Posted by qpen on August 16, 2010
There must be some reason why certain ebook writers are
successful and others are not.
In other words, why do some authors make high six-figure
incomes (even seven-figures!) and others barely make enough
to cover their hosting fees?
There must be some reason for the difference in level of
success, right?
There is.
In fact, there are three “reasons” why that I want to share
with you now. I’ve used the word “K.E.Y.” as an acronym to
reveal these three elements of successful ebook publishing.
1. K = KEEP it concise.
One of the biggest mistakes ebook writers make is starting
their project with the idea in mind that their ebook must
be a certain number of pages in length.
That is, they assume the ebook should be 50 pages or 100
pages or even 200 pages in order to be desirable to
consumers.
Wrong. Ding. Thanks for playing.
Much more important than QUANTITY is QUALITY. Almost every
potential customer in your target market is considerably
more interested in learning something useful than they are
reading a bunch of commentary that has little or no real
value to them.
The ability to concisely (yet comprehensively) share
content that is practical is a must if you want to be
successful in the information business. No fluff. No
filler. No fat. Just the meat.
That’s what consumers want. Especially today in our fast-
paced, instant, I-want-it-now society.
And chances are you are much more likely to write a 30 page
manual and get it done than you are to slave over trying to
measure up to a 200 page masterpiece.
Your first key to success is “keep it concise”. Share what
you need to share in the least amount of pages as possible.
It doesn’t have to be the great American novel. This isn’t
Hemingway.
2. E = ENJOY yourself.
I simply must mention that if you enjoy your “work” then
you are exponentially more likely to complete your ebooks
than those who reluctantly or grudgingly write.
Seriously, don’t underestimate what I’m saying here.
You’ll get much more done as a writer by having fun with
your subject matter.
That’s the beauty of information publishing. YOU get to
pick the topic. A topic of interest – of passion – to you
as the author. Something you find enjoyable, even
exhilarating.
To be sure, you want to choose topics that are in demand
and have a ready-made audience awaiting who are willing to
purchase them. But, at the same time, you can look for
those marketable topics that appeal to your interests and
expertise.
I don’t care how “profitable” a subject may be, I’d never
take it on as a project of mine unless I got some sense of
satisfaction or enjoyment in writing about it.
Instead, look for those things that you are already talking
about anyway. And then write what you’ve been talking
about.
3. Y = YIELD results.
Finally, I must exhort you to “yield results”. That is,
you simply must stick to it and finish the job.
I cannot tell you how many people that I’ve met online who
struggle with the affliction “short-of-the-finish-line-it
is”.
They begin running the race with gusto. They pick their
topic like it was a Nike outfit. They outline their ebook
like they just heard the starting gun fire. They come up
with ideas to include in their work like they were
sprinting down the track.
And when they round the first corner, they start slowing
down. Before they know it, they’re up in the stands
watching others cross the finish line.
That’s why I am adamant about telling you the golden rule
of ebook content: Never start something you can’t finish
in 30 days.
With any new ebook you are planning on writing, choose the
topic and outline it in such a way that you can complete
the content within one calendar month. Anything that goes
beyond that period of time is likely going to be discarded
somewhere past the starting gate and before the finish
line.
It’s important that you set for your goal a reasonable,
reachable amount of pages for your ebook ... such as 30
pages. Then, divide that goal number of pages into your 30
days. In this example, it would mean writing just ONE page
per day (very realistic!) for 30 days and your ebook will
be completed.
Victory! The finish line!
Certainly there are a wide variety of other “keys” to being
successful as an ebook writer (choosing the right topics,
learning to outline well, brainstorming ideas, marketing,
etc.) but these three form a solid foundation for you to
build upon as you continue to learn more about information
publishing.
K = KEEP it concise.
E = ENJOY yourself.
Y = YIELD results.
See you on your victory lap!
You can connect with me via social media sites at – Facebook – Twitter – LinkedIn – Hellotxt – Dipity.com and Stumble Upon. If you are not signed up…they are free…you will meet a lot of other marketers to communicate with and possibly JV with. Social Networking is on fire right now, so be sure to use it. Note: with Hellotxt.com and Dipity.com you can update all your social sites! I look forward to being “social” with you!
If you would like information on marketing your articles or online business, please visit my other site: UMarketingU.com where you will find marketing ideas, hints and tips. Up to the minute information for your online and offline marketing!
