Today, Terry and I attended a campaign event in Church Hill, Tennessee. There was food and drink along with a live band playing country and bluegrass music. Mark Johnson, who is running for Hawkins County Sheriff was there along with his wife Tammy, and many others. There was a sizeable crowd at the event.
So how is campaigning like writing? The writer had better have words that fill the reader up and have them coming back for more. Not just any filler word will do... words need to be crafted together making for a good story that's easy to follow. Also the readers, like any audience, need to be hooked.
If the words aren't right they won't ring true, in a speech or in an article. The reader and the audience won't respond and at worst, leave alienated. The call to action needs to be well done... after all that's what gets the reader/voter to take the desired action. The wrong words will hit the audience like a ton of bricks.
The writer/campaigner needs to know who their audience is and use the right words that 'speak' to their following. They need to be sure they have targeted this audience correctly and identified who this group is. The audience's language needs to be spoken. The audience must identify with the writer/campaigner as being either one of them or a friend to them. Their tune has to be played, a tune that's the real deal... or the action taken will be a quick exit.
A writer is basically campaigning with their audience getting the vote, sale or the article read. And a good campaigner had better be a good writer or at least have one on his staff. Writing very well might be what the whole campaign is about... whether read by the audience or spoken aloud by the one campaigning.
So not all campaigning is all bad and not all writers are good. But if you want to win you had better know what you're doing to get the results you want to get. Both campaigning and writing are very much alike.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Monday, February 8, 2010
Not a Grammarian Nor Ever Played One on TV
Grammar is important, but not the most important element to writing. And no, I'm not a grammarian nor have I ever played one on TV. In fact, whenever we started covering the grammar rules in elementary school, my dad always got orders to a new base. The new place always just finished going over the rules by the time I got there.
Pretty nifty deal for a kid not to have to study that yucky stuff.
Fast forward to my Navy days and Russian class. Although I had a good head for grammar and was usually pretty good at knowing what was correct, but not why... that lack of knowledge came back to bite me in the butt. Russian is extremely hard to learn. You have to do more than guess at the grammar rules, you need not only to know them inside out, but you must understand how they work interactively.
How does that apply to writing? After my fiasco with Russian, I later studied the grammar rules. Although I don't know them all, I have a fair understanding of most of them. As a writer you need to know those rules inside out. It makes you a better writer. Also when you intentionally break the rules, you actually know what you're doing and why. And your writing also has the appearance you know what you're doing with the words, instead of looking like some fool wrote the stuff in a hit or miss way.
Some things look plain wrong, even if you know what you're doing. Don't let the words stick out like a sore thumb waiting for your reader to trip over them. That's the fastest way to get rid of readers. So don't look like a bumbling idiot.
So, no you don't have to be a total grammarian... or even play one on TV. Just know your audience and write to them.
Pretty nifty deal for a kid not to have to study that yucky stuff.
Fast forward to my Navy days and Russian class. Although I had a good head for grammar and was usually pretty good at knowing what was correct, but not why... that lack of knowledge came back to bite me in the butt. Russian is extremely hard to learn. You have to do more than guess at the grammar rules, you need not only to know them inside out, but you must understand how they work interactively.
How does that apply to writing? After my fiasco with Russian, I later studied the grammar rules. Although I don't know them all, I have a fair understanding of most of them. As a writer you need to know those rules inside out. It makes you a better writer. Also when you intentionally break the rules, you actually know what you're doing and why. And your writing also has the appearance you know what you're doing with the words, instead of looking like some fool wrote the stuff in a hit or miss way.
Some things look plain wrong, even if you know what you're doing. Don't let the words stick out like a sore thumb waiting for your reader to trip over them. That's the fastest way to get rid of readers. So don't look like a bumbling idiot.
So, no you don't have to be a total grammarian... or even play one on TV. Just know your audience and write to them.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Downtown Kingsport, Tennessee
Hometown of the Southern Fried Scribe... The Best Place to Start a Small Business According to CNN Money. Bring Your Website Writing & Article Needs to the Southern Fried Scribe & let her weave that word magic that get you the desired results... be it more business or more readers.
The Powers That Be and Whatnots Getting Too Big For Their Britches... A Writer's Rant
When will the powers that be realize that most people, as in their reader audience and not-so-adoring public, don't like having stuff crammed and jammed forcefully into their heads? Readers don't want a certain element running their lives for them. These rogue fringe types DON'T know what's best for the audience. Only problem is, these types are getting more prevalent, and from what I see, tend to come from the left and are the hardline thinkers.
I, for one, am no longer willing to pay for their sham superiority in allegedly knowing what's best for me. I'm also tired of paying for and giving a certain element a free ride. If you live in this country, whether a legal or illegal, you need to be paying into the system. Those that don't pay shouldn't get anything... or they should get out and quit dragging the rest of us down beneath their level of nothingness. They can take their sense of entitlement and leave the rest of us alone.
