpiece. Use your thesaurus to help you find imaginative words. It’s not cheating. It’s being resourceful.

Enjoy the process and open your mind to learning. Your readers will thank you.

10 Fail-Proof Writing Tips

AdminFran — Mon, 29 Apr 2024 16:59:32 +0000

by Fran Geiger Joslin

Writing can feel overwhelming and difficult, especially when getting started. I recommend writing a paragraph or blog-length article first. Then go back through your piece, tweaking it with each tip below to gain more interesting content. The more you practice following these rules, the more your writing will improve.

KISS—The acronym, “keep it simple, stupid” works well in writing. Although I love great descriptive words, I recommend shying away from words the average person won’t know. You lose readers when trying to impress with big words.
Put great action words to use. Instead of saying, “George had some cherries,” say, “George gobbled up a handful of cherries.”
Eliminate as many “to be” verbs as possible (am, are, is, was, were). If you use them sparingly, they will pack a bigger punch. Instead of saying, “Sarah was going to the store in anger,” say, “Sarah stomped angrily to the store.”
Replace words like “have, had, and has been” with action words. Instead of saying, “Ralph had played baseball for the Texas Rangers,” say, “Ralph played baseball for the Texas Rangers” or “Ralph once played baseball for the Texas Rangers.” The past tense usage of the word “had” can often take a hike. Instead of “Sharon has pneumonia,” say “Sharon contracted pneumonia.”
Repeat words sparingly. Only use repetition to make a point. Utilize your thesaurus to find great words. I highlight repeated words and then one by one find new words to replace them.
Never begin a sentence with a preposition: In, with, about, etc. Instead of saying, “In February, I put up my Christmas decorations,” say, “I finally packed up my Christmas decorations around Valentine’s Day.”
Instead of vague words like “it, them, they, this, etc.” use clear subject words even if you restate the subject for clarity.
Welcome editing. Even the best writers need editors. Make your editor your best friend. It’s his job to make you look good. Embrace the learning and “tweaking” process.
Join a writers’ group. Writing without input and guidance from others will fall flat.
Hone your craft. Constantly challenge yourself to better writing, and practice, practice, practice.

Writing secrets – ABH

How to Choose a Topic

10 Fail-Proof Writing Tips