Disclaimer: All information on this site is the content of Quick Penmanship and may contain external links. Quick Penmanship is not responsible for the content of any external site referenced.
Posted by Michael Murray on March 9, 2010
Employers will not even consider an applicant who does not seem like they have the qualification for the job. The first look at the cover of a letter is the first chance to make a good impression and hopefully a second interview. Writing cover letter templates that makes the cut, requires that it is in a class of its own so the employer will read it instead of throwing it away. Try to have the letter have no misspelled words or problems with grammar.
It takes time to get it to be perfect. Consult as many samples and templates as you possibly can, but in the end you should not stick to it religiously. You should add your own personality to it.
Templates are very appropriate in the sense that they give you guidance as to the format of your letter. You can follow the basic outline of the template (or templates) you have decided to work from in order to have the format completely correct.
Existing templates can be real time savers, since they provide you with all the necessary detail and format. These must be absolutely correct. Letter needs to be very neatly typed and totally presentable, since you are not there to make an impression by dressing neatly, so your letter must do the job. He will definitely form some opinion when scanning your letter. Let it be a positive one!
In all standard templates, your name is on the left top line, followed by your full address and the date. A blank line follows, after which comes the recipient title, name and address. Another blank line follows before the salutation.
The cover template is basically the same as the business letter. Templates are, as previously stated, a great time saver, since they provide you with ideas especially in the case of applying for more than one job. A good idea may be to provide a title for the letter, but it must be professional, because it needs to project the essence of what you can bring to the company without being ostentatious. Examples are Technical Support or Staff Support.
It may be a good idea to provide a title for your application, since this serves to summarize in two or three words who you are. Examples are Technical Support Expert or Staff Support Expert if you have very good people skills.
The body of your letter should be justified, as well as put together in a format that has easy readability. Stay away from fancy fonts and special character. Do your best to stay professional because the look of the letter will give your employer his first impression of you.
All you need to include in your cover letter is which position you are applying for, how you came to know about the position, what you can bring to the company should you be appointed and how the application will be followed up. You can find more information about cover letter templates on the world wide web. The Internet is a vast oasis of information to help you get started on this road to a successful career. Take the time to learn all you can about how to get a job so when something comes that you really want you will be well prepared for it.
Seek out many cover letter templates that you can use online. These resume cover letters will help you find that job quicker. Go online and find the best choices today.
Posted by David Artstone on March 8, 2010
Slate and Artstone – Role playing is the act of assuming an imaginary identity, along with others, in order to act out a story in real time. There are a wide variety of mediums that can be used to engage in these activities, ranging from real life costume play, to internet based interactive technologies. Roleplaying in a chat room is a unique experience because it provides the mental stimulus of writing a book, but in real time, with others participating in the writing of that book. In this way, it’s a truly improvisational act of creative acting, done in the form of characters on a screen, and visions in the mind.
With nothing but imagination and descriptions to work on, it can be difficult to imagine a scene, especially when action happens in real time, with other living people shooting ideas, actions, and story plot twists at you in real time. Engaging in this type of activity helps to increase your ability to think on your feet, while also teaching you to be a better writer, both in form, and in story creation.
The writing of a book is actually a very isolating experience. You have to work entirely on your own. Even when collaborating with another author, the actual writing is a singular process that can in extremes cut you off from external reality.
Chat roleplaying is a writing process that actually connects you with other people. It’s creative, without being isolating. It is actually an evolution of the old game, where a story is written one line at a time, each line being written by the next person in a circle. However in roleplaying through chat, you can actually assume the role of a character, allowing you to get emotionally invested in the story you are creating.
After the chat is over, a good roleplay site will provide a transcript of the action. This allows players, and those who were not present at the time, to read over the written actions of the characters who participated, much like reading a novel written by a variety of hands.
RolePages is the world’s first roleplaying chat room and social network. Designed much like other popular social networks, on RolePages you sign up for an account as a fictional character, creating a profile, and uploading pictures and videos to express who your character is.
