Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Once again returning to an old friend
A couple of weeks ago, I was at one of my favourite used bookstores and I stumbled upon a copy of the 30 th anniversary edition of On Writing Well by William Zinsser. While I was struck by the realization that it's been about 20 years since I first read the book, I decided to pick it up.
On Writing Well is one of the few writing books that I return to every couple of years. Whether I read it from introduction to end, or just thumb through it, I always find something new or something that I've forgotten.
This time around, a couple of passages from the introduction really struck me. In the first, Zinsser describes a photo he has in his office of E.B. White, and how that photo draws visitors:
What gets their attention is the simplicity of the process. White has everything he needs: a writing implement, a piece of paper, and a receptacle for all the sentences that didn't come out the way he wanted them to.
The second passage has a more modern tinge to it. Zinsser discusses how word processors, email, blogging, and the like have given more people the power and tools with which to write. And to write quickly, with immediacy:
But, as always, there's a catch. Nobody told all the new computer writers that the essence of writing is rewriting. Just because they're writing fluently doesn't mean they're writing well.
Those passages, to me, say it all about writing. It's deceptively simple, yet requires a lot more work than most people realize.
Labels: writing
Monday, May 07, 2007
Publishing a book with LyX
In the past, I've blogged about writing and publishing with LyX (here and here, to be exact). While it's definitely not for everyone, LyX can be a powerful tool for writing and publishing theses, reports, and books. I've used it to write a number of professional reports which have pleased my clients.
The one thing that I have yet to do is author and publish a book using LyX. I've had a couple in the planning stages for a while, and everything except the content is ready to go in LyX. After reading this article, I might just have to get going!
The article looks at using LyX to create a book that will be published and sold on Lulu.com. I don't see why the information in the article can't be adapted for use with other services, like CafePress.com, or for publishing a work that you'll sell on your Web site.
The one thing that I have yet to do is author and publish a book using LyX. I've had a couple in the planning stages for a while, and everything except the content is ready to go in LyX. After reading this article, I might just have to get going!
The article looks at using LyX to create a book that will be published and sold on Lulu.com. I don't see why the information in the article can't be adapted for use with other services, like CafePress.com, or for publishing a work that you'll sell on your Web site.
Labels: Open Source, publishing, software, writing
Friday, April 27, 2007
Banishing boring headlines
No matter what you write -- articles, marketing copy, or white papers -- a good headline grabs and intrigues the reader. Sometime, though, it can be tough to write a good headline.
Michael Stelzner (yes, him again) offers five tips for giving your headlines more punch. I really like tips three and five: Direct with Action and Be Specific.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Playing with a couple of blogging tools
Over the last few days, I've been test driving a couple of new (at least to me) blogging tools. The first is a Firefox extension called ScribeFire. This extension adds a word processor-like interface to Firefox for publishing post to blogging software and services like Blogger, WordPress, and Moveable Type. It's really easy to use, and can be popped up as you need it. The only thing I don't like about ScribeFire is that it leaves a lot of white space at the end of a post.
The other tool is Sun Weblog Publisher (SWP). SWP is an add-in for OpenOffice.org or StarOffice that turns the word processor component into a blog entry editor. It enables you to write your entries in a familiar interface, assuming you regularly use OpenOffice.org or StarOffice. Which means that you can easily add formatting, tables, lists, and images. On top of that, you can open your old blog entries and save them in OpenDocument Format or as PDFs. SWP supports Blogger, WordPress, Roller, and a few other blogging services. The biggest problem with SWP is that you have to pay for it -- $9.95 (USD).
I don't know if I'll stick with either, or just go back to using my blog service's Web interface though.
Labels: blogging, tools, writing
Monday, April 16, 2007
The outline: an essential tool for writers
I tend to drone on and on and on about the need for, and usefulness of, an outline when you're writing. This is especially true when you're writing a long document or a very structured one like a report or a white paper.
It seems that I'm not the only person who thinks this way. White paper guru Michael Stelzner writes:
It seems that I'm not the only person who thinks this way. White paper guru Michael Stelzner writes:
The outline is your architectural blueprint.I like the architectural blueprint metaphor. It really brings home the role of the outline in the writing process. With several projects that I've tackled, a carefully crafted outline helped make the job a lot easier.
It shows where you need to start, the major milestones and guides you to the end.
The outline can also be shared with others to help achieve buy-in before you begin any major effort.
