I love these mini-lectures on storytelling from Ira Glass. Here he shares how to get through the period of “your work not being as good as your ambitions.” Bonus: he uses his early work as a specific example.
Cognitive Connection: April 16: Copywriting, Essays and How-tos
April 16, 2010
Last week, I posted a poll to get your opinion on “Cognitive Connection.” While I didn’t get tons of feedback, a few people did take the time to email me, saying leave it as is. So, unless I overwhelmingly hear differently this week, I’m sticking with it.
One small change I will make is that I’ll try to limit the links to five for spring and summer. I find that I spend less time at my computer on weekends when the weather warms up. Even if I’m reading, it’s likely to be a book in a park or by the pool. Of course, I’ll continue encouraging everyone to share their favorite reading from the week.
- MarketCopywriter Blog Copywriting Jargon Got You Confused? Here’s help. This hilarious quiz will test your knowledge of copywriting lingo. The best part? If you don’t make a perfect grade, there are links to very helpful copywriting vocabulary resources.
- Mashable 5 Tips for Building Online Friendships Between online classes and joining groups like Freelance Success (FLX), many of my connections with fellow writers and freelancers begin online. That doesn’t make them any less important and this article focuses on building quality relationships. I highly recommend it.
- WordCount: Announcing the 3rd annual WordCount Blogathon. Registration is officially open for Michelle Rafter’s WordCount Blogathon, which runs May 1-31. Michelle’s goal is to have 100 writers participate. Originally, I wanted to join, but along the way, I made several big May commitments, including a new copywriting client and a writing class. I’m not sure I’ll be joining this year but I’ll definitely be cheering for those who do.
- The Atlantic How to Write in 700 Easy Lessons The Case Against Writing Manuals by Richard Basch The author makes a great case for what most how-to writing books leave out: reading and hard work.
- The Writer’s [Inner] Journey: The 5-Question [Writer] Interview: Amy Paturel I love Meredith Resnick’s interview with essayist and writing teacher Amy Paturel, who talks about “how being frightened is a good sign, the truth about truth in essays and finding stories while fast asleep.”
On last plug: if you’re interested in reading more of a.k.a writer, check out my recently added Popular Posts page. You can find pieces you have missed or old favorites organized by topic.
Your turn. Any great reads that you’d like to share with your fellow readers? Print counts, too. If you’re hooked on a new book or loved an article or essay in a magazine, include it here. Please share in the comments below. Thanks!
Cognitive Connection: March 25: In a Storytelling Mood
March 25, 2010 — 4 Comments
Some weeks, my link love is random, covering everything from business to recruiting to writing. Other weeks, a theme emerges as the days progress. This is a theme week: most of the reading recommendations here are stories, either essays or behind-the-scenes views.
I didn’t plan this theme, but since I’m in a storytelling mood, I’m going to take a moment for a completely self-serving, self-promoting link. My essay The Buzz of Administration was recently published in American Pressings.
Okay, commercial break over. We’re back to this week’s recommended reading. Have a great weekend!
- Chicago Tribune Printers Row Small Press Month: Wolfsword Press I’m a big fan of Valya Dudycz Lupescu, Founding Editor of Wolfsword Press and Conclave literary journal, so I really enjoyed this interview with her. If you’re interested in the back story of a small press, you’ll enjoy it, too. (Full disclosure, I’m a Drama Editor for Conclave: A Journal of Character; the second issue will be out in April.)
- Famous Bloggers Alisa Bowman on 7 Ways to Write a Post So Funny that It Makes People Wet Their Pants The first sentence of this piece says it all: “Readers have told me that they’ve wet their office chairs while reading my posts.” Now go read her tips.
- Huffington Post Rebecca Walker: Liz Monroy’s Happy Family Many of my fellow freelancers and writers have taken classes from Liza Monroy. When I took her personal essay writing class, she shared that her NYT Modern Love essay Elvis and My Husband Have Left the Building launched her career and yet that very essay had been rejected nearly 80 times. I think of her when I need a reminder to not give up. Liza’s HuffPo essay “Keeping Him With Me: New Moments from an Unconventional First Marriage” is a follow-up to that Modern Love piece.
- Powell’s Books Original Essays Confessions of an American Bookstore Junkie I love the Original Essays feature on Powell’s website; these pieces are some of my favorites. The one I’m sharing with you this week is an older item by Danielle Trussoni, the author of the memoir Falling Through the Earth and the novel Angelology, which debuted as #7 on the New York Times bestseller list. If you’d like to see an effective example of an author using Facebook, check out Danielle’s page.
Your turn. Any must-reads from this week? Any articles or blog posts you’d like to share with your fellow readers here? Please share in the comments.