Posted by Johncoc Hermsin on March 7, 2010
Titan Poker is a European based online poker room that offers outstanding deposit incentive and all high daily jackpot prizes. The inviting freebies and promotions made it the leading online casino known. It offers Titan Poker Bonus Codes allowing the customer more chances of winning against other members in the room. These codes are available online and ready for use. Unfortunately some players would require the Titan Poker Bonus Tutorial to help set up the game in the most possible time. Mind you that it is best to be properly installed than take the risk of losing an important game.
A bonus code allows the player to take advantage of 150% up to $600 Bonus plus $25 free bonus and $20,000 Freeroll entry on the first deposit. This bonus code is made available online to invite prospective players enter the table and play the game.Webmasters and affiliate members use this codes so that they can attract traffic to their website and earn money.
Downloading the software is the first step to start playing. The 3D interface allows the player transport to a casino setting allowing him to feel the tension and challenge of the game. This software requires a fast and stable internet connection and free spaces in the hard drive. This will enable better access to the game allowing the user to keep up with the tempo without being interrupted by an expected call or slow connection.
Faster and easier navigation this unique software brings the whole scenario to life. There is no fancy command to use to be able to join a table. The program makes an accessible virtual cashier that accepts deposits and withdraws jackpots.
Jackpots are higher with the revolutionary installation of the software. Winning is much easier when you know your opponents. With this new system you would be able to track your progress and gage the playing ability of the other players.
Create an account with Titan Poker after downloading the software. Use Titan Poker bonus code: TP600 and deposit at least 2 US dollars into the account. It is a must that you would have enough funds to start the ball rolling. Upon deposit the system will automatically give you free 25 US dollar to join the any chosen card game. However the bonus code is only applicable to first time depositors during the initial sign up.
Learn how the game is played with an interactive multimedia poker tutorial. This unique add on video outlines the game flow of a typical Texas Holdem hand. It explains betting structures and card distribution for beginners. It is includes fourteen easy to follow instructive video on how to play Texas Holdem steps. Just two minutes before the actual game.
Poker is a game of risk. Not everyone agrees to it. When you play a game you are asked to put your money at risk. You can either win or lose. Either way one must not make it into a hobby. It is still gambling. One must learn to let go when it is time to quit.
Titan Poker is now offering fantastic deposit bonus incentive and the biggest jackpots. It offers frequent promo’s and bonuses to its members. Titan Poker Bonus Codes and Titan Poker Tournaments are easily accessible throughout the internet.
Posted by Britt Hellman on
The Wrecker is the second novel in a new Western series by “one of the greatest adventure novelists of our time” (imdb). It promises to become perhaps the most popular Clive Cussler series yet. Because, let’s face it, stories about the Wild West never lose their appeal to American (as well as International) audiences.
The main character of the of this new Clive Cussler series is a detective by the name of Isaac Bell, a fearless figure of physical prowess equaling James Bond who simultaneously possesses observational skills and powers of deduction rivaling Sherlock Holmes.
As an independently wealthy heir to a Boston banking family, Isaac Bell pursues his detective investigations with a fury born out of an obsession and passion for justice rather than the need to make a living.
Isaac Bell gets hired by the Southern Pacific Railroad Company to find and stop a saboteur known as “The Wrecker,” who has targeted Southern Pacific construction sites throughout the West. If the sabotage continues in the midst of pressing deadlines to finish work on a major new track, it could cost Southern Pacific its good standing with its lenders, and rapidly lead to bankruptcy.
Unbeknownst to all until the very end of the book, The Wrecker is a regular member of the inner circles of Southern Pacific Railroad president Osgood Hennessy, even courting the railroad baron’s “unspeakably beautiful” daughter Lillian. He’s a formidable adversary, perhaps as brilliant as Isaac Bell himself.
The agenda of the Wrecker is to seize control of the Southern Pacific Railroad through various dummy corporations he has put in place, which will help him capture the fallout from Southern Pacific’s impending bankruptcy. Not only that but it appears he plans to eventually to control the entire United States railroad system, the greatest source of billionaire wealth in America at the turn of the last century.
Notorious as an avid automobile enthusiast, one reason why Clive Cussler may have picked the early 1900′s as the setting for his new series may well have been to give him an opportunity to write about car chases in classic automobiles from the turn of the last century.
Featured in The Wrecker, we find the winner of the 1908 New York to Paris race, the 1907 Model 35 Thomas Flyer, as well as a Packard Grey Wolf, a turn of the century Rolls Royce, Isaac Bell’s Locomobile, and a Bugatti Type 41 Royale.