When crafting something complex, like a white paper, the outline is essential.
Labels: outline, techniques, writing
Monday, April 09, 2007
Writing and publishing, to a slightly different beat
I make no bones about the fact that I love using the Emacs text editor for a number of tasks -- marking up files in HTML and XML, fiddling with system files on my Linux notebook, and (of course) writing. Among my favourite Emacs writing tools is Muse. Muse enables me to write and then publish articles, reports, and more in a variety of formats: HTML, PDF, DocBook, and a handful of others. It's a great extension that makes Emacs an every nicer tool.
Check out this article for a little more in-depth information about Muse.
Check out this article for a little more in-depth information about Muse.
Labels: editor, Emacs, Linux, writing
Sunday, April 01, 2007
Writing online, quickly and simply
What happens if you're not anywhere near your computer and need to write something -- an article, a note, some copy, or anything else? You can turn to one of the number online word processors, of course. There are some really powerful ones, including Google Docs & Spreadsheet and Zoho Writer. Those are great applications, but if you just need to quickly get your words down, then urn to Writeboard.
Writeboard is an incredibly simple and low-fat way to quickly write. You simply go to the Writeboard Web site, enter a name for your document and give it a password.
Then, enter your email address so the site can send you the URL to access your document.
Writeboard is a simple text entry system, sort of like a text editor crossed with a wiki. You can't do much formatting in a Writeboard, just some basic character formatting, lists, and tables. Here's what a Writeboard document looks like while it's being edited:
Writeboard does save previous versions of a document, though. This enables you to not only track your changes, but also roll back to previous versions if necessary. On top of that, you can add comments to a Writeboard document.
On top of that, you can share your Writeboard document with someone else -- say, a collaborator or an editor. If you need to, you can save a Writeboard document as an HTML or a text file. Or, you can copy and paste from your Web browser to a word processor document.
Writeboard is a simple and quick way to write. You don't get the power and flexibility of a word processor. But writing -- especially a preparing a draft -- isn't about formatting and using the bells and whistles. It's about getting information onto a page or screen for later polishing. And Writeboard does that job beautifully.
Writeboard is an incredibly simple and low-fat way to quickly write. You simply go to the Writeboard Web site, enter a name for your document and give it a password.
Then, enter your email address so the site can send you the URL to access your document.
Writeboard is a simple text entry system, sort of like a text editor crossed with a wiki. You can't do much formatting in a Writeboard, just some basic character formatting, lists, and tables. Here's what a Writeboard document looks like while it's being edited:
Writeboard does save previous versions of a document, though. This enables you to not only track your changes, but also roll back to previous versions if necessary. On top of that, you can add comments to a Writeboard document.On top of that, you can share your Writeboard document with someone else -- say, a collaborator or an editor. If you need to, you can save a Writeboard document as an HTML or a text file. Or, you can copy and paste from your Web browser to a word processor document.
Writeboard is a simple and quick way to write. You don't get the power and flexibility of a word processor. But writing -- especially a preparing a draft -- isn't about formatting and using the bells and whistles. It's about getting information onto a page or screen for later polishing. And Writeboard does that job beautifully.
Friday, March 23, 2007
Finally! 200 published articles!
A while back, I posted about breaking through a psychological barrier of mine: having 200 published articles to my name. Well, it's finally happened. My 200th article was published today, in a California-based publication called ComputorEdge.
So, what does this mean? I'm still not sure. It could lead to a flood of articles. I could keep writing and submitting at my current pace (the horror!). I'm thinking that it'll be something in between.
Regardless, it's something of a relief that I've finally reached the 200 goal. Let's hope the next 200 articles get written and published a little quicker!
So, what does this mean? I'm still not sure. It could lead to a flood of articles. I could keep writing and submitting at my current pace (the horror!). I'm thinking that it'll be something in between.
Regardless, it's something of a relief that I've finally reached the 200 goal. Let's hope the next 200 articles get written and published a little quicker!
Labels: goals, publishing, writing
Monday, March 05, 2007
Breaking the 200 barrier
For some reason, having over 200 published articles has become something of a psychological barrier that I've been determined to break through. I can't quite put my finger on why that number has taken on its significance. Perhaps it's because I feel I should be further along in my writing career. Perhaps it's because I feel that my work as a technical and business writer has overshadowed my more flexible/creative/expressive work. Or maybe I'm just being a complete goof.
