I should state here that this is an opinion piece, if you’re looking for writing tips today, this isn’t it.  Sorry.

I want to rant just a bit today, or maybe rant quite a bit, or I may even fully climb up on the soapbox, but I want to complain about all the writing tips you get in your email.

Several years ago I signed up for some writing tips from a rather well-known writer on the web.  I was a bit disappointed in most of the content I received as tips.  I then took a rather long hiatus from writing and cancelled all emails regarding writing tips.

Recently I have picked up pen and paper once again and returned to my passion.  I mean that literally too, I love writing with pen and paper.  It’s more personal than a keyboard and computer screen- but that’s another story.

Now that I’m back to writing, this writer with the great tips began showing up again.  I signed up for a few.  I won’t mention her name but she has tips on every writing category under the sun, tons of writing courses and classes that you can sign up for–for a nominal fee of course.

Needless to say I am more disappointed this time around.  She’s been busy alright, and created more websites and more courses than should be humanly possible.  Her email tips consist of a lame tip and a dozen links to her websites/courses.  There’s more links in the body of these emails than text.

I have to admit that this pissed me off years ago when I walked away from writing.  I thought things would improve over time but alas, it’s worse and still pisses me off.

I have come back to writing with a renewed passion for being a better writer, for giving information that people can actually use and not wanting to create a writing class in hopes that people will sign up and make me rich.  Yeah, I’d love to get rich doing what I love, but that’s not the reason I write.  I write to entertain people, to help people, and because it’s the one form of communication that I find I’m actually half decent at.

My website will contain tips on writing, but I promise if I serve you hash there will be scrambled eggs to go with it.  I may even throw in some bacon, toast and coffee.

Now that I have your attention why not hop on over and sign up for my ecourse?
I’m kidding.  I don’t have an ecourse.  I don’t even have an ebook or a newsletter.  I’m just a writer who wants to improve my own writing skills and help others along the way.

This post was also inspired by:

3 Shocker Reasons Why Article Marketing Is Not Driving Enough Traffic To Your Blog

Ryan said:
Don’t EVER buy into the whole, “for more info on how to make money online, click here or visit my website” type attitude. If your writing an article on “how to research profitable keywords for your google adwords campaign”, then for heaven’s sake, include ALL the tips, techniques, and strategies that you know. Don’t provide one or two small tips and then say “for more info on researching keywords, check out my site”. By doing that your not creating enough value for your reader. Your article is thin and needs more content.

And that reminded me of my rant with writing tips!

All feedback is appreciated.  Share your thoughts or experiences with rehashed writing tips on the web.

Write On!
Patti Stafford (climbing off soap box to work)

Sometimes it helps to create order before you begin writing.  You should decide a few things before you begin:
1.  Who are your readers?  What are your readers looking for?  What do they know or want to know?  What opinions do they have?

2.  What is your purpose of writing?  What do you wish to accomplish in your writing?  Are you writing an article, a story, a novel, a college paper?  Do you want your readers to smile, think or agree with you?  Do you want them to understand something?

3.  How can you narrow your focus?  Which slant would best fit your purpose for writing?  What points would most appeal to your readers?  What details would engage or persuade them?

Most effective writing is centered or unified around a main point.  All your sub-points and details should be relevant to that point.  Even if you are writing books for pleasure, your story will have one central theme or point and all the details or scenarios that your characters will go through should lead up to that one main point or conclusion.

Some writers have the ability to sit down and begin writing without a plan.  Most of us require some sort of structure.  Having a plan can help you write better material by helping you focus on the main point.  It helps you stay on topic.

Patti Stafford

1) Set specific goals.
“A DREAM written down with a date becomes a GOAL. A
goal broken down becomes a PLAN. A plan backed by ACTION
makes your dream come true.”
Greg S Reid

2) Set up a Daily To Do List.
Work on prioritizing the list and always work on the
most important task first. Make them realistic and
achievable. Each step you accomplish is a stepping
stone towards your dreams. Avoid procrastination if
you want to get to your dream.
3) Devote a specific amount of hours each and every
day to work on your business.
 
Do not get side tracked, especially with the endless
emails that you may get.

4) Develop a positive routine.
Eat well, sleep well, and exercise. Take breaks from
your work to rejuvenate yourself throughout the day.
5)  Stay organized and focused.
Tape your goal list to the wall of your office so you
can be reminded of what you are striving towards each
day.
6)  Check your email ONCE every hour and not every few
minutes. This can be very devastating to your routine,
as you will be easily side tracked from your intentions.
7)   Have FUN!
Make sure you enjoy the time you spend working on your
business or you won’t accomplish your long term goals.

Happy Writing,
Patti Stafford

If you’ve been writing very long you know about rejection.  It really doesn’t matter how you’ve been writing either–you’re going to get rejections.  One of the most painful parts of rejections happens when they come in waves.  I’ve received more than my share lately.  It’s reminded me that Stephen King received an ungodly amount of rejections before his big break, and it also reminded me of a post that Angela Swanlund did recently.

But even knowing all of this, the sting of rejection still takes a little bit of soul away, or it seems like it does.

Enjoy Angela’s article:
Dealing With Rejection

Happy Writing!
Patti Stafford