Although Clive Cussler may be best known for his love of diving and sea exploration, both through his fictional stories and non-fictional enterprises, he obviously also cherishes the rugged landscapes of the American West. Why else would he have chosen to live in the mountains of Colorado, as far from the sea as you can get in the United States?
Through The Wrecker, we get a glimpse of this other side of Cussler, the one that loves the arid mountainous landscapes of the American West. And it’s an enthusiasm that shines through with unmitigated contagiousness. The new Isaac Bell series may well help give birth to a whole new generation of Western enthusiasts, as well as spark great excitement in many old ones. With all due respect to the previous Clive Cussler series, his Isaac Bell stories may top them all.
Britt Hellman resides in Western North Carolina with her husband and three sons, working as a copywriter. She writes book review as a hobby. Visit her site to order The Wrecker, or the latest Dirk Pitt novel, Arctic Drift, Clive Cussler.
Posted by Todd Rutherford on March 6, 2010
Cookbooks have emerged as a very popular book choice in recent years. With the emergence of cable channels for cooking, alongside a growing interest in all things culinary in the country, cookbooks have been flying off the shelves in recent years. However, they are a very special form of book writing, and they have their own special requirements.
The traditional publishing path of the past has been described similarly by many sources. Write a book, send query letter and/or book proposal to agents, get picked up by an agent, get sold by agent to a small-to-medium-size publisher, pray that your book takes off and garners attention from a big publisher who pays you a six-figure advance in return for the rights to your book.
Nathan Bransford, a literary agent with Curtis Brown, discusses going from small presses to big publishers. I agree with many of his points on the difficulties of being recognized by a big publisher. His advice is very similar to my premise, if your book is really good, well edited, designed, printed, distributed, and promoted, it will succeed.
2. Understand the tradeoffs between narrow and broad focus: In recent years, there has been a trend in non-fiction, referred to as the “noun” books. These are books written about very narrow and commonly found “things” in our lives, such as salt, coal, and water. This would be thought of as a narrow focus, as opposed to books that cover the subject of say war, work, and economics. Narrow-focused books typically require a lot of highly detailed research. They offer depth. Broader- focused books, on the other hand, offer breadth, and sacrifice some of the details in the process.
Photographs are a huge component of cookbooks. Not only to do they help the reader to visualize how a recipe is supposed to look when complete, they are inspiring and often beautiful to look at when done well.
4. Read: The writing of great non-fiction is about 10% writing, and 90% researching, thinking, and reading other works. If you follow the first tip above, then this part will be the labor of love in the process of writing your non-fiction book.
Learn more about self publishing. Stop by Todd Rutherford’s site where you can find out all about book proposal template and what it can do for you.
Posted by Owen Jones on
Initially, Welsh terriers were bred for hunting rabbits, foxes and badgers, but public opinion and the decline in the lust for blood in general have gone against blood sports and so this native breed of Wales has become a show dog and a pet. Breeders attempt to outdo each other by breeding the Welsh terrier to have a denser wiry coat and deeper colouration. The Welsh terrier is also a popular pet because it is one of the most easy-going terriers.
The Welsh terrier is a fun loving dog. It just loves to run, chase and play, which makes it a smashing companion and a perfect pet. Welsh terriers require lots of exercise, so be prepared for plenty of walking, if you make your mind up to get one.
It is a good idea to ‘socialize’ your dog as soon as possible. This means that you should introduce your Welsh terrier puppy to children and other dogs at an early age. The more you encourage your dog to play with other dogs as a puppy, the less trouble you will have with your dog fighting or barking at other dogs and cats. It’s the same story with children. Children can play very roughly, and a dog could be forgiven for biting back, but it can be avoided by introducing your Welsh terrier puppy to children while it is still young. The child might learn respect, but the dog will learn forbearance.
The Welsh terrier is easily trained, if you like your dog to do tricks. it is an intelligent breed and, being former hunters, they are good at learning commands and tricks. Train your Welsh terrier with kindheartedness and reiteration. They like to retrieve sticks and play with a ball. Many people train their Welsh terriers to catch a flying Frisbee too.