Last year, one of my goals was to crack the 200 mark. I didn't quite make it. But I'm close. Very close. My published article count is holding steady at 198. I'd probably have already broken the 200 barrier if other factors hadn't intervened.
Still, with the articles I have awaiting publication I'll have over 200 published articles to my credit very soon. What happens after that? I don't know. Maybe a flood of articles. Maybe a trickle. Maybe something in between.
Last year, one of my goals was to crack the 200 mark. I didn't quite make it. But I'm close. Very close. My published article count is holding steady at 198. I'd probably have already broken the 200 barrier if other factors hadn't intervened.
Still, with the articles I have awaiting publication I'll have over 200 published articles to my credit very soon. What happens after that? I don't know. Maybe a flood of articles. Maybe a trickle. Maybe something in between.
Labels: writing
Monday, February 26, 2007
JDarkRoom is a sanity saver
A while back, I blogged about nifty piece of software called JDarkRoom. To refresh your memory, it's a full screen text editor that allows you to write without distractions. And lately, it's been a boon to me.
Over the last month or two, there have been a lot of distractions in my life. Distractions that have piled on the stress and which have made writing very difficult at times. So, I've let a few assignments slip. Not to the point of missing deadlines, mind you, but enough so that I have to scramble to meet those deadlines. Which adds to my stress.
In those cases, JDarkRoom really helped me get work done. My writing process has been to find a (relatively) quiet corner, turn off my notebook's wireless card, fire up JDarkRoom, and start writing. Pretty soon, I have a completed draft of an article. With about 70% of articles that I've used JDarkRoom to write, the first draft has been pretty close to the final draft. And I've been able to bang out articles in record time.
Sure, JDarkRoom doesn't have a built-in spelling checker, but I have other tools for that. And I can usually spot spelling errors during my first read-through of an article. The only feature that I'd like added to it is scrolling with the mouse wheel. As with a spelling checker, that's not a make-or-break feature with me. JDarkRoom lets me write. That's the only feature I really need.
Over the last month or two, there have been a lot of distractions in my life. Distractions that have piled on the stress and which have made writing very difficult at times. So, I've let a few assignments slip. Not to the point of missing deadlines, mind you, but enough so that I have to scramble to meet those deadlines. Which adds to my stress.
In those cases, JDarkRoom really helped me get work done. My writing process has been to find a (relatively) quiet corner, turn off my notebook's wireless card, fire up JDarkRoom, and start writing. Pretty soon, I have a completed draft of an article. With about 70% of articles that I've used JDarkRoom to write, the first draft has been pretty close to the final draft. And I've been able to bang out articles in record time.
Sure, JDarkRoom doesn't have a built-in spelling checker, but I have other tools for that. And I can usually spot spelling errors during my first read-through of an article. The only feature that I'd like added to it is scrolling with the mouse wheel. As with a spelling checker, that's not a make-or-break feature with me. JDarkRoom lets me write. That's the only feature I really need.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
How to be a freelance writer
This excellent posting at Bad Language offers some of the most realistic, sober, and solid advice on becoming a freelance writer that I've seen in a long time. Aside from the usual advice about generating ideas, being organized, and how to hone your skills the posting also discusses how much to charge and the all important ethics, diligence and fact-checking.
If you're seriously considering heading down the road into the wacky, wonderful world of freelance writing you should definitely make this posting one of your first stops on that road.
If you're seriously considering heading down the road into the wacky, wonderful world of freelance writing you should definitely make this posting one of your first stops on that road.
Friday, January 26, 2007
How to write a blog post (or anything else)
Marketing guru Seth Godin put together a short list of tips on how to write a blog post. The list contains eight deceptively simple bits of advice, but when you put them all together you should be able to (in Godin's words) cause "the reader to look at the world differently all day long."
The great thing about this advice is that you can apply it to most other non-fiction writing, too. Godin's eight tid-bits are a blueprint for writing a good article.
The great thing about this advice is that you can apply it to most other non-fiction writing, too. Godin's eight tid-bits are a blueprint for writing a good article.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Dealing with your files
If you write a lot (and I hope you do), chances are you've run into the problem that Anne Wayman describes in a recent post on her blog: keeping track of all of your files. For a writer who has a lot on the go, this can be tough. There are a number of ways to keep your files organized. Here's how I do it.
