In writing, we use the concept “show, don’t tell” to ignite our reader’s imaginations and transport them into the world of our story. We build sensory experiences with descriptive and specific details — sometimes called “images” — to help us entertain and inform our audience. The skill is necessary to capture our reader’s interest and…
Reaching your audience and capturing their attention requires a fundamental understanding of your persona’s interests and values. For example, if you’re targeting millennials, you’ll need a grasp on technology, social issues, and cat memes. And, to truly connect, you’ll need to write in a tone they recognize, understand, and associate with. As a writer and…
April is National Poetry Month — a time to celebrate poems and their ability to help us understand life with a fresh, inspired mind. On my best days, I read and write poetry to connect with others and the universe, and the ritual has made me a more attentive and kinder person.
Poetry also helps me write and edit with precision, clarity, and thoughtfulness. I’ve found that the same tools I use to write poems have helped me craft effective business writing. Regardless of genre or purpose, the following three poetic devices can make your content more effective and engaging:
How much does a comma cost? Probably more than you expect.
In early February 2018, the serial comma — that little comma before a conjunction (and, so, but, etc.) within a list — cost Oakhurst Dairy $5 million. The drivers sued their Portland, Maine–based employer for unpaid overtime hours. They built their case around a missing serial comma