Better ways to write (almost) everything
Do you have a great idea for a book, but don’t know how to go about writing and producing it?
Does writing a book seem a lovely idea, but as such a large project is a bit scary – especially if it’s your first one?
That wonderful feeling when your new book is actually published and out there…me with my latest. (And over-bleached hair – apologies.) Photo by Kate Everall https://www.kateeverallphotography.com/
Have you ever looked at something you’ve just written and thought, “that first paragraph isn’t needed?
No? Well, maybe you should. Even we pro writers often go back and chop off the first paragraph or even two, and let the blog, article or other piece of writing start a few lines along, when we really get down to business.
Either leave preambles and back stories out altogether, in a box, or at the back.
It’s a bit like when you start your car on a cold morning. I know most modern cars have automatic chokes, but you still don’t get the best performance from even a late model Bentley until the engine has warmed up. [Read more…]
If you ever have had a book proposal turned down by publishers (and haven’t we all?) you’ll identify with excerpts from this online conversation online I had recently with an author whose feelings of dreadful frustration stormed out of every one of his words: see below…
You have something new and interesting to say about Elvis (or another celebrity, cause or concern) in a book. Here are some thoughts on how to get that book out there and selling even if you’re not a well-known author or personality.
ELVIS FANS – I wrote an interesting book about Elvis – publishers think there isn’t a platform for ELVIS???
Looking for a publisher – here’s one critique:
“Thanks for thinking of me for this. I’ve read and talked this over with some colleagues who also handle music books. While (name of author) has a really interesting perspective, we feel pretty strongly that the market for Elvis books is so crowded that a new one would need to come from someone with a bigger platform or access than (name of author) has here. Best of luck placing this great project!”
NO ONE HAS THIS PERSPECTIVE!!! It’s a good book! Publishing business is CRAZY!!!! Still millions of fans worldwide. [Read more…]
ReaderReady? Yes, I just coined that word. It means the same as most of the terms and descriptions mentioned below going back to about the 1950s or so. So why is it new?
In both business writing and sales, success now lies in conversations – not presentations.
Short answer? It isn’t. But along with every new incarnation of the concept, we get the accompanying yee-hahs and whizzing bow ties assuring us that this is how we should be writing our books, online content, blogs, ad copy, and everything else down to the note you stick on your front door asking the delivery people to leave your stuff around the back. [Read more…]
Updated and republished July 13th, 2019: Déjà Vu for You Too? Some updated smiles for you …
Thanks to Nigel Jamie Bangs who originally shared this gag on my Facebook group, The Joke Street Journal (please join if you want some good laughs.) The original thought was this: 
And that got me thinking. So I started writing…..and writing…..and writing……and I came up with the following. Now in July 2019 I have come up with a few more. But … let’s get you thinking of even more!
Déjà Boo: Boring people with ghost stories when it isn’t Halloween
Déjà Blue: Long-standing UK Conservative / US Democrat voter [Read more…]
Getting married this year? Welcome John Daulton from Your UK Wedding Directory who explains how to set up a low-cost yet effective wedding website to capture all those memories forever.
by John Daulton
So… you’re getting married and you know you’d like to document it and keep reminders of it in every way you can. You’ve hired the photographer, and you know your friends will be there taking videos and photos with their smartphones. What else can you do to keep the memories alive? [Read more…]
Suzan St Maur
Here on How To Write Better, you'll learn how to improve your writing of...
*Nonfiction
*Fiction
*Poetry
*Humour
*Speeches and Talks
*Wedding Speeches
*Social Writing
*Grammar
*Business
*Marketing
*Blogging
*Social Media
*Video and Audio
*Job Search
*Training
*and much more
... in more than 1,500 articles and tutorials by some of the English language's top writing experts. Find what you need in the SEARCH box top right.
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Out this summer ... the book that tells it all for nonfiction authors! Click on image for more info. Pre-order coming soon...
Amazon (genuine) bestseller every Holiday Season! This little book is a firm favourite with horsey families and makes the ideal gift for anyone who loves riding. Compiled by Suzan St Maur.
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--------------------------------------------------------The no-bullsh*t guide to writing blogs that boost your brand, business and customer loyalty..."At long last, some common sense writing about how businesses can use blogging effectively." Written by Suzan St Maur.
--------------------------------------------------------"This book is by no means all encompassing, but in it author Suzan St Maur has researched and shared several hundred of the most commonly used terms. Not only do we now know what they all mean but, where appropriate, we also learn their origins – some of which are fascinating and very surprising."
--------------------------------------------------------Great little book for anyone who enjoys dining out and wants to learn the right issues to write about in reviews for Trip Advisor etc. Written by the late Sam Worthington, superb chef, restaurant critic and bon viveur...
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Weddings during coronavirus: how you can still write (and give) a great speech
howtowritebetter.net/wedding-speeches-during-coronavirus-restrictions/
Weddings during coronavirus: you can still write (and give) a great speech | How To Write Better
howtowritebetter.net
The coronavirus pandemic has seen many weddings cancelled but gradually, some weddings are going ahead on a small scale. Here's how to give a speech to suit.ALTHOUGH I DON'T WRITE AD COPY ANY MORE, YOU MIGHT FIND SOME OF MY PAST TIPS USEFUL! For example ... do you know how to express your 'USP?' (Unique Selling Proposition/Point?) And do you know why your USP is so important to support your brand?
howtowritebetter.net/copywriting-how-to-write-a-powerful-usp/
Copywriting: how to write a powerful USP that attracts customers and prospects | How To Write Better
howtowritebetter.net
A USP - Unique Selling Point (or Proposition) is all well and good, but today it must address what's in it for the customer. Here's how to do it...
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