Nobody is freakin' entitled to anything. Get a job... and get a life. Write the real deal. Pay your own way or go home. And don't try to cram your dufus belief system on me. I for one don't want to pay for other people's mistakes or others' stuff, like their health insurance. I don't want to pay a bigger dufus' bonus, especially when they failed.
Can I fail as a writer and still get paid? Am I entitled to anything I want, just because I want it?
I don't like all this government intrusion into my life... which means I'll have to give them more of my hard-earned money for all this stuff that really doesn't benefit me. Writing is hard... and why should they reap what's mine?
What does this have to do with writing? Plenty. There's no place for arrogant and chauvinistic writing in the real world. A wannabe hack without a brain can write that junk. It's not ethical. It's not fair. And it's just plain stupid.
That kind of writing is an insult that talks down to the reader audience. And then this element decides not to play nice and change the rules when they're in control. But, oh my, should you try their tactics on them, and they go running off screaming and crying to Momma like a bunch of big whiners.
They are the slick greasy types selling you a bill of goods. They do their best to scare you into their way of thinking... as if you'll wimp out and capitulate. Or they'll smear their fake & smug superiority all over you to the point you feel like you need a long hot shower to get the ooze off of you. They use sham words.
If you should disagree with them, they'll start calling you evil... like it's illegal to disagree with them. Those types aren't listening. And they'll get the wake up call too late. They won't know what hit them.
I think it's high time to take back our money and our words from these dream slayers and mind numbers. They'll try to wear you down by saying the same old thing over and over. Being original just isn't their thing.
And they won't allow you to filibuster them or tack on idiot amendments like they did to you. This matter isn't open for discussion. Even if you have legit questions, you are oh so evil for wanting to question them even once. Your words won't see the light of day.
This is one filly that'll go down with fighting words. You might take my money but you can't confiscate my words or quench my writing passion. You will lose this battle with the mighty pen. You might end up with all my money... but I will have the last word in.
Hah. So there. Consider yourself slashed with the mighty pen... you Powers That Be. Yes, this is a writer's rant... I have one every now and then.
I, for one, am no longer willing to pay for their sham superiority in allegedly knowing what's best for me. I'm also tired of paying for and giving a certain element a free ride. If you live in this country, whether a legal or illegal, you need to be paying into the system. Those that don't pay shouldn't get anything... or they should get out and quit dragging the rest of us down beneath their level of nothingness. They can take their sense of entitlement and leave the rest of us alone.
Nobody is freakin' entitled to anything. Get a job... and get a life. Write the real deal. Pay your own way or go home. And don't try to cram your dufus belief system on me. I for one don't want to pay for other people's mistakes or others' stuff, like their health insurance. I don't want to pay a bigger dufus' bonus, especially when they failed.
Can I fail as a writer and still get paid? Am I entitled to anything I want, just because I want it?
I don't like all this government intrusion into my life... which means I'll have to give them more of my hard-earned money for all this stuff that really doesn't benefit me. Writing is hard... and why should they reap what's mine?
What does this have to do with writing? Plenty. There's no place for arrogant and chauvinistic writing in the real world. A wannabe hack without a brain can write that junk. It's not ethical. It's not fair. And it's just plain stupid.
That kind of writing is an insult that talks down to the reader audience. And then this element decides not to play nice and change the rules when they're in control. But, oh my, should you try their tactics on them, and they go running off screaming and crying to Momma like a bunch of big whiners.
They are the slick greasy types selling you a bill of goods. They do their best to scare you into their way of thinking... as if you'll wimp out and capitulate. Or they'll smear their fake & smug superiority all over you to the point you feel like you need a long hot shower to get the ooze off of you. They use sham words.
If you should disagree with them, they'll start calling you evil... like it's illegal to disagree with them. Those types aren't listening. And they'll get the wake up call too late. They won't know what hit them.
I think it's high time to take back our money and our words from these dream slayers and mind numbers. They'll try to wear you down by saying the same old thing over and over. Being original just isn't their thing.
And they won't allow you to filibuster them or tack on idiot amendments like they did to you. This matter isn't open for discussion. Even if you have legit questions, you are oh so evil for wanting to question them even once. Your words won't see the light of day.
This is one filly that'll go down with fighting words. You might take my money but you can't confiscate my words or quench my writing passion. You will lose this battle with the mighty pen. You might end up with all my money... but I will have the last word in.
Hah. So there. Consider yourself slashed with the mighty pen... you Powers That Be. Yes, this is a writer's rant... I have one every now and then.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
When You Don't Get Paid... Or You're Slowly Paid...This Is the Saga With No End
You know the drill... you worked hard on that project, like always. But the check isn't forthcoming as promised. Nobody likes not getting paid or paid so slowly it doesn't even feel like a trickle. But this is an age old problem when you work for yourself, whether you freelance up at the courthouse or you're a freelance copywriter.
