Refining your writing process is key to your writing success
Many struggling writers are convinced there is a secret to the success of more confident writers. There is in fact a secret but it is one that you too can embrace to improve your writing. The simple truth is that refining your own personal writing process to your unique strengths and weaknesses can not only make writing easier it can also improve writing as well. Every writer’s writing process includes the same basic five elements: inventing, organizing, drafting, revising, and editing; however, in order for the writing process to improve writing that process must be tailored to fit the individual writer’s strengths and weaknesses.
Invention is one area that many beginning and struggling writers simply do not spend enough time on. Many beginning writers believe any time not spent writing is a waste of time. However, experienced writers know that the more time spent thinking about and preparing for the writing task then the less time that will need to be spent on actually writing. Invention might simply include thinking but writers can also use various methods to brainstorm from free writing to clustering. Experiment with many types of brainstorming and invention to determine which methods work best for you.
Organization is also a key part of writing preparation that many novice writers do not give proper attention. Depending on the length and complexity of the writing task this can take a lot of time or very little time, but do not overlook this important element.
Writing is of course an obvious part of the writing process, but many struggling writers simply overlook the fact that multiple drafts can make a big different in the quality of the work produced. The more time a writer allows between drafts then the more effective the drafting process can be.
Many poor writers believe that proofreading is the same as revising and editing, however experienced writers understand that revision is the reworking of content so that all ideas are fully expressed, transitions are clear between topics, and organization is effective. Experienced writers know that proofreading is more closely associated with editing but even then editing is more than simply proofreading for the simple surface errors of spelling and punctuation. Editing is looking at the structure of sentences and paragraphs as well as looking at grammar and word choice. Revision and editing should include at least two more draft but may require more depending on the writer’s weaknesses.
It is quite simple. Creating an individual writing process can improve writing and make writing easier as well. Scratch the surface of any successful writer and you will find an individual writing process.
May 30th, 2008
Posted by
raymond
General, Books
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Autism may occur by itself or in association with other disabilitie.
The symptoms are caused by physical disorders of the brain. They include:
(1) Disturbances in the rate of appearance of physical, social and language skills.
(2) Abnormal responses to sensations. Any one or a combination of senses or responses are affected: sight, hearing, touch, pain, balance, smell, taste, and the way a child holds his body.
(3) Speech and language are absent or delayed while specific thinking capabilities might be present.
(4) Abnormal ways of relating to people, objects and events.
Treatment for Asperger’s syndrome should be tailored to meet individual needs. Communication and social skills training is usually recommended. Treatment depends on the patient’s level of adaptive functioning. A high IQ will bring a better prognosis than a below-average one. Treatment focuses on the three main symptoms: poor communication skills, obsessive or repetitive routines, and physical clumsiness.
May 28th, 2008
Posted by
raymond
Books, Health
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Time Management Books
In today’s world, yesterday’s methods just don’t work. In Getting Things Done, veteran coach and management consultant David Allen shares the breakthrough methods for stress-free performance that he has introduced to tens of thousands of people across the country. Allen’s premise is simple: our productivity is directly proportional to our ability to relax. Only when our minds are clear and our thoughts are organized can we achieve effective productivity and unleash our creative potential. In Getting Things Done Allen shows how. Time Management Book Store
Besides books there’s also great software to manage your time better.
FranklinCovey PlanPlus for Microsoft Outlook seamlessly integrates powerful planning tools into the already familiar Outlook environment, allowing users to enhance their scheduling system with FranklinCovey’s proven productivity principles. In addition to providing specific implementation tools around core FranklinCovey concepts such as Prioritized and Master Task Lists, Daily Records, Weekly Planning, Goals, and Compass, PlanPlus also features a system of built-in learning and help wizards.
Time Management Blog
April 24th, 2008
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raymond
General, Books, Business
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Personal Digital Assistants are able to function as cell phones, fax machines, a web browser, and a personal organizer. Most Personal Digital Assistants use a stylus, or pen for input instead of a keyboard like most computers.