A Welsh terrier will groom himself quite meticulously, but you can help out by brushing him once a week in order to eradicate the dead and loose hair. This will also help reduce the amount of hairs dropping inside your house, although terriers in general, and wire-haired dogs in particular do not shed as much hair as soft coated dogs. You could also lend a hand by wiping him over with a moist cloth from time to time in order to pick up any dust on his coat.
A Welsh terrier is very energetic and very inquisitive, so it is prudent to keep your dog in a yard that has been fenced off. However, the fence needs to be reasonably high, because the Welsh terrier has an exceptional ability to jump due to its long legs.
The Welsh terrier is Britain’s oldest breed of dog, but it is now under pressure. The British kennel club registers only 300 Welsh terrier puppies a year, whereas it registers tens of thousands of puppies of other, more popular, breeds. The Welsh terrier is a strong-willed animal, so it does need a strong-willed and patient owner.
However. if you want a Welsh terrier and you persevere with it, you will never look back. They have a lot to give and, as with so many things in life, you only get out what you are willing to put in.
If you are interested in Welsh corgi puppies, or Wales in general, visit our website at Welsh Products Online
Posted by Kayla Duran on March 5, 2010
The internet may have been the most revolutionary invention in this modern time. It has not just allowed us to connect with other people but also as a marketplace.
However, for you to be prosperous in your online business, you have to generate traffic for your site. What I mean by this is that you must get people to frequent your website.
The only way to generate serious traffic to your site is by posting informative articles. Let’s look at it this way: people go to the internet to find information, therefore, you have to provide sensible articles which they will want to read for them to go to your site.
The only problem with this is the part where you have to write the articles.
Before you can come up with an article that people will actually want to read, you need to do some research first. This can eat up your entire time.
And then there’s the actual writing. We all know that not a lot of people can do this.
One option that most internet marketers take is to purchase a software that writes articles automatically. But there’s a catch. Most of these programs do not produce articles fit to be read by humans.
These articles are better known as simple keywords strung together to reach an appropriate length even if they sound grammatically wrong and incoherent.
But if you search for these programs, you’ll find that there are actually some that do work like instant article wizard.
As a user, you only need to provide the keywords and the program will automatically scan the internet for related texts on the topic. After which you will be able to use the results to write an entire article.
What’s great about generating traffic through articles is that you can expect the traffic to continually increase through the years depending on the relevance of the article. This is why internet marketers submit articles to article directories and post them in blogs everyday.
To know more about instant article wizard then visit my webpage now.
Posted by Trevor Johnson on March 4, 2010
Working from home is something that a lot of people strive for. You will also find that it is not really all that hard. You can find plenty of ways to work from home. You can use the internet for most of them. They include doing online marketing, website design, and you can even make money writing fiction. Here is how:
When you start writing there are a few things that you should keep in mind. You can easily do an online writing course or read a lot about how to write fiction so that you get good at it. Writing fiction is not really hard, but it requires imagination, and the basic knowledge of grammar, spelling and technique. Many top writers do have a degree.
Writing fiction is a very creative process, so having a background with a tertiary education is not needed. There are many writers that have not gone for a tertiary education in writing, and you can too. If you find that you have a real knack for writing, then by all means go right ahead and start jotting down a few ideas.
This is where many writers do not get accepted by publishers. The layout and formatting of the document must be correct. You should do a lot of research as far as this is concerned to make sure that you do it properly and that your work is accepted the first time.
You will then need to figure out what you want to write, or which area of writing your want to be in. Would you like to write for children, or would you rather write for adults? It’s not a big decision but it’s still one that you need to make.
Once you know who you are writing for, you need to decide where you want to write – theatre, TV, film, magazines, or books. Also do you want to do into writing full novels or short stories? You do not need to take one of them, as there are many writers who excel in many different areas of writing.
Find out how to write a novel quickly and efficiently with this simple to follow novel in a month system.
Posted by qpen on January 3, 2010
Image via Wikipedia
A paragraph is coherent when its sentences are related to each other, not only in content but also in grammatical structures and choice of words.
To achieve coherence in your writing, write each sentence of a paragraph so that it flows sensibly from the one before.
A coherent paragraph gives a reader a sense of continuity.
The techniques of coherence can be divided into: Transitional Expressions, Pronouns, Deliberate Repetition, and Parallel Structures.