On my computer, I have two folders devoted to my work: one's called Writing (for my articles), and the other's called Work (for my technical and corporate writing). I know, not exactly inspired naming but it works.
The Writing folder contains two main sub folders: In Progress and Completed. The articles that I'm working on, obviously, reside in the In Progress sub folder. That includes any graphics or screenshots that go with an article. When I'm done and the article has been sent off, I zip it up into an archive and copy it to the Completed sub folder. Every couple of months, I burn the contents of the Writing folder on to a CD and clean out the old articles.
The Writing folder also contains a few other sub folders: Queries, Notes, and Guidelines. Those names pretty much explain themselves.
The structure of the Work folder is similar. In this case, each sub folder is named for a client. Each client sub folder contains any or all of the following folders:
My system isn't as complex as it seems. And it works for me.
So, how do you organize your files?
On my computer, I have two folders devoted to my work: one's called Writing (for my articles), and the other's called Work (for my technical and corporate writing). I know, not exactly inspired naming but it works.
The Writing folder contains two main sub folders: In Progress and Completed. The articles that I'm working on, obviously, reside in the In Progress sub folder. That includes any graphics or screenshots that go with an article. When I'm done and the article has been sent off, I zip it up into an archive and copy it to the Completed sub folder. Every couple of months, I burn the contents of the Writing folder on to a CD and clean out the old articles.
The Writing folder also contains a few other sub folders: Queries, Notes, and Guidelines. Those names pretty much explain themselves.
The structure of the Work folder is similar. In this case, each sub folder is named for a client. Each client sub folder contains any or all of the following folders:
- Contract
- Notes
- Drafts
- Images
- Background
- Final
My system isn't as complex as it seems. And it works for me.
So, how do you organize your files?
Labels: organization, writing
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Keeping it simple
The other day, someone asked me an interesting question about the minimalist writing tools I advocate: "Do these things make you a better writer? If not, why use them?"
The first part of the question ... well, that's a mistake many people who don't write, or who've just started out in the wacky world of smithing words, make. No software will make someone a better writer. That's up to the person.
So, why do I advocate and use tools like Writeboard and JDarkRoom? Sometimes, I just want to get words down quickly and without any distractions. And I can put in the formatting later. With Writeboard (or even Google Docs, which isn't that minimal), I can do it no matter where I am.
The first part of the question ... well, that's a mistake many people who don't write, or who've just started out in the wacky world of smithing words, make. No software will make someone a better writer. That's up to the person.
So, why do I advocate and use tools like Writeboard and JDarkRoom? Sometimes, I just want to get words down quickly and without any distractions. And I can put in the formatting later. With Writeboard (or even Google Docs, which isn't that minimal), I can do it no matter where I am.
Labels: software, tools, writing
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Falling behind
While I was (and still am) excited about participating in the 2007 Inkthinker Query Challenge, I have to hang my head and admit that I've fallen behind. I probably won't make my goal of three queries this week. It's frustrating, but I'm determined not to let that get to me.
I plan to try to make up it this weekend, and over the next week. The ideas and target markets are definitely there. All they need is to be turned into queries.
So, what's been taking up my time. Mostly the usual stuff. But on top of that, my business partner Aaron Davis and I were invited to speak at Documentation & Training 2007 WEST conference in Vancouver this April. Of course, we've accepted. Our talk is titled "Getting a Foothold: Using Basecamp to Improve Productivity and Collaboration" and we'll be explaining how to use the Basecamp online collaboration tool to keep documentation projects on track. It's going to be an exciting time. Plus, I've only been to Vancouver's airport so look around the city will be a nice change. And there's the rest of the conference, too ...
I plan to try to make up it this weekend, and over the next week. The ideas and target markets are definitely there. All they need is to be turned into queries.
So, what's been taking up my time. Mostly the usual stuff. But on top of that, my business partner Aaron Davis and I were invited to speak at Documentation & Training 2007 WEST conference in Vancouver this April. Of course, we've accepted. Our talk is titled "Getting a Foothold: Using Basecamp to Improve Productivity and Collaboration" and we'll be explaining how to use the Basecamp online collaboration tool to keep documentation projects on track. It's going to be an exciting time. Plus, I've only been to Vancouver's airport so look around the city will be a nice change. And there's the rest of the conference, too ...