Time Management Book
Personal Digital Assistants are actually handheld computers designed specially to serve the need of personal organizers but with time it became more versatile serving multiple purposes. Common uses of PDA are calculation, use as a clock and calendar, maintaining an address and phone book, accessing the Internet, sending and receiving e-mails, working on spreadsheets, use as entertainment tool as a radio or stereo, playing video or computer games and Global Positioning System(GPS). Personal digital assistants are durable, handheld notebook computers which can engage the interest of the student and empower them. They are easy to use and their compactness evokes a sense of ownership that is exciting to children.
Personal Time Management Devices
April 22nd, 2008
Posted by
raymond
General, Books, Computers, Accessories
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Integrity Before Success!
If you are going to be successful on the internet or any home business as far as that is concerned, then, integrity must come before your financial success. Many people are financially successful on the internet, but some have forgotten the meaning of true success.
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As Jim Rohn (One of the all time favorite motivational speakers) says, quite often, it is far more important of who you are becoming, then, what you are earning. Jim even goes so far as to say that you should work toward becoming a millionaire, not for the money, but because of who you will become in achieving the goal.
The stress is on becoming a better person. A person who has integrity. Integrity is being able to be counted on, to be depended upon, if you say that you are going to provide a service or product for a certain amount of money, then you do it. You are looking out for your customers, as well as yourself.
In most cases your reputation will precede you! You may think that no one is discovering your flawed business manners, but actually, the word is spreading and on the net, it spreads quite rapidly.
Goal Setting
One of the universal laws of success is that financial success follows hard work with honesty. In other words, "help enough people get what they want and you will find that you receive what you want." However, if you are just looking out for you, you are only hurting yourself in the long run. Wouldn’t the internet be so much better if we were all watching out for each other?
One important lesson I have learned when it comes to making a sale is that people buy from those whom they trust. If they trust you they will buy from you. If your integrity is guiding you as you make your presentation to others it will come across to your potential buyer. You are more likely to make that sell with your integrity guiding you, then, any other aspect in your presentation.
It does not matter how well you intellectually present your service or product, if they detect flaws in your character you might as well close up your brief case and go home.
Perhaps, even of a greater reward for being a man or women of integrity is that you will sleep better at night just knowing you did your best to sincerely help others achieve their dreams. What can be more rewarding, then, to help others reach their goals?
If you have children, perhaps, that would be the ultimate reason to permit integrity to lead you. Your children will have someone that they can be proud of and more importantly someone whom they can trust!
Time Management
April 11th, 2008
Posted by
raymond
General, Business, Education & Training
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Revitalize your skin.
Helping others to be responsive of skin care treatment products is the main motivation of this article and if you read it you would also get plenty of information about the numerous acne skin care treatment products. Fortunately more than one good skin care product is on the market today. But choosing the right one depends on the sensitivity and oiliness of the skin.
Here are a few anti aging skin care tips which could help you to safeguard a strong and young looking skin. A good anti aging skin care treatment is a daily on-going process, which one can initiate as early as twenty five years of age. There are many anti aging treatment creams available for diverse age groups and they are probably the best way to start your everyday care. Night creams are also an indispensable anti aging skin care treatment that many fundamentally do not pay attention or care to apply. Skin care treatment should begin right at home, but it should also be taken to the spa for intense therapy and treatments from time to time.
An anti aging product comes in all shapes and sizes. Others like using alternative methods for skin care that has a homely kind of feel. The area where the skin is mostly affected by aging is around the eyes and the face itself. The subtle area around the eyes feels soft and invigorated when skin care products are used The higher the percentage of the retinal content in a skin care product, the more efficacious would be the results of the treatment itself. This homeopathic solution is not normally used by people but does wonders to others.
Anti aging skin care treatment is in high demand all over the world today. The best skin care product is to take care of your skin or lose it. Having said that numerous individuals are looking out for the best skin care product acknowledged to both men and women. In reality everyone has a different kind of skin type.
