GrammarPhile Blog

You’re a Better Writer Than You Think

Posted by Sara Richmond   Feb 9, 2023 10:00:00 AM

Why “I’m Not a Writer” Probably Isn’t True

“I’m not a writer.” If I had a dollar for every time someone said this to me, I could buy three or four deluxe burritos.

Sure, some people have a knack for writing. Other people write like a screeching violin, from whom we want to hide all the pens, pencils, and paper. But there are many more people who occupy a solid middle ground. They’re also using “I can’t write” as something of a shield.

Why People Say “I Can’t Write”

The people who are saying “I can’t write” often mean other things that are harder to admit:

  • If they set the bar low, there’s less of a chance you’ll criticize their writing. Writing is a little like prancing around naked on a stage while the audience grades you, so I understand this strategy.
  • Their “inability” to write well is posed as a permanent state; there’s no changing it. So there’s no need to try to overcome it. Problem solved and buried.
  • They actually don’t believe they can’t write worth a darn. Writing intimidates and overwhelms the heck out of them. They’d like it if you’d change the subject. (I do, just not in this blog post.)
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Topics: writing tips, writing, creative writing

Here's the Best Time for You to Write, According to Science

Posted by Conni Eversull   Jul 20, 2017 7:30:00 AM

Does it seem as if sometimes it’s so easy for you to focus on your writing, while at other times even the whir of a fan can distract you?

If you haven’t discovered the best time to write, you’re not alone. It can seem tricky at first. In fact, there’s a science to it, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But even though there’s a science to it, it’s not rocket science, and finding the best time to write can be simple once you know where to start.

Here’s how you can find the perfect time of day to write, step-by-step.

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Topics: business writing, writing tips

Improve Your Writing Today with These 10 Apps

Posted by Kelly Creighton   Jun 8, 2017 7:30:00 AM

In the workplace, chances are good that every day you’ll have to write something to support your organization. Whether it's a marketing brochure, an employee review, a weekly report, an email or a sales proposal, there is always something that needs to be written so you can share information with others. And if you need the help of others to create your document, it can make the task even more difficult. Writing can sometimes seem to be a daunting task. 

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Topics: business writing, writing tips, effective writing

How to Write About Yourself for Bios and Profiles

Posted by Breanna Lambert   Feb 16, 2017 7:30:00 AM

If most people’s No. 1 fear is speaking in public, and dying is their second biggest fear, then their third biggest fear must be writing about themselves. Or maybe it just feels that way when the assignment of writing a bio comes up.

These days, it’s common to be asked for a blurb about your personal history for websites, apps, conference materials, etc. Ultimately, the point of a bio is to sell yourself in a more personal way than a résumé could, or should, accomplish. The following will help you craft the right message in your unique voice, to get readers to say, “I want to meet this person!”

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Topics: writing tips, writing, writing bios

Fun Ways to Improve Your Writing Skills in 2017

Posted by Phil Jamieson   Jan 4, 2017 7:30:00 AM

 

If one of your New Year's resolutions is to improve your writing skills, you won't need to roll out of bed by 5 a.m. to go to your local gym. You can keep this resolution anywhere.

Like any resolution that's worth keeping, improving your writing skills will take some effort. The good news is that it doesn't need to be cumbersome. Learning how to write well takes practice. Learning how to have fun while writing takes practice and a bit of creativity.

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Topics: writing tips, writing, effective writing

Five Ways Technology Can Hurt Your Writing and What to Do About It

Posted by Phil Jamieson   Dec 14, 2016 7:30:00 AM

 

As integral as technology is to the writing process, it's important to be aware of its common pitfalls and limitations, regardless of what you're writing. Review the list below for five ways technology can hurt your writing, and solutions for how to avoid these pitfalls.

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Topics: writing tips, writing style

Implement the Art of Storytelling in Your Business Communications

Posted by Conni Eversull   Nov 16, 2016 7:30:00 AM

 

Most of us think that a story is fictional, something that doesn’t belong within the same realm as business deals and communications. We have multiple emails to send, meetings to attend, events to host, and reports to analyze. There isn’t time for fairytales!

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Topics: business writing, writing tips, business communications

How to Persuade Your Audience without Being Corny, Pushy, or Inauthentic

Posted by Phil Jamieson   Nov 9, 2016 7:30:00 AM

 

 Whether you asked your boss for more resources in an email or tried to convince your significant other via text message that sushi is the best choice for dinner, at some point, you have written something intended to persuade another party to do something.

After you hit the “send” button, you discovered what we all inevitably discover: persuading someone to do something through writing is a difficult art to master. However, by practicing helpful tips like the three below, it doesn’t have to be.

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Topics: writing tips, persuade, cliches

Get Help for Your Writing

Posted by Kimberly Largent   Nov 3, 2016 7:30:00 AM

 

Ditch These 2 Words from Your Copy

We have the opportunity to edit a variety of documents at ProofreadNOW.com, from technical to medical to legal to financial to marketing and then some.

Two words that consistently show up in the documents we edit are forms of the words “get” and “help.” So, let me get you some help for writing your material!

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Topics: writing tips, words to avoid

5 Tips for Writing the Perfect Thank-You

Posted by Terri Porter   Dec 3, 2015 7:00:00 AM

 

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Topics: business writing, writing tips, writing thank you notes, thank you notes

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