You know the scenario... they promised they'd pay you, but oh please, just go ahead and do the work, you'll get paid. Or we'll pay you net 30, no problem at all. Hey, in certain industries you don't get any money upfront.
Yep, the risk is all on you... and so what you have kids in college and y'all like to eat? Tough munchies. Suck it up and you'll get paid when WE decide to pay you. What a bad attitude and tired old story. But what can you do about it?
You have a quick turnaround time or deadline on your work. You're expected to do more for less. And you get griped out if the client doesn't have it in 24--48 hours or you don't want to do more for less. And they pay you LATE? And you're NOT supposed to say anything about it, let alone ASK for your pay? People, get real.
Well Bubba I have news for you. All this freelancing stuff is intellectual property and as a result, buddy, there's a copyright on it. And until you fork over the money and it actually clears the bank, that work doesn't belong to you. Nope, it's not yours.
So quit acting really put out when asked for what belongs to us. I should think 30 days is more than a reasonable amount of time to put the check in the mail... so we get it by next week. Maybe all freelancers, even the courthouse types, not just the copywriters, should be payed up front.
You pay us dead last because you absolutely do NOT value what we do. You low ball us down to peanuts and you still won't pay us. What's the deal here? We still have to pay bills and eat. Not that you care or anything.
When you consistently don't pay us or are rather late all the time, it's really hard to pay bills on time... forget eating. You are hurting kids and families. How would you like it if the same happened to you?
Now if this is happening to you too, you've got my sympathy. But you still need to be paying something on a regular basis. And please don't go into hiding like you're in some witness protection program or something. Talk to the people you owe and keep us informed.
Think about it, if you keep not paying or enough of you consistently pay late... who do you think will be left to do your work for you? Some cheap flake database riddled with inaccuracies or some hack who can't write their way out of a paper bag?
Is that really what you want? Just pay us already and treat us decently. Guess what? When you do and a favor is needed we'll be on your side ready to help. Treat us like dirt and guess what you'll get when you ask?
I'm not talking about the good guys who fall on hard times and try to work something out. I'm not talking about the guys who keep you informed or might have a glitch in their system every once in a great while. I'm talking about the guys who totally disappear on you, except for their voicemail which must end up in a black hole somewhere.
You know who you are. You're the ones who never are available and consistently stiff people... even to the tune of thousands of dollars.
To the good guys, I say thanks and keep on doing what you're doing. You've got it right. You're the stellar clients it's always a pleasure to work with. And if we can, we try to send business your way.
To the bad guys... please just pay up... and then go away... far, far away. And to the ones who stiff us significantly, fate has a way of catching up. I hope it bites you in the butt. You're truly the saga with no end...
You know the scenario... they promised they'd pay you, but oh please, just go ahead and do the work, you'll get paid. Or we'll pay you net 30, no problem at all. Hey, in certain industries you don't get any money upfront.
Yep, the risk is all on you... and so what you have kids in college and y'all like to eat? Tough munchies. Suck it up and you'll get paid when WE decide to pay you. What a bad attitude and tired old story. But what can you do about it?
You have a quick turnaround time or deadline on your work. You're expected to do more for less. And you get griped out if the client doesn't have it in 24--48 hours or you don't want to do more for less. And they pay you LATE? And you're NOT supposed to say anything about it, let alone ASK for your pay? People, get real.
Well Bubba I have news for you. All this freelancing stuff is intellectual property and as a result, buddy, there's a copyright on it. And until you fork over the money and it actually clears the bank, that work doesn't belong to you. Nope, it's not yours.
So quit acting really put out when asked for what belongs to us. I should think 30 days is more than a reasonable amount of time to put the check in the mail... so we get it by next week. Maybe all freelancers, even the courthouse types, not just the copywriters, should be payed up front.
You pay us dead last because you absolutely do NOT value what we do. You low ball us down to peanuts and you still won't pay us. What's the deal here? We still have to pay bills and eat. Not that you care or anything.
When you consistently don't pay us or are rather late all the time, it's really hard to pay bills on time... forget eating. You are hurting kids and families. How would you like it if the same happened to you?
Now if this is happening to you too, you've got my sympathy. But you still need to be paying something on a regular basis. And please don't go into hiding like you're in some witness protection program or something. Talk to the people you owe and keep us informed.
Think about it, if you keep not paying or enough of you consistently pay late... who do you think will be left to do your work for you? Some cheap flake database riddled with inaccuracies or some hack who can't write their way out of a paper bag?
Is that really what you want? Just pay us already and treat us decently. Guess what? When you do and a favor is needed we'll be on your side ready to help. Treat us like dirt and guess what you'll get when you ask?
I'm not talking about the good guys who fall on hard times and try to work something out. I'm not talking about the guys who keep you informed or might have a glitch in their system every once in a great while. I'm talking about the guys who totally disappear on you, except for their voicemail which must end up in a black hole somewhere.
