|
WriteTips | |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ah, spring is here once again. Doesn't it feel great to shrug off sweatshirts & socks and slip into shorts & sandals? Hopefully the recent burst of fresh air will also bring a burst of inspiration to your work---and to your writing. And if there is any way we can help give your words a boost---by providing specific tips or how-to information- --just let us know. We love feedback! Enjoy this issue! All the best, Cassie Hart Whip Your Copy into Shape Can you crank out copy that says exactly what you want it to say and that contains absolutely no typos, sentence fragments, etc., on the first draft---with no revisions necessary? If so, please stand up now. The rest of us, sitting comfortably in our seats, are staring at you (virtually) in disbelief. Not because we're awed that that you've managed to portray the "perfect" writer, but because, well, we simply don't believe you. No offense, of course. Now, for the rest of you, rest assured that even if this claim is truthful, it certainly isn't the norm. Don't ever feel discouraged if your first draft isn't perfect. In fact, few---if any---are. Using a basic, systematic process to craft content will allow you to communicate your ideas clearly, effectively, and efficiently. Let's take a look at a few steps that can help turn a rough draft into a quality piece of work. STAGE 1: THE DRAFT It's natural to have your first draft appear a bit, ah, incoherent. Since you're probably the only person who'll be reading it at this stage, don't worry about trying to say everything perfectly. This is the time to simply get your ideas down on paper---or on screen---as jumbled as they may be. TIP: Instead of diving in directly and writing down whatever comes to mind first, create an outline, or at least a checklist of points you want to cover. This will help organize your thoughts and you won't forget to include the most important points. Once you have the outline (or checklist) sketched, go ahead and fill in the details. Remember, your wording doesn't have to be perfect. STAGE 2: THE REVISION(S) Now you can start to be a bit more particular. Is your information organized? Did you include all important ideas? Do your sentences flow smoothly? Note that you may have to revise a few times. After each revision, put down your work for at least a couple of hours before coming back to it. TIP: Let someone else---a coworker, perhaps---read your work. A fresh set of eyes often provides a new perspective. Let the reader know that you're looking for feedback about readability and content. Will the general concept make sense to the target audinece? Does the content flow logically? Try to take suggestions for improvements in stride. Remember, everyone has an opinion (and most folks aren't afraid to share it!). You don't have to agree with your critics or make the changes they suggest if you feel comments are inaccurate or inappropriate. STAGE 3: THE FINAL DRAFT Wipe that sweat of your brow, exhale a sigh of relief, and treat yourself to a cup of coffee or a candy bar. You're just about finished! If you've said what you intended to say---clearly, concisely, adequately---the end is in sight. TIP: There is one more thing to consider before turning in your draft, however. When you write, you become very close to your work. It can be difficult to catch little things, such as duplicated words or misplaced punctuation. It doesn't hurt to have someone else proofread your content for spelling, grammar, and spacing issues. Keep these tips in mind next time you settle down at the keyboard, and don't panic if your text isn't perfect the first time around. Creating solid copy takes a bit of time, but seeing your words in print makes the effort worthwhile.
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
email: cahart@att.net voice: 309.454.1908 web: http://www.cassiehartwriter.com |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
 |