Using Transitional Expressions
Transitional expressions are words and phrases that signal connections among ideas. By signaling how ideas relate to each other, you achieve coherence in your writing.
Using Pronouns
When you use pronouns that clearly refer to nouns or other pronouns, you help your reader follow the bridges you build from one sentence to the next.
Using Deliberate, Selective Repetition
You can achieve coherence by repeating key words in a paragraph. A key word is usually one related to the main idea in the topic sentence or to a major detail in one of the supporting sentences.
Repeating a key word now and then helps your reader follow your material. This technique must be used sparingly, however, because you risk being monotonous. The shorter the paragraph, the less likely that repeated words will be effective.
Using Parallel Structures
Parallel Structures can help you achieve coherence in a paragraph. Parallelism is created when grammatically equivalent forms are used several times.
The repeated tempos and sounds of parallel structures reinforce connections among ideas and create a dramatic effect.
Be aware, however, that a thin line exists between effective parallelism and lack of conciseness.
Posted by qpen on January 2, 2010
Being a peer critic means using structured procedures to react to and make suggestions about another student’s writing. Peer critiquing is an interactive communication process. It involves reading, and thinking together, asking and explaining, talking and listening.
When you are a peer critic, you are part of a respected tradition of colleagues helping colleagues. Professional writers often seek to improve their rough drafts by asking other writers for comments.
If you are giving comments to a student writer, know that you are not expected to be an expert. What you do offer can be quite valuable: opinions from the point of view of a writer who understands what his or her peer is going through.
Try always to base your comments on an understanding of the writing process and of the features that characterize effective writing. The more concrete and specific your comments, the more helpful. The comment “this is good” might seem pleasant, but it says little.
What makes the writing good: Ideas? Patterns of organization? Sentences? Words? Then this is what you should comment about. The student you are a peer critic for is interested in how to improve their writing, not glossed over comments.
If you are on the receiving end of a peer critic, remain open minded about what is said. Constructive criticism can help you read your writing in a fresh way that results in better revision. Encourage your peer to be honest. You, however, are the person who decides which comments to use, and which to ignore, when revising.
Here are some guidelines for being an effective peer critic:
- Think of the writing as a “work in progress”.
- Think of yourself in the role of a coach, not a judge.
- After reading your peer’s writing, give a brief summary of what you have read. This provides a check to determine that what you understand is what the writer intended.
- Be sure to compliment. Being specific, point out what you think is well done.
- Be sure to offer honest, constructive suggestions for improvement. Being specific, point out what you think will be most helpful.
- When possible, write down your comments to give your peer (or provide for you peer to take notes while you comment).
Posted by qpen on December 5, 2009
Social media continues to move mainstream, with social media terms entering the common lexicon. This point was driven home on Tuesday, as CNN.com reports that the New Oxford American Dictionary has named “unfriend” as its Word of the Year, beating out a field heavy with
technology-based terms such as “netbook,” “hashtag” and “sexting.”
“It has both currency and potential longevity,” said Christine Lindberg, a language researcher for Oxford’s U.S. dictionary program. “In the online social networking context, its meaning is understood, so its adoption as a modern verb form makes this an interesting choice for Word of the Year.”
The New Oxford American Dictionary defines “unfriend” as a verb that means to “remove someone as a ‘friend’ on a social networking site such as Facebook.”
As you might expect, news of the honor awarded to the word “unfriend” spread quickly across social media sites, and not all of it was positive. Many people were upset that the New Oxford American Dictionary selected “unfriend” and not the similar term “defriend.”
“Frustrated that ‘unfriend’ is the word of the year. It’s definitely ‘defriend’ when referencing Facebook,” one Twitter user wrote, adding the hashtag #dictionaryfail.
Posted by qpen on September 9, 2009
Previously, we discussed Keeping an Idea Book and Writing In A Journal FreeWriting, Brainstorming, Mapping, Incubation, and Shaping and Grouping Ideas, Topic Sentences, and Fighting Writers Block. This time we will be discussing:
Writing Unified Paragraphs
A paragraph is unified when all its sentences clarify or help support the main idea. Unity is lost if a paragraph goes off the topic by including sentences unrelated to the main idea. Here is a paragraph about databases, which lacks unity because two deliberately added sentences go off the topic:
We have all used physical databases since our grammar school days. Grammar school is known today as grade school or elementary school. Our class yearbooks, the telephone book, the shoebox full of receipts documenting our deductions for the IRS-these are all databases in one form or another. You see, a database is nothing more than an assemblage of information organized to allow the retrieval of that information in certain ways. Anyone who is well organized has a better chance of succeeding in college or in the business world.