You know who you are. You're the ones who never are available and consistently stiff people... even to the tune of thousands of dollars.
To the good guys, I say thanks and keep on doing what you're doing. You've got it right. You're the stellar clients it's always a pleasure to work with. And if we can, we try to send business your way.
To the bad guys... please just pay up... and then go away... far, far away. And to the ones who stiff us significantly, fate has a way of catching up. I hope it bites you in the butt. You're truly the saga with no end...
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Marketing With the Economy In Mind… Creating the Right Mindset
Saturday, February 21st, 2009
Marketing is really about the right mindset. And with the soured economy marketing is an even more precious commodity. Whether you’re a copywriter or an article writer, you need to know your market. Some may still spend money without giving much thought to it, but many are cutting back.
This is a snowball effect. One client shops around looking for cheaper rates because they budget got sliced in half. Or their clients low-ball them on price because the clients had their budget slashed. So this first client finds the lower rate and then come back to you.
You can do two things. Let the client walk thinking they’re being short-sighted. Or you accept working for a lower price. It used to be you could let them walk and they’d later come back. This isn’t so anymore. You have to eat and you’ve got a family counting on your income that just suddenly got slashed in half.
It’s happening everywhere, not just in the writing field. Hubs works in the pre-employment court record research field and he’s getting killed with business slacking off, cut more in half AND lowering his rates so he doesn’t lose anymore than what he already has.
Oh yeah, you still have to eat and the kids do too. But, you know what? Your clients don’t care. Not really. You not getting to eat doesn’t affect them. As long as they can get somebody out there writing copy or articles that makes them money and their benefits are intact, what happens to you doesn’t affect them either.
So, what do you do? You figure out how to market more effectively. You get inside your market’s head. You find what their sweet spot is and what problems cause them the most pain. What do your clients value the most? And where do you, the writer fall into this order of importance?
First you need to show the clients why your copy is a highly valued commodity. What makes yor copy stand out from all the other copy out there? What do you the writer uniquely bring to the table that’s going to bring in more bacon? Why do the clients want you and your work?
Don’t fake it and give a bunch of puffed up hype. Be the real honest deal. A fake can be spotted as soon as they open their mouth or put pen to paper.
You can use the client’s pain to your advantage. You weave your words so the client feels they found out what their problem is. Then you walk them through the letter, website or article until they get to the solution. But the client must feel they found the solution, even though your words led them there.
You don’t stop there. Remind them of the pain and give them ownership of the solution. Paint a picture of the good life with the client in the picture. If they feel they own the solution, actually buying it becomes that much easier.
Hang the economy. Someone always can come up with the money if they really want to. But you do have to be realistic and charge what is a reasonable rate, even if it is less than you used to charge.
And you have to start somewhere. The guys new to the field generally don’t command the price the experienced guy entrenched with a following will command. You work your way up. And you appreciate all who passed your way, whether they became a client or not. They may refer you one day to a friend.
It becomes evident to them if you really care. Caring about people, problems and solutions will create the right mindset in which to market. You sell the caring to the client. Your writing is the vehicle used to get the right mindset across to the right market at the right time.
Now if only you can figure out exactly what that is and how to do it. It’s called research, testing and tweaking. Keep doing it and experiment with your writing. Refine it it. You’ll hit upon what works for you as long as you’re open to the possibilities. That’s the right mindset to market with in any economy.
Marketing is really about the right mindset. And with the soured economy marketing is an even more precious commodity. Whether you’re a copywriter or an article writer, you need to know your market. Some may still spend money without giving much thought to it, but many are cutting back.
This is a snowball effect. One client shops around looking for cheaper rates because they budget got sliced in half. Or their clients low-ball them on price because the clients had their budget slashed. So this first client finds the lower rate and then come back to you.
You can do two things. Let the client walk thinking they’re being short-sighted. Or you accept working for a lower price. It used to be you could let them walk and they’d later come back. This isn’t so anymore. You have to eat and you’ve got a family counting on your income that just suddenly got slashed in half.
It’s happening everywhere, not just in the writing field. Hubs works in the pre-employment court record research field and he’s getting killed with business slacking off, cut more in half AND lowering his rates so he doesn’t lose anymore than what he already has.
Oh yeah, you still have to eat and the kids do too. But, you know what? Your clients don’t care. Not really. You not getting to eat doesn’t affect them. As long as they can get somebody out there writing copy or articles that makes them money and their benefits are intact, what happens to you doesn’t affect them either.
So, what do you do? You figure out how to market more effectively. You get inside your market’s head. You find what their sweet spot is and what problems cause them the most pain. What do your clients value the most? And where do you, the writer fall into this order of importance?
