Posts Categorized: Writing

The Elements of Style shaped my writing

How ‘The Elements of Style’ Shaped My Writing

When I was in high school, my English teacher assigned the class to read Great Expectations,, by Charles Dickens. He gave us the entire semester to read it. I finished the book in a few days.

Now what was I going to do? Be bored out of my skull for the next 85 days?

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6 tips for writing back cover copy that sells your book | BloggingBistro.com

6 Tips for Writing Back Cover Copy That Sells Your Book

Many editors advise authors: “Don’t write the back cover copy for your own book.” Learn why, and get six must-do tips for brainstorming back cover copy.

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Yes, Virginia, There IS a Perfect Length for a Blog Post! | BloggingBistro.com

Yes, Virginia, There IS a Perfect Length for a Blog Post!

Carrie Talbott confesses that her blog posts are “giraffe-like length.” Learn why long posts are fine… as long as you follow one important rule.

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Homophone confusion | BloggingBistro.com

Ever Had a Stake Dinner?

The following sentence appeared in a published memoir:

I challenged him to a hundred yard run with the steakes being a stake dinner for two at the restaurant of the winner’s choice.

The writer demonstrates a common problem: homophone confusion.

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The Professional Writer Podcast with Laura Christianson | BloggingBistro.com

My New Podcast: The Professional Writer

Starting a writing-related business is a learned skill, not a natural-born talent. That’s why I launched a new podcast: The Professional Writer. Together, we’ll explore how to do the right things in the right order so you can confidently plan, launch, and grow your business.

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What's your 5-word acceptance speech? | BloggingBistro.com

What 5 Words Would Comprise Your Webby Acceptance Speech?

Imagine you’ve just won a Webby Award (the Oscars of the Internet). You get five words for your acceptance speech. What would you say?

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My Surprising Journey from Blogger to Author | BloggingBistro.com

My Surprising Journey from Blogger to Author (Guest Column)

It often takes years of effort to be “in the right place at the right time.”

Today’s guest columnist, Susie Crosby, learned that as she diligently pitched her book idea at writers’ conferences and blogged her way to a book contract, one word at a time.

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Painfully Funny Similes and Metaphors from High School Students | BloggingBistro.com

Painfully Funny Similes and Metaphors from High School Students

Back by popular demand: Our list of painfully funny metaphors and similes written by high school students.

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How to dictate blog posts with Google Docs | BloggingBistro.com

How to Dictate Blog Posts with Google Docs

If you always type or hand-write blog posts, try changing up your routine. Dictate posts with Google Docs voice typing tool.

This illustrated tutorial plus video will get you up and talking in 5 minutes or less.

Plus, you can sign up to receive a handy checklist that includes everything you need to do before publishing your next post. Yep, it’s free.

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11 weak words that dilute your blog post's impact | BloggingBistro.com

11 Weak Words that Dilute Your Blog Post’s Impact

Are you guilty of using “throwaway” words in blog posts and social updates? I am.

This article + infographic identifies weak words and phrases and introduces an editing technique to help you eliminate them.

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