Make an Editor’s Day

They notice when you write with care.

Last week I really enjoyed editing one article … to the extent that afterward, I even thanked the writer.

What made it so special? While I still needed to make some editorial changes, those were only matters of fine tuning.

The writer had done his job. He’d put himself in place of readers — and provided … Continue reading

First Draft Dissatisfaction

At first it looked good.

I learned about the project Friday morning. The organization I work for needed a half- and a full-page ad for another publication. Did I have something?

No, I didn’t, but now I had an assignment. So I got to work. A year ago I’d created something similar. That gave me a starting point. At an event last fall, … Continue reading

Hobby or a Business?

This question has two aspects.

This year’s tax season again drove home this lesson. For me, writing is much more than a hobby.

If you derive any of your income from writing, you’re likely familiar with needing to render to Caesar his share.

Beyond any financial aspects lies the more significant question of how seriously you take your writing.

Even if you write part time, … Continue reading