First you need to show the clients why your copy is a highly valued commodity. What makes yor copy stand out from all the other copy out there? What do you the writer uniquely bring to the table that’s going to bring in more bacon? Why do the clients want you and your work?
Don’t fake it and give a bunch of puffed up hype. Be the real honest deal. A fake can be spotted as soon as they open their mouth or put pen to paper.
You can use the client’s pain to your advantage. You weave your words so the client feels they found out what their problem is. Then you walk them through the letter, website or article until they get to the solution. But the client must feel they found the solution, even though your words led them there.
You don’t stop there. Remind them of the pain and give them ownership of the solution. Paint a picture of the good life with the client in the picture. If they feel they own the solution, actually buying it becomes that much easier.
Hang the economy. Someone always can come up with the money if they really want to. But you do have to be realistic and charge what is a reasonable rate, even if it is less than you used to charge.
And you have to start somewhere. The guys new to the field generally don’t command the price the experienced guy entrenched with a following will command. You work your way up. And you appreciate all who passed your way, whether they became a client or not. They may refer you one day to a friend.
It becomes evident to them if you really care. Caring about people, problems and solutions will create the right mindset in which to market. You sell the caring to the client. Your writing is the vehicle used to get the right mindset across to the right market at the right time.
Now if only you can figure out exactly what that is and how to do it. It’s called research, testing and tweaking. Keep doing it and experiment with your writing. Refine it it. You’ll hit upon what works for you as long as you’re open to the possibilities. That’s the right mindset to market with in any economy.
So What Do You Need For Good Copy Or A Kick Butt Article?
Monday, February 16th, 2009
Your headline should have at least 3 of the 4 U’s which are: unique, ultra-specific, useful and urgent.
Unique - What is different about this place or product that makes it stand out from all the others like it? What makes it noticeable? How will it benefit the reader and why should they check the place or product out? What makes it more attractive? Go for descriptions and mood here. Whenever possible use the 5 senses of taste, texture, aroma, sound and scene.
Ultra-specific - Name your product or place specifically, in the headline. This can’t be a generic headline, but a special tailor-made headline just for this letter or article alone. That means you couldn’t use this headline anywhere else in any other letter or on any other topic in any other article.
Useful- This is info that comes in handy to the reader. Also can be benefits to them about the product or place. But make it an interesting type of useful. Think of the game Trivial Pursuit… why do people play it? Because of the interesting unknown facts and useful info they can learn about. Think nuggets. Unearth an unknown, out-of-the-way tidbit of interesting and useful bit of info that hooks the reader’s curiosity and pulls them into your headline and article or copy.
Urgent- This is one of the hardest to get into a headline. Limited- time only, a secret discovery that won’t be a secret soon or an off-the-beaten path place with good price for the quality, but won’t stay at the introductory price for long… that the type of gotta have it while it lasts sort of thing. You play upon the readers emotions in a genuine and no-hype way to get them off the fence now instead of next week.
Now look at your headline and see how you can expand it to include 3 or 4 of these U’s. A headline also needs to have the biggest benefit in it that attracts the reader to the letter. Also what you’re promising to do for the reader, benefit-wise with this restaurant needs a mention or a strong hint in your headline too.
Just make sure your lead sentence flows directly from the headline. So maybe you could mention a benefit laden yet attractive feature here in the headline at the end and trail off with ellipses. Then pick up on the theme and show your reader a tiny bit as they journey through your letter or article. And showcase the result that’s at the end of the trip. Show the product or place. What does it look like? What’s the texture and colors of the place? What aromas hit you as you read along? Show the reader without telling them.
Your whole lead needs to be extremely interesting and chock full of enticing tidbits to pull the reader further into the letter. The lead needs to be big yet believable. No hokey or hype-laden stuff here or the reader will feel you’re being bogus and boot-sccot right off the page and out of the letter or article. And you don’t want the reader to leave. Who wants to be toast and have their article or copy tank just because they were’t paying enough attention to the elements of good writing?
Your headline should have at least 3 of the 4 U’s which are: unique, ultra-specific, useful and urgent.
Unique - What is different about this place or product that makes it stand out from all the others like it? What makes it noticeable? How will it benefit the reader and why should they check the place or product out? What makes it more attractive? Go for descriptions and mood here. Whenever possible use the 5 senses of taste, texture, aroma, sound and scene.
Ultra-specific - Name your product or place specifically, in the headline. This can’t be a generic headline, but a special tailor-made headline just for this letter or article alone. That means you couldn’t use this headline anywhere else in any other letter or on any other topic in any other article.
Useful- This is info that comes in handy to the reader. Also can be benefits to them about the product or place. But make it an interesting type of useful. Think of the game Trivial Pursuit… why do people play it? Because of the interesting unknown facts and useful info they can learn about. Think nuggets. Unearth an unknown, out-of-the-way tidbit of interesting and useful bit of info that hooks the reader’s curiosity and pulls them into your headline and article or copy.
