Struggling to read, or write? How to be productive in lockdown, TheGuardian.com, features tips from several authors. Here’s how creative writiers' ideas can help us as a professional writers.
I am really finding it challenging to stay motivated. I’ve worked from home for years, but not in such an isolated way. Going out for a meeting, lunch, coffee was often a reward for the tasks I accomplished. As both a professional and a creative writer, I found nuggets in this article that help with both challenges. Struggling to read, or write? How to be productive in lockdown, TheGuardian.com, features tips from several authors. Here’s how creative writiers' ideas can help us as a professional writers. Although the creative writers suggest ‘giving’ yourself time to sit and write, I think it is a good idea to write in time batches. Break it down into appetizer-sized tasks. The full meal deal might just be too much. This can help if you are inundated with interruptions, your day is interspersed with others' needs and you want to keep up, but not in a stressful, demanding way. Another gem was to not feel the need to complete a whole project in one go. Accept that during this time you may be feeling more stressful about your to-do list. That’s normal considering the changes we’re going through. A schedule can help. Go one step at a time. I know, people have been saying this forever. But it does make sense. Sometimes we just need to stand back, take a fresh look and get rid of some of the clutter in our work and creative lives. Try a new approach. Ask a colleague or friend how they are juggling things. Clear your work area. Make sure it’s a real break, not a household chores or work break. Get away from your work station. Do some exercise or mediation. Just sit and look out your window. Have a chat with a friend. Check your garden or a neighbour. One author suggests unplugging—your internet! Scary? Maybe just shut down your computer rather than letting it ‘sleep’. Definitely turn down or off your phone at night. Our sleep is so important for our health, give it all the support you can. So, whether you are writing a report, a short story, a novel, a film script, be resourceful in finding some help to get you started, keep you going and reward yourself as you move along.
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![]() The truly collaborative, universal, inclusive content Readability Guideline project is now drawing conclusions. It will create a style guide that includes plain language recommendations. Content Design London is leading the project using Slack and Wikidot. As we are often challenged to create or follow a style guide, having one with this kind of solid research, global input and varied expertise behind it is invaluable. Focus on accessibility Plain language is all about accessibility and this is a critical factor in online content. The project’s Beta phase discussions focused on 15 topics. Under plain language their recommendations include:
Plain language readability guidelines Their public wiki activity identified these readability guidelines supported by evidence:
Where to next? They will continue to usability test important readability questions. Topics are still open for discussion and people with relevant data should share it. Support this initiative by using #readabilityguidelines, providing any research-supported readability data you have collected or donating funds. Thanks to Rob Mills at Gather Content for his blog share. Another great resource is the online, searchable UK Government Style Guide. Their mission was clear. Their methods tested. Their results excellent. I’ve been asked to write a feature for a magazine in subhead format. As a web-journalist and editor I welcomed this refresher. They are critical to getting, keeping and entertaining readers, so I thought I’d share these tips. Do blogs really need subheads? Yes. Readers like, are used to and expect small chunks of information on the web, particularly in blogs. It is our responsibility as writers to help lead our readers through our stories, and subheads are important signposts. Search engines also like them, although filling them with keywords is not recommended. Subheads help you target information, promote benefits and inspire action. Hubspot has a great overview. How do I grab readers' attention with subheads? With less than 10 seconds to grab the attention of most web readers, it’s important to make subheads work. Smartblogger lists these three tips:
Examples Before: Becoming a freelance writer After: Why becoming a freelancer was a great idea The ‘before’ example is simply a regurgitation of the topic that follows. The ‘after’ example raises interest, makes the reader curious, has readability. What are the secret ingredients of cooking up great subheads?Pay attention to the subheads in blogs you enjoyed reading. Look for common characteristics like:
I enjoyed this refresher, and hope you did too. Kate kate@keyadvice.net |
AuthorKate Harrison Whiteside has over 25 years experience in plain language, writing and editing, training and consulting. Archives
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