Labels: writing
Sunday, January 14, 2007
JDarkRoom -- distraction free writing, regardless your OS
A while back, I wrote about a piece of software called WriteRoom. It's a full-screen editor that enables you to write without distractions from other applications, the Web, or whatever. The only problem for me is that WriteRoom is a MacOS-only application.
But last autumn, I discovered a Java application called JDarkRoom. It works a lot like WriteRoom, but on any operating system that uses Java. In the crush of the last few months, I forgot about JDarkRoom until I was leafing through my bookmarks earlier today. I downloaded the latest version, fired it up, and started writing. In fact, I wrote the first draft of an article using JDarkRoom this afternoon.
Writing with it was so easy. I just started typing, and the words began to flow. No distractions, nothing. This is definitely a keeper.
But last autumn, I discovered a Java application called JDarkRoom. It works a lot like WriteRoom, but on any operating system that uses Java. In the crush of the last few months, I forgot about JDarkRoom until I was leafing through my bookmarks earlier today. I downloaded the latest version, fired it up, and started writing. In fact, I wrote the first draft of an article using JDarkRoom this afternoon.
Writing with it was so easy. I just started typing, and the words began to flow. No distractions, nothing. This is definitely a keeper.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
120 queries in 2007
Kristen King, who writes the inkthinker blog, recently posted the 2007 Inkthinker Query Challenge. The mission: starting January 10, every participant will try to put out at least 120 query letters in 2007. That's 10 a month. Minimum.
Well, the reckless side of me decided to join in the challenge. As I clicked the Send button, I thought "Has my death wish come back?" This, in addition to my technical writing and contract work and the other writing that I do and have lined up.
OK, I'm notorious for taking on as much work as I can handle. Maybe a bit more. But this ... Ah, it should be fun. I'll keep you posted on my progress.
Well, the reckless side of me decided to join in the challenge. As I clicked the Send button, I thought "Has my death wish come back?" This, in addition to my technical writing and contract work and the other writing that I do and have lined up.
OK, I'm notorious for taking on as much work as I can handle. Maybe a bit more. But this ... Ah, it should be fun. I'll keep you posted on my progress.
Labels: writing
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Being the kiss of death
The other day, I blogged about the demise of Tux Magazine. This got me thinking, somewhat in jest, that I haven't shaken my reputation as the kiss of death for a publication.
When I started my writing career in earnest oh so many years ago, a magazine would either publish one of my articles or be about to publish one of my articles when it went under. This happened about five or six times, prompting my wife to accuse me of being bad luck for those poor publications.
I know (this time, at least) it wasn't me. Still ...
When I started my writing career in earnest oh so many years ago, a magazine would either publish one of my articles or be about to publish one of my articles when it went under. This happened about five or six times, prompting my wife to accuse me of being bad luck for those poor publications.
I know (this time, at least) it wasn't me. Still ...
Labels: writing
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
This was unexpected
Recently, I renewed my relationship with a publication called Tux Magazine. But the folks behind the magazine have announced that Tux is ceasing publication. In fact, the last issue was truly the last issue.
I'm still in a bit shock over this. I had hight hopes for the magazine and my latest round of involvement with it. I had three articles slated to appear in future issues, but I guess I'll have to find new homes for them. Of course, the staff and the other contributors are in the same boat as I am.
Tux catered to a niche that needed catering to: the new user of Linux. It did that in a way that was easy to understand and not condescending in the least. It's the kind of magazine that made you feel good about writing about technology: you were imparting information, maybe learning something yourself, and helping someone who needed help. The worst part of this situation is that Tux's niche will remain largely unfilled.
I'm still in a bit shock over this. I had hight hopes for the magazine and my latest round of involvement with it. I had three articles slated to appear in future issues, but I guess I'll have to find new homes for them. Of course, the staff and the other contributors are in the same boat as I am.
Tux catered to a niche that needed catering to: the new user of Linux. It did that in a way that was easy to understand and not condescending in the least. It's the kind of magazine that made you feel good about writing about technology: you were imparting information, maybe learning something yourself, and helping someone who needed help. The worst part of this situation is that Tux's niche will remain largely unfilled.
Labels: publications, writing
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Writing tips from Hemingway
Like his work or hate it, you can't deny that Ernest Hemingway could write. His fiction and non-fiction are excellent examples of how to write concisely and clearly. This blog post list five pieces of advice that any writer can take from Hemingway's work.
