"The time has come," the Walrus said,
"To talk of many things:
Of shoes--and ships--and sealing-wax--
Of cabbages--and kings--
And why the sea is boiling hot--
And whether pigs have wings."
Lewis Carroll 1872
This is not going to be a directive about what should or should not constitute appropriate content on ActiveRain. Rather, it is intended to reflect some principles of writing in general.
Writing is a form of communication. It is intended to convey some message or meaning from the author to the reader by assembling thoughts and ideas and transposing them into word.
Everyone has hundreds of great thought or ideas every day. The problem is generally deciding not only which concept to set to pen, but also how to construct the language needed to communicate the meaning to the reader.
That is not always easy. Our brains have different areas that handle ideas and cognitive language. So it is not an automatic translation from one arena to the other. It takes practice and honing of skills, and a measuring of the effectiveness of your efforts.
If you are having trouble with subject material for writing, always start from the heart! Your personal experiences are unique to you and are often interesting to others as well. I have found that when I write about my experiences I get the most comments and feedback on my articles. There is some solace, consolation or justification in knowing that others can relate to you and your problems or triumphs.
Write about the people or things that you enjoy the most. Passion is easy to project in words. When you write about something that you are passionate about, the reader can sense your enthusiasm. We all have people and things that are near and dear to us. Our families, our coworkers, our hobbies, our spirituality ... all make excellent subject material for writing.
Use you abilities to teach or mentor others. Sharing your knowledge or expertise is a great way to develop regular readership. Tutorials, how-tos and business tips are generally regarded as very readable. If something works for you, pass it forward and you'll be a hero!
You need to have a regular regimen. Don't wait for inspiration; it may never prod you into action. Better to set goals for yourself and stick to them. It may be helpful to carry a small notepad with you throughout the day and write down topics as they occur to you. Then, when it's time to write, you'll have a starting point from which to proceed.
And finally, use your comments and feedback to help you make the necessary adjustments in your style and content. No feedback or cursory responses probably suggest the material was better left unwritten. Good, thoughtful and numerous comments allude to the fact that a dialog or communication has been initiated. Pay close attention and determine what works for you and what does not. That will go a long way towards making your writing successful!
PS Mandi I hope that you liked this one!
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Richard Weisser, Broker, Associate Broker, Auctioneer, E-Pro, CE Instructor |
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All content, including text, original art, photographs and images, is the exclusive property of Coweta Fayette Real Estate, Inc., and may not be used without the expressed written permission of Coweta Fayette Real Estate Better Homes and Gardens Metro Brokers, Newnan Georgia. All information is believed to be accurate but is not warranted, Copyright 2003-2009. Richard Weisser REOS, E-Pro. licensed Auctioneer. 770-827-6225.
Learn more about Coweta County and Fayette County Georgia Real Estate, and to search the entire Georgia MLS for free with no registration required. Visit CowetaFayetteRealEstate.com! Photos of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. North Georgia Photos.
Hi Richard! This is a very encouraging post. I have learned some great things by reading others posts. I have also read posts & thought, oh! I knew how to do that, I should have shared. So, assuming others know how to do something you do is wrong - don't be afraid to share! I have started taking a pad of paper with me. Thanks for the encouragement this AM! KM
Kristin...
Thanks for being the first to comment! I was getting worried about this post, I spent a lot of time on it and thought that it would be a hit!
Maybe it is too long, or just too wordy. Who knows, I might just reread this and learn from it! lol
I need to follow this advise. Lately I have not felt like writting.
Pam...
And you have been missed. Now that the kids are back in school you should have more time to write!
Hey Richrd...talk about a writters block, I feel like my head is full of cement. Good Acvice!
Bill...
I feel like I'm in the Twilight Zone with this one ... it's like everyone has disappeared!
Of course I love it Richard! It starts out with one of my favorite quotes of all time and gives great information. So I ask you how would it be possible that I wouldn't? I have a word doc that lists my ideas to write and it has helped me. I haven't really written anything since high school which was over 10 years ago....so I have been starting with the subject I know best which is ME!
Mandi...
And who would know you better that you? lol Actually, I think you have a great story to share and you can serve as an inspiration to others. Plus, you live in a part of the country that is a little bit out of the ordinary ... rodeo moms instead of soccer moms ... so we would LOVE to hear more about it all! Have a great day!
I'm afraid that I don't really know myself any better than anyone else does. Call it an identity crisis or the after affects of a life I enjoyed all too much, but either way, I spend the majority of my time in utter confusion when it comes to explaining my own personal experiences. But, that being said, I will give it a try. Wonderful post Richard, great to read and great information all in one.
Richard- I wish I could write more often. To be honest I don't feel I am a very good writer. I do enjoy writing localism posts and including pictures of my area. I would have to say that I would like that to be my niche.
Richard thanks for the tips. I write about whatever pops in my head which can be scary for you guys!
Richard, I like the quote and the post. No doubt posting on the internet is an art and one that is a little different from traditional writing. Like anything, we have to do it often to get the practice and stay well honed. It is easy to lose if it is not used.
Thanks
Bo
JL...
I just read your post today and I must say that I'm impressed. So don't hold back, let it flow!
Lori...
You do a great job with the photos and information about your area. I would not know a thing about Brookings in if were not for you, and know I feel like I know the place!
Darin...
It IS scary sometimes, and that's what makes it fun!
Bo...
I feel that I get a little better at it every day, just based on the response that I get. It's a great learning tool!
Mel...
Where have you been? I have been worried about you.
Richard,
Biggest problem for me these days is to stay out of trouble. The bail-out is a very sore subject for me.
Thank you for the reminders about posting,
Ann
Ahh the rodeo career has come to an end.....sad yes. I love it...my husband doesn't and he has won this battle...for now!
Ann...
Our future has been mortgaged for political expediency, it is a bad situation. BYW did you get those buttons figured out yet?
Mandi...
Well, you must keep peace in the family! Maybe you could do skydiving instead?
Richard-What a awesome post!!! Straight from the heart. Well I guess I better take that leap and get blogging. You've given me the inspiration to start. Have to definitely schedule it in to my routine or it will get lost. Thanks for sharing from your heart.
Richard-Wow, now this is a good post. Thank you for sharing it.
Richard,
I have not tackled the button issue yet. I am off to attend the state meetings here. Maybe I will learn something?
Ann
Richard - great advice on all points. I have thousands of ideas, just a hard time getting started putting them down on paper computer. Is the harbor scene from New England?
I have been in tax hell. The problem is I am a partner of a handful of businesses. Doesn't mean I am rich, just have more paperwork than anyone I know. My CPA is on my butt to get it all sorted before Oct.
Thanks for being concerned!
Ahh skydiving.....yes that's something I always wanted to try (how did you know) until I had kids. I am waiting till they are 18 now....my godparents said no go on skydiving! LOL
Pat...
Glad that I inspired you!
Laura...
You are quite welcome.
Ann...
Have a great time and for learn a lot!
Mike...
Cape Cod ,,, Wellfleet to be exact! You have a sharp eye!
Mel...
Oh CRAP that reminds me of something I need to do! Guess.
Mandi...
Hey, there must be some pretty good places in AZ to bungee jump!
Richard,
So far I have learned a bunch more techno stuff. I am going to be REALLY busy learning more!!!
Thanks,
Ann