Urgent- This is one of the hardest to get into a headline. Limited- time only, a secret discovery that won’t be a secret soon or an off-the-beaten path place with good price for the quality, but won’t stay at the introductory price for long… that the type of gotta have it while it lasts sort of thing. You play upon the readers emotions in a genuine and no-hype way to get them off the fence now instead of next week.
Now look at your headline and see how you can expand it to include 3 or 4 of these U’s. A headline also needs to have the biggest benefit in it that attracts the reader to the letter. Also what you’re promising to do for the reader, benefit-wise with this restaurant needs a mention or a strong hint in your headline too.
Just make sure your lead sentence flows directly from the headline. So maybe you could mention a benefit laden yet attractive feature here in the headline at the end and trail off with ellipses. Then pick up on the theme and show your reader a tiny bit as they journey through your letter or article. And showcase the result that’s at the end of the trip. Show the product or place. What does it look like? What’s the texture and colors of the place? What aromas hit you as you read along? Show the reader without telling them.
Your whole lead needs to be extremely interesting and chock full of enticing tidbits to pull the reader further into the letter. The lead needs to be big yet believable. No hokey or hype-laden stuff here or the reader will feel you’re being bogus and boot-sccot right off the page and out of the letter or article. And you don’t want the reader to leave. Who wants to be toast and have their article or copy tank just because they were’t paying enough attention to the elements of good writing?
Always Keep Writing and Don’t Get Discouraged… If You Don’t ,You’ll Regret It
Saturday, February 14th, 2009
Always keep writing. If you don’t, you won’t stay current. And you’ll end up frustrating yourself. If you don’t use it you will lose a certain part of your skill and the sense of place where you write from.
Not only do I write for the website copy, I also write travel articles. I have sold three of my articles and one is still online at: http://golfersmind.com/golfvegas.html And I have notes and ideas easily for 30-50 more.
My travel writing niche falls mainly in East Tennessee and parts of Nashville. I also photograph what I write. But recently I’m guilty of a big no-no. I slacked up on my craft.
Sure I’ve been discouraged because it’s been tough finding the right markets to query. And even then my queries don’t hit their mark. If they did, I’d be busy writing my travel articles for pay now instead of feeling discouraged. And the same can go for blogging, writing copy for clients or writing web content.
Today, I found a market I can write for online. A market that will get my foot back in the door. A market that will get me my serious start where my local travel writing niche is showcased... where editors and others may notice my writing.
So far, so good. I decided upon my specialty, writing travel related articles on the Tri-Cities area I live in with further expansion ideas on writing for East Tennessee and parts of Nashville. I can do this. I know my craft and have many stories to show about food, shopping and historical surroundings along with where to stay and what to do.
The Tri-Cities alone is simply loaded with good writing stuff. Just Kingsport alone could easily keep me busy for a year. Then there’s Johnson City and both the Tennessee and Virginia Bristol. And that’s not even touching Jonesborough, Greeneville and the smaller towns or even the countryside between.
Check the travel writing blog out at: http//:www.southernfriedtravel.com
The application goes smoothly, right up to where I’m to write my article. Okay, I’ll look at my notes, I think. Then I realize my notes aren’t up to date. Oh crud. I can’t do this… not now at least. I have got to get my butt out there and update my research and notes. I freeze, paralyzed because I let life get in the way and I didn’t hone my craft. I let it temporarily fall by the wayside.
Never again will I let that happen. I will write something every day. I will do daily research and take notes all the time, even if my kids roll their eyes or it takes me extra time. So what family. I’m gonna do what it takes to get back in the game. and I will be a major player.
Okay, I know it won’t be instant. But I have the tools, talent and the voice to more than pull it off. So marketing is a toughie. I will persevere and rule my niche. Research and writing come more easily. Markets are tough to find.
Do I give up? No way I’ll do that. No, I’ll place me and my notebook out there with my camera and pound the pavement till my notes are up to date, I’ve got drop dead cool photos and I’m a walking expert travel guide on anything you want to see or anywhere you want to eat or do in the Tri-Cities and East Tennessee.
Never again will I be unprepared as a writer. I want that job and I’m going to do what it takes to get it. Writing once more will be an indistinguishable part of me that can’t get disconnected.
Hang life. I want to write travel and be the Southern Fried Scribe. I also want to write about real estate and home building, but that’s for another story. I will write and quit letting life get in the way of my dream. A dream that will be accomplished.
And really, it’s not my family or life getting in the way. It’s me letting me get discouraged so I temporarily give up. No more. I know what I want and I aim to get it. You better believe I’m going to work my butt off and make a good name for myself.
Whether I write or don’t write, it’s all up to me. And I have decided this day forward to always keep writing, promoting my craft and hitting whatever markets I can find that fit my niche. Writing is my life and part of who I am.