Once you have established your skin type, it’ll be much simpler to find the best skin care product that fits your needs. The various products that your complexion needs could be from different brands.
For those who have dry skin on the other hand, it is best to wash your face once a day with a gentle cleansing product. Secondly, apply a moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated. Knowing your face is the answer to finding the best skin care product.
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April 4th, 2008
Posted by
raymond
General, Health
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Chipping Away Your Writer’s Block
In almost every writer’s forum, the deplorable perennial problem of writer’s block has always been brought up by both professional creative writers. Some discussions have gone as deep as defining the nature of writer’s block. In case a writer’s block (a.k.a. "fear-of-the-blank-page") should come up in the middle of the deadline, the writer will be able to hopefully do something about it.
But what is a writer’s block? On the surface, it is simply a period of non-activity for the writer. A writer or a poet may attempt to write something based on the need to write something, but then they come up with absolutely nothing! What causes a writer’s block and what can be done about it? Here are some thoughts and suggestions:
1. The fear of coming up short from their last project - Collectively speaking, most artists and writers have an obsessive compulsion to concretize and materialize, through their works, abstracted thoughts and ideas. Once they start at some project, there is always that fear of producing something despairingly short of what they have intended to create. Thus, they become disappointed in themselves. If artistic or writer’s block does not happen prior to the start of the project, it may also very well occur while the work is in process. This explains why several writers may work on different projects at the same time and jumping from one unfinished work to another. Some even abandon previous works altogether for a new one but ultimately end up not accomplishing anything in the end.
2. A comeback after a long time off - Vacations and some time off taking care of familial/domestic or personal matters can only have two extreme results: either it rejuvenates, recharges and inspires the writer for the next project, or it completely diminishes or finishes off whatever is left of a prolific and fecund mind! Let’s face it, even professional writers are, first and foremost, human beings before they are writers. And, as humans, writers too are bound to lose footing once they have taken some time off from writing, if not inspired and recharged, as mentioned.
3. Insecurities - Lack of formal training…Being a newbie…The writing style…a friend who’s a better writer…etc., etc., etc., these can all spell one thing: insecurities. Our insecurities can really work nasty for writers. We know there is no other way out other than a paradigm shift or a change in perspective for the writer. We know that there will always be other people more educated, more renowned in the creative writing field. We know there will always be writers who are relatively better than us, other trends and styles in writing which the we can become unfamiliar and intimidated with. However, the bottomline is that it is just a matter of gritting your teeth with some decision-making: to write or not to write?
4. Bills to pay, daily tasks, and other small details - Where do I get the money for the bills? Who brings and fetches the children to and from school? For writers with actual day jobs and many deadlines to meet, who can still think of writing? These concerns, to mention only a few, hampers the writer’s writer’s sensitive thoughts. These are practical things that need to be done on the daily basis. On the surface, these concerns may seem harmless to an aspiring writer. However, eventually, these daily concerns will dry up the creative writer’s reservoir that needs constant nurturing. This is not to say, however, that children, career and domestic chores and other concerns should no longer be tended to in order to write. Being a great writer does not necessarily entail shunning away from daily practical concerns, in the same manner that a person with no other daily duties does not guarantee a prolific writer. Difficult for the right-brained writer as it may be, time must be managed. Schedules and systems must be established in order to attain the perfect juxtaposition and equilibrium of work (chores and responsibilities) and play (writing).
April 2nd, 2008
Posted by
raymond
General, Publishing
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Self Help and Depression
Just getting through a day can be a struggle for someone suffering from a depression. There are different forms of therapy and medication that can help the patient suffering this disease. Both can be given separately or in combination.
These treatments and therapies will, generally speaking, have the biggest impact on someone’s healing process.