In the preceding paragraph, the second and last sentences wander away from the topic of databases. As a result, unity is lost. A reader quickly loses patience with the material that rambles and therefore fails to communicate a clear message. The paragraph that follows is more unified because all its sentences, including the ones adding interesting details, relate to the subject of databases. (This paragraph was taken from “Personal Computers” and was written by Erik Sanberg-Diment)
We have all used physical databases since our grammar school days. Our class yearbooks, the telephone book, the shoebox full of receipts documenting our deductions for the IRS-these are all databases in one form or another, for a a database is nothing more than an assemblage of information in certain ways. A telephone took, for example, assuming that you have the right one for the right city, will enable you to find the telephone number for, say, Alan Smith.
Coincidentally, it will also give you his address, provided there is only one Alan Smith listed. Where there are several Alan Smiths, you would have to know the address, or at least part of it, to find the number of the particular Alan Smith you had in mind. Even without the address, however, you would still save considerable time by the telephone database. The book might list 50,000 names, but only 12 Alan Smiths, so at the outset you could eliminate 49,988 telephone calls when trying to contact the elusive Mr. Smith
The sentence that contains the main idea of a paragraph, called the topic sentence, shapes and controls the content of the rest of the paragraph.
Some paragraphs use two sentences to present a main idea. In such cases, the topic sentence is followed by a limiting or clarifying sentence, which serves to narrow the paragraph’s focus. In the second example, the second sentence is its topic sentence, and the third sentence is its limiting sentence. The rest of the sentences support the main idea.
Professional writers do not always use topic sentences, because these writers have the skill to carry the reader along without explicit signposts. Learning writers are often advised to use topic sentences so that their writing will be clearly organized and their paragraphs will not stray away from the controlling power of each main idea.
If you would like information on marketing your articles or online business, please visit my other site: UMarketingU.com where you will find marketing ideas, hints and tips. Up to the minute information for your online and offline marketing!
You can connect with me via social media sites at – Facebook – Twitter – LinkedIn – Hellotxt – Dipity.com and Stumble Upon. If you are not signed up…they are free…you will meet a lot of other marketers to communicate with and possibly JV with. Social Networking is on fire right now, so be sure to use it. Note: with Hellotxt.com and Dipity.com you can update all your social sites!
Posted by qpen on August 30, 2009
Previously, we discussed Keeping an Idea Book and Writing In A Journal FreeWriting, Brainstorming, Mapping, Incubation, Shaping and Grouping Ideas , Topic Sentences and Knowing How To Outline – today we will be discussing:
Fighting Writers Block
I know this discussion was going to be about Drafting and Revising, however, I felt it necessary to first give some tips on fighting writers block.
If you ever have trouble getting started when the time arrives for drafting (or any other part of the writing process), you are not alone.
When experienced writers get stalled, they recognize what is happening and deal with it. If you run into a writing block, it may be helpful to remember these points:
-
Avoid staring at a blank page or screen. Relax and move your hand across the page or keyboard. Write words, scribble, or draw while you think about your topic. The movement of filling paper or computer screen can help stimulate your mind to turn to actual drafting.
-
Visualize yourself writing. Many professionals say they write more easily if they first picture themselves doing it.
-
Picture an image or a scene, or imagine a sound that relates to your topic. Start writing by describing what you see or hear.
-
Write about your topic in a letter to a friend. Relax and chat on paper to someone you feel comfortable with
-
Try writing your material as if you were someone else. Once you take on a role, you might feel less inhibited about writing
-
Start in the middle. Begin with a body paragraph. Write from the center of your project out, instead of beginning to end.
-
Switch your method of writing. If you usually typewrite or use a computer, try writing by hand. If you usually use a pen, switch to a pencil. When you write by hand, try to treat yourself to a good quality paper. The pleasure of writing on smooth, strong paper helps many experienced writers want to keep going.
As you write, seek out places and times of the day that encourage you to write. You might write best in a quiet corner of the library; at 4:30 a.m. At the kitchen table before anyone else is awake; or outside when people are walking by.
