Full Circle Communications


December 2010
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past issues
Scan past issues on such topics as design tips for writers and speechwriting.
ease in writing?
"Ease in writing" comes from a poem by Alexander Pope, the British poet:

True ease in writing comes from art, not chance,
As those move easiest who have learn'd to dance.

Note he (and I) didn't say "easy writing." But just as dance lessons can help get you around the floor more gracefully, the goal for this newsletter is to share a tip or two to improve your writing.
Happy Holidays!
2010 Bye, 2010. Here's to a productive, healthy, and sane 2011. (We can only hope.)

Thank you for subscribing to this newsletter, and warmest regards,

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Paula Tarnapol Whitacre
Full Circle Communications
Catching Up on a Year of Writing Tips

LeafEach month, this newsletter covers a topic related to writing or editing. Often, the subjects stem from a question that someone asks me--or that I wonder about myself.

Didn't read all the issues this year? No worries. Check out the Ease in Writing archives.

Or, check out a specific topic. Here's a rundown of 2010 issues, with a few points from each.

Annual (or other big-deal) Reports (January)
  • Dream a big idea--a unifying theme or message
  • Don't write about every program from every department
  • Marry content + design
  • Read more tips here.
     
Writing Coaches: Can They Help You? (February)
  • Know what a coach can and cannot do for you
  • Pick a compatible coach--chemistry is critical to success
  • Read more tips here.
     
Overcoming Writer's Block (March)
  • Set a slightly tight deadline
  • Break the project into pieces
  • Walk away for a break
  • Read more tips here.
     
Writing Useful Survey Questions (April)
  • Let the survey purpose guide your questions
  • Keep it simple
  • Always pre-test
  • Read more tips here.

Writing Under a Deadline (May)
  • Understand the assignment before you start
  • Divide the time into pieces for drafting and revising
  • Solve one small problem at a time.
  • Read more tips here.

 

Tighten Up Your Writing, Part 1 (June)
  • Begin sentences with the "who" and the "what"
  • Fall out of love with what you wrote if it doesn't serve your piece
  • Read more tips here.

 

Tighten Up Your Writing, Part 2 (July)
  • Take out extra adverbs like "actually" and "essentially"
  • Let verbs be verbs: "demonstrate" rather than "have a demonstration"
  • Decrease your use of the word "there"
  • Read more tips here
     
De-Clutter for Better Writing (August)
  • Use the area near your computer as "prime real estate" for most-used items
  • Put items in see-through containers if you need to see them to remember them
  • Schedule short maintenance periods so you're not overwhelmed.
  • Read more tips here.

Search Less [on your computer], Write More (September)
  • Keep the hierarchy simple
  • Develop a consistent file-naming system
  • Label photos and other digital assets; delete your crummy photos
  • Read more tips here.

How to Write an Op-Ed (October)
  • Challenge conventional wisdom
  • Find a surprising messenger to byline the op-ed
  • Draw on authentic experience.
  • Read more tips here.


Preparing a Professional Podcast (November)
  • Write for the ear
  • Let the tape speak for itself
  • Know your "podcast-ee" before you start recording for a better interview
  • Read more tips here.
     
 Get in Touch!

Do you have a book, website, or blog to share with other readers in 2011?

Do you have a question related to writing or editing I can cover in this newsletter, or suggestions about how I can make past issues more useful to you or your colleagues?

Please let me know.
Full Circle Communications, LLC / Alexandria, VA / 703.212.0349