Sure I’m still recovering from surgery on both feet and my dad died the end of October. I certainly can write travel knowing what chronic pain and being disabled feels like. And my dad also was a writer of sorts and definitely an idea man. His gift for writing and ideas passed on to me and I won’t disappoint.
Okay, this blog is a bit long… but so what? I’m the boss here so I get to do it the way I want. Hey, I’m writing. Let this be a warning to those of you like me… keep on writing and go for it. Forget life getting you down. Don’t make excuses. Go get that dream and take action so it comes true.
Just keep writing.
Always keep writing. If you don’t, you won’t stay current. And you’ll end up frustrating yourself. If you don’t use it you will lose a certain part of your skill and the sense of place where you write from.
Not only do I write for the website copy, I also write travel articles. I have sold three of my articles and one is still online at: http://golfersmind.com/golfvegas.html And I have notes and ideas easily for 30-50 more.
My travel writing niche falls mainly in East Tennessee and parts of Nashville. I also photograph what I write. But recently I’m guilty of a big no-no. I slacked up on my craft.
Sure I’ve been discouraged because it’s been tough finding the right markets to query. And even then my queries don’t hit their mark. If they did, I’d be busy writing my travel articles for pay now instead of feeling discouraged. And the same can go for blogging, writing copy for clients or writing web content.
Today, I found a market I can write for online. A market that will get my foot back in the door. A market that will get me my serious start where my local travel writing niche is showcased... where editors and others may notice my writing.
So far, so good. I decided upon my specialty, writing travel related articles on the Tri-Cities area I live in with further expansion ideas on writing for East Tennessee and parts of Nashville. I can do this. I know my craft and have many stories to show about food, shopping and historical surroundings along with where to stay and what to do.
The Tri-Cities alone is simply loaded with good writing stuff. Just Kingsport alone could easily keep me busy for a year. Then there’s Johnson City and both the Tennessee and Virginia Bristol. And that’s not even touching Jonesborough, Greeneville and the smaller towns or even the countryside between.
Check the travel writing blog out at: http//:www.southernfriedtravel.com
The application goes smoothly, right up to where I’m to write my article. Okay, I’ll look at my notes, I think. Then I realize my notes aren’t up to date. Oh crud. I can’t do this… not now at least. I have got to get my butt out there and update my research and notes. I freeze, paralyzed because I let life get in the way and I didn’t hone my craft. I let it temporarily fall by the wayside.
Never again will I let that happen. I will write something every day. I will do daily research and take notes all the time, even if my kids roll their eyes or it takes me extra time. So what family. I’m gonna do what it takes to get back in the game. and I will be a major player.
Okay, I know it won’t be instant. But I have the tools, talent and the voice to more than pull it off. So marketing is a toughie. I will persevere and rule my niche. Research and writing come more easily. Markets are tough to find.
Do I give up? No way I’ll do that. No, I’ll place me and my notebook out there with my camera and pound the pavement till my notes are up to date, I’ve got drop dead cool photos and I’m a walking expert travel guide on anything you want to see or anywhere you want to eat or do in the Tri-Cities and East Tennessee.
Never again will I be unprepared as a writer. I want that job and I’m going to do what it takes to get it. Writing once more will be an indistinguishable part of me that can’t get disconnected.
Hang life. I want to write travel and be the Southern Fried Scribe. I also want to write about real estate and home building, but that’s for another story. I will write and quit letting life get in the way of my dream. A dream that will be accomplished.
And really, it’s not my family or life getting in the way. It’s me letting me get discouraged so I temporarily give up. No more. I know what I want and I aim to get it. You better believe I’m going to work my butt off and make a good name for myself.
Whether I write or don’t write, it’s all up to me. And I have decided this day forward to always keep writing, promoting my craft and hitting whatever markets I can find that fit my niche. Writing is my life and part of who I am.
Sure I’m still recovering from surgery on both feet and my dad died the end of October. I certainly can write travel knowing what chronic pain and being disabled feels like. And my dad also was a writer of sorts and definitely an idea man. His gift for writing and ideas passed on to me and I won’t disappoint.
Okay, this blog is a bit long… but so what? I’m the boss here so I get to do it the way I want. Hey, I’m writing. Let this be a warning to those of you like me… keep on writing and go for it. Forget life getting you down. Don’t make excuses. Go get that dream and take action so it comes true.
Just keep writing.
Aim At And Write to Your Market
Sunday, February 8th, 2009
The bottom line is you must know your market so you aim at them and write your copy and articles to them. If you don’t or can’t do that, then you’ll be off target. That translates into less sales, maybe eventually less readers.
How do you get to know your market? You get inside their heads. You research them or find the research that’s already been done. Hit the streets and cultivate conversations. Go online or ask your client for their market research. Find out the statistics on your market.
When you’ve immersed yourself in the info and get to know these people, then you write to them. Find out how they speak and use their words. Get the market to identify with what you write. Get them emotional about your words. Show them you care and paint them in the picture your words make.
