We writers know that research is one of the real three rs, don’t we? It’s the foundation of everything we do. Therefore, you have to take it seriously and do all your research up front before you start writing. Because you can’t start writing if you don’t understand your subject. Alas, no. If you happen […]
Writing Process
Three Steps To Getting Good, Usable Feedback On Writing
Welcome to part two of my short series on reader feedback for writers (not sure if you’re a writer? Look here to find out). Last week I outlined my reasons for not listening to the feedback offered by just any old body. Today we’ll go through the necessary—if not sufficient—steps you’ll need to take in […]
Just Because It’s Hurting Doesn’t Mean It’s Working: Why You Should Largely Ignore Reader Feedback
Tell people you’re writing something and it brings out their inner critic. They’ll queue up to give you their unsolicited opinion. Even perfectly benign souls find it hard not to rip your work to the kind of shreds which wouldn’t be out of place on a pulled pork sandwich. Faced with these acts of savagery, […]
The Pen is Mightier than the Word Processor
It may be Bank Holiday Monday, but I’m still thinking of writing (and if you’re here on the day itself, I’m guessing you are, too). Today I’m thinking about how much I love writing with real pens and pencils on real, physical paper. And as you might expect from one with analogue sensibilities, I have […]
You’re a Writer. Oh Yes You Are
Whenever people find out what I do, and usually when I first speak to clients, they tell me how much they hated English at school and how uncomfortable they feel expressing themselves in writing. In one way I think this is great: it means I’ll have a job for a while longer. But […]