Nevertheless there are also actions that sufferers of a depression can take to help themselves feel better. For instance:
Avoid alcohol: Alcohol can make a depression much worse and it interferes with the action of many anti depressants
Do not take (illegal) drugs: These can lead to addictions and substance abuse and in many cases will not solve the problems you have. More likely they will just ad to your problems.
Do activities you enjoy: It is very important for you to keep undertaking the activities you used to enjoy like walking, shopping, going to a movie. Take a trusted friend along. Even small pleasurable activities will ad up.
Exercise: Keep your body healthy with regular exercise. Whatever you feel like. You can go to a gym, you can do some walking each day or cycling. You will notice that exercising will also have a positive influence on your mental health and overall feeling of well-being.
Set realistic goals. You should plan ahead. But your planning should not lead to (more) disappointment. So if you plan activities and goals, be sure to make them realistic. They should be specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and tangible. Realizing your goal will certainly prove to be a mood enhancing factor in your life
Keep a journal: Keep a diary of your life. Take note of the good and the bad that happens. Take a note of your thoughts. This will enable you to think things over by taking some necessary distance. Writing things down sets the events in perspective. Is your life really that bad? Are there certain patterns you notice in your diary? Is there room for improvement?
Recognize early signs: It is very important for you to notice the early signs of depression. Early intervention is always a good thing. Start working on your problems when they are still small. So that treatment can start before your condition worsens or the symptoms become more severe. This will decrease your chances on further relapse in the future.
Remember although no one is immune for depression it is very important to avoid the possible causes of depression and reducing the risk of developing a depressie.
April 2nd, 2008
Posted by
raymond
General
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Think before you create your own product
One of the problems that faces the newcomer when starting an Internet Business is the fact that they are continually reminded that it is necessary to sell your own product in order to succeed online.
It is true that your own product will enhance your reputation as well as your bank balance. The problem lies in the fact that they are told it is very simple to create their own product, but no-one clearly defines the amount of effort required to do so. The key to success is knowing what it is that needs to be done, then tackle each task one at a time.
So, you have completed your niche market research and found the basis of a product to fulfill a need in that niche. The next step is to create the product that will fulfill that need.
Don’t believe all that you hear or read about how easy it is to get a product generated and everything prepared to sell it. Think before jumping straight in - it will save you a lot of worries and heartaches.
For the purpose of this article it is assumed that the product will be an informational E-book. There are several tasks that will be required to generate the product itself, as well as the tasks necessary to promote it. The following is a broad starters list of tasks you will need to complete.
1. Write the E-book.
2. Create graphics for the E-book.
3. Obtain a domain hosted on a server from which to sell the product.
4. Create the graphics for the sales page etc.
5. Generate the sales page.
6. Generate the Thank You page.
7. Obtain an auto-responder system to capture your customer details.
8. Generate a customer capture page.
9. Generate the necessary legal policies linked from your sales page - Disclaimer/Privacy/Terms of use/etc.
10. Obtain some form of tracking to evaluate your traffic and conversions as well as split testing your sale page.
11. Generate some follow-up emails for your customers.
Before actually starting the first task it is always wise to determine how you will promote your internet business marketing strategies product.
a. Promote it to an existing list in your niche.
b. Utilize Pay Per Click.
c. Solo or classified ads in newsletters and the like.
d. Article Marketing.
e. Posting on forums.
f. Sell your product through Click-bank.
g. Any other method.
As you can see there is a lot of work to do, not only to create the product, but also to create the promotional requirements as well.
Life can be much simpler if you can afford to get someone else to complete some, if not all, of the tasks. However the expense can be very restrictive and you will no doubt end up as the work horse. If this is the case, you will need to make proper allowance for your time to do the necessary work.
Sensibly planning your work ahead will result in a realistic schedule to create a product and launch it. Cutting corners to maintain an unrealistic schedule will potentially lead to a substandard product, a poor promotion and greatly reduced profits. Remember, it is your name and reputation that you are promoting as well as the product.
April 2nd, 2008
Posted by
raymond
General, Business
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