If the audience sees themselves in your letter or article, they’ll feel you care and trust you. People tend to buy from those who care about them and whom they trust. Make your story so compelling they feel they’re right in there with the experience and can relate.
If you figure out what makes your market “tick” then you can hit their sweet spot with your targeted words. Words that make them see they have a problem and that you, the copywriter, have the solution for them. Make them see this solution and give them ownership of their solution. People easiley embrace what they feel is already theirs.
Chat with your reading market as if they’re old friends. Give them useful information. Make them a desirable offer. Give them something extra at no cost. Give them something unique that only you can offer them. Show them the benefits to themselves if they take the action you want them to take.
And smile while you’re writing. Your smile comes through your words. Pleasantries and pleasantness attract people. If you aim at them correctly and write to them, they will become a loyal market, reading your letters and articles. And they will take the action you lay out for them.
And that’s exactly what you want. You want them as your loyal reader audience that takes action upon your written words.
The bottom line is you must know your market so you aim at them and write your copy and articles to them. If you don’t or can’t do that, then you’ll be off target. That translates into less sales, maybe eventually less readers.
How do you get to know your market? You get inside their heads. You research them or find the research that’s already been done. Hit the streets and cultivate conversations. Go online or ask your client for their market research. Find out the statistics on your market.
When you’ve immersed yourself in the info and get to know these people, then you write to them. Find out how they speak and use their words. Get the market to identify with what you write. Get them emotional about your words. Show them you care and paint them in the picture your words make.
If the audience sees themselves in your letter or article, they’ll feel you care and trust you. People tend to buy from those who care about them and whom they trust. Make your story so compelling they feel they’re right in there with the experience and can relate.
If you figure out what makes your market “tick” then you can hit their sweet spot with your targeted words. Words that make them see they have a problem and that you, the copywriter, have the solution for them. Make them see this solution and give them ownership of their solution. People easiley embrace what they feel is already theirs.
Chat with your reading market as if they’re old friends. Give them useful information. Make them a desirable offer. Give them something extra at no cost. Give them something unique that only you can offer them. Show them the benefits to themselves if they take the action you want them to take.
And smile while you’re writing. Your smile comes through your words. Pleasantries and pleasantness attract people. If you aim at them correctly and write to them, they will become a loyal market, reading your letters and articles. And they will take the action you lay out for them.
And that’s exactly what you want. You want them as your loyal reader audience that takes action upon your written words.
Do What Gets Good Results
Saturday, February 7th, 2009
The bottom line is all about the results you get. You want to write copy or articles that get good results and not dismal ones. If you don’t get the results you won’t stay in business for long.
No matter what side of the short versus long copy or headlines discussion you’re on, the results say it all. Short or long copy only works if it’s well crafted. Anything poorly crafted won’t give the reader the most value. Less value means less sales. The same goes for articles.
Use only the necessary words that get the job done. If it’s too short, then you’ve not said enough. You leave a key piece of info out that seals the deal. If it’s not well crafted it shows and you lose.
With copy too long you still lose. Throw in everything, including the kitchen sink and you stand to lose your reader audience. They don’t need to know the million finer points of your topic. The readers need to see the painted picture your written words show.They also don’t need to get bored with a run-on headline or article.
They also need to feel what direction you head them toward. They need just enough info and not one bit more, to take the desired action.This is part of the direction they head in.
Sometimes long is okay and sometimes short is. You need to write to the reader and know what length works best for them. What works best for your audience is what gets them to respond quickly.
Every word needs to count. Throw out the empty fluff but take the time you need to get it done right. Use the exact words it takes to optimize your results from the audience.
Do this and you’ll get good results.
The bottom line is all about the results you get. You want to write copy or articles that get good results and not dismal ones. If you don’t get the results you won’t stay in business for long.
No matter what side of the short versus long copy or headlines discussion you’re on, the results say it all. Short or long copy only works if it’s well crafted. Anything poorly crafted won’t give the reader the most value. Less value means less sales. The same goes for articles.
Use only the necessary words that get the job done. If it’s too short, then you’ve not said enough. You leave a key piece of info out that seals the deal. If it’s not well crafted it shows and you lose.
With copy too long you still lose. Throw in everything, including the kitchen sink and you stand to lose your reader audience. They don’t need to know the million finer points of your topic. The readers need to see the painted picture your written words show.They also don’t need to get bored with a run-on headline or article.
They also need to feel what direction you head them toward. They need just enough info and not one bit more, to take the desired action.This is part of the direction they head in.
Sometimes long is okay and sometimes short is. You need to write to the reader and know what length works best for them. What works best for your audience is what gets them to respond quickly.
Every word needs to count. Throw out the empty fluff but take the time you need to get it done right. Use the exact words it takes to optimize your results from the audience.
Do this and you’ll get good results.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)