Most experienced writers find that they concentrate best when they are alone, working without the risk of interruption. But occasionally, background noise-in a crowded cafeteria for example-might be comforting.
Be sure however, not to mislead yourself: You will not write well or efficiently while you are talking to other people, stopping now and then to jot down a sentence or two.
Also, do not mistake delaying tactics for preparation. You do need pencil and paper (or their equivalent) to write, but you do not need fifteen perfectly sharpened pencils sitting in a neat row.
Next time, we will be discussing: Drafting and Revising.
If you would like information on marketing your articles or online business, please visit my other site: UMarketingU.com where you will find marketing ideas, hints and tips. Up to the minute information for your online and offline marketing!
You can connect with me via social media sites at – Facebook – Twitter – LinkedIn – Hellotxt – Dipity.com and Stumble Upon. If you are not signed up…they are free…you will meet a lot of other marketers to communicate with and possibly JV with. Social Networking is on fire right now, so be sure to use it. Note: with Hellotxt.com and Dipity.com you can update all your social sites! I look forward to being “social” with you!
Posted by qpen on August 18, 2009
Previously, we discussed Keeping an Idea Book and Writing In A Journal FreeWriting, Brainstorming, Mapping, Incubation, and Shaping and Grouping Ideas and Topic Sentences, this time we will be discussing:
Knowing How To Outline
Many writers find outlining a useful planning strategy. If you are working from an outline and make changes in organization as you write, be sure to revise your outline at the end.
An outline helps pull together the results of gathering and ordering ideas and preparing your work. It also provides a visual checklist for your formal or informal outline.
Some writers always use outlines, others prefer not to. Writers who do like outlines use them at various points in their writing process.
For example:
- They may use them before drafting
- They may use them to arrange material
- They may use them during drafting
- Or to keep track of evolving material
- Or while revising to check the logic of an early draft’s organization
Writers who use outlines find that they can clearly reveal flaws such as:
- Missing information
- Undesirable repetition
- Or other digressions from their topic
Outlines can come in different formats:
- Formal outlines
- Informal outlines
Informal Outline:
Outlining using your computer, you can quickly read what you have written, put a symbol near what seems most important-then look over the parts and copy them to your text so you can see them grouped together.
You can shuffle them into several different orders such as:
- Does it matter which part comes first, second, third, and so on”
- Are the parts equally important, or do some seem subordinate to others?
Indenting the subordinate parts to make a rough outline will help tremendously.
Formal Outline
A formal outline follows conventions concerning content and format. The conventions are designed to display material so that relationships among ideas are clear and so that the content is orderly.
A formal outline can be a Topic Outline or a Sentence Outline.
Each item in a Topic Outline is a word or phrase
Each item in a Sentence Outline is a complete sentence.
Formal Outlines never mix the two.
Many writers who use formal outlines find that a sentence outline brings them closer to drafting than a topic outline does.
For example: A topic outline carries less information with the item “Gathering Information” than does a sentence outline with the corresponding term “Gathering information is the first step to being well prepared.”
Formal Outline Guidelines:
1. Numbers, letters, and indentations signal groupings and levels of importance
2. Each level has more than one entry
3. All subdivisions are at the same level of generality
4. Headings do not overlap
5. Entries are grammatically parallel
6. Only the first word of each entry and proper nouns are capitalized
7. Periods and each sentence in a Sentence Outline but not the items in a Topic Outline
8. The introductory and concluding paragraphs are omitted
Next time we will be discussing: Drafting and Revising
If you would like information on marketing your articles or online business, please visit my other site: UMarketingU.com where you will find marketing ideas, hints and tips. Up to the minute information for your online and offline marketing!
You can connect with me via social media sites at – Facebook – Twitter – LinkedIn – Hellotxt – Dipity.com and Stumble Upon. If you are not signed up…they are free…you will meet a lot of other marketers to communicate with and possibly JV with. Social Networking is on fire right now, so be sure to use it. Note: with Hellotxt.com and Dipity.com you can update all your social sites! I look forward to being “social” with you!
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=23404032-0bb1-407c-ab91-f53451a0b062)
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=b1229884-cdf0-443f-b2a1-39918bc7fa7d)
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=35a01449-a6ce-40f6-9880-5e33b98da1f7)
