Originally published June 2020, Updated June 2024 Successful writing at work requires more than typing a lot of emails. It requires solid writing skills and a focus on clear and concise communications. And it’s harder than it sounds. In part, that’s because you might be lacking the three business writing skills no one taught you, as I’ve said before. But you’re also up against the culture of our time—a culture that worships busy-ness and task saturation. And you know what kind of work writing comes out of a culture like that? Sucky...
The story I’m about to tell is about wine, but it’s also about writing and editing, and your future if you’re freelancing… This story is from a while back, but the message is as pertinent now as then: Years ago, I was visiting friends in Santa Barbara, Calif. They were close friends with winemakers in the area, so I got to see the inner workings of one winery, to learn more about the process. Shipping boxes were piled in the middle of the room full of wine barrels waiting to get branded with labels. The winemaker lamented having to...
Originally published October 2019, Updated June 2024. Have you ever realized you’ve been making the same mistake over and over, unaware it was a mistake? And I don’t mean business writing mistakes, not yet… Growing up I had a friend who would say “for all intents and purposes.” I thought she kept saying “for all intensive purposes.” I didn’t know what it meant but she is smarter than me so I figured I just didn’t understand her fancy lingo. I was in my mid 20s before I figured out my error—and her saying made sense....
I love to read. I always have. I still remember being six-years-old and the first time I read a whole “chapter” book by myself. It was a library book and I was tucked into bed with it at bedtime. I realize now it was a very short book, but it seemed very grownup to me at the time because it didn’t have any pictures. I was so excited to finish it that I hopped out of bed and ran into my parent’s bedroom to announce my triumph. That is one of my most vivid memories from my childhood. That is the impact reading has always had on me....
My friend Brenda sent me an email with an attachment and a cryptic message. The email said simply: “I believe a better word choice here may be hosting an event.” Confused, I opened the attachment to find a flyer for a resort with a huge headline that asked: Are You Having an Affair? I laughed out loud. After all, there’s a huge difference between hosting an event and having an affair. Below the headline, the flyer went on to promote the resort for romantic getaways, family gatherings, bachelorette parties, and so on. So yes, to...