Cognitive Connection: March 19
March 19, 2010 — 2 Comments
Happy Friday! This week went so fast. It’s been a series of busy, copywriting-filled days here. I also received one of the best possible compliments from a client when she said, in response to my edits, “You have done a fantastic job of ‘hearing’ what we’ve had to say.” It doesn’t get better than that!
I also want to give a huge “thank you” to everyone who shared freelancing advice. If you’re ever in doubt about your decisions or actions, refer back to these words of wisdom.
I’ve got quite a bit of reading here for you, too, so let’s get started. Have a great weekend!
- The Denver Egoist Long Live Long Copy #4 I just loved the copy-driven ad highlighted on this local advertising blog. As a writer, it was refreshing to see words take the whole stage for a change.
- Kinkennon Communications The tricky balancing act between what’s smart and what’s right. This Denver-based free-agent communications guy wrote a very personal post about how he didn’t share some ideas with client for fear of losing the client—and then suffered the consequences.
- Lapham’s Quarterly Day Jobs The day jobs, including annual salary’s adjusted for today’s rate, of famous writers like Franz Kafka. Hat tip to Debbie Ridpath Ohi (a.k.a @inkyelbows).
- Lisa Romeo Writes Writer Making Nice. Not Always. This piece speaks for itself. Oh, and it might speak for you, too. Admit it.
- Marketing Collaborative Stupid People on Twitter…A Top 10 List With direct, no-dancing-around-it language, Ginger tells readers exactly how not to use Twitter. Take notes.
- Nathan Bransford The Secret Strength of Killer Queries: Specificity In an effort to share what agents want, instead of the more common what they don’t want, this post by literary agent Nathan Bransford gives some outstanding query tips.
- Talent Zoo Copywriters Need Feedback, Not Prescriptions This post offers a few approaches for those rare, but does happen, occasions when your client rewrites your copy instead of providing you with feedback to make the appropriate changes. I’ve found this more with people who are managing writers, but it can happen with a business owner who feels pressed for time and thinks it’s easier to do the rewrites. As this post points out, that hurts the content and company.
Your turn. Any must-reads from this week? Any articles or blog posts that you’d like to recommend to your fellow readers here? Please share in the comments.
Cognitive Connection: March 12
March 12, 2010 — 4 Comments
This week’s reading list is a little smaller than normal. Several bloggers I regularly read have been somewhat quiet the last seven days. It could be spring break time for many or perhaps a sign of busy writers. I’ve been keeping my mind—and fingers—busy with several projects this week, including website copy, an email campaign and several bios. Although this year didn’t start out the way I wanted, it’s definitely picking up. I still have high hopes for 2010.
On with the reading!
- Copyblogger 10 Proven Steps to Snag a Guest Post on an A-List Blog Most of you have probably seen this one, but I’m repeating it here. This post by Jordan Cooper also offers some great basics on guest blogging, which can be a great education if you’re new to it.
- Speaking of guest blogging, I still a few a few more lined up for you in the next several weeks. You’re in for a delight! If you have ideas for a guest post for my blog or would like to have me pen a post for your site, email me at jesakalong(at)gmail.com. Please put “guest post” in the subject line.
- Copywriter maps resume. I heard about this clever idea as the link made its way through Twitter. You should definitely check this out. A copywriter maps all the locations listed on his resume, along with some fun commentary. Now that’s a new way to approach your resume.
- FreelanceSwitch 5 Ways to Regain Your Creative Joy One thing I really like about Seth Simonds’s post is that he offers specific tips for copywriters, consultants and designers. No matter what you do in your business, this blog piece has ideas to help you get your mojo back.
- Solo PR Pro How a Cog Breaks Free – an Interview with PRCog Kellye Crane, who runs the #solopr chat on Twitter, interviews @PRCog, an anonymous public relations pro who says (or tweets) what many communicators can’t—at least, not if they want to keep their jobs.
Your turn. Any must-reads from this week? Any articles or blog posts that you’d like to share with your fellow readers here? Please share in the comments.
Cognitive Connection: February 26
February 26, 2010
Before I jump into this week’s recommended, I want remind you there’s still time to win an adorable, 100% organic cotton onesie from Noah’s Inspirations. It’s great for your little one or for giving as a gift. Leave a comment for your chance to win. We’ll announce the winner on Monday, March 1.
- Entrepreneur.com Get Back in the Black Michelle Goodman offers strategies to help struggling entrepreneurs dig out of debt.
- Freelancedom Contest: Career Coaching for Word Nerds. Freelancer-slash-Career Coach Steph Auteri is offering a month of gratis coaching for two lucky people. For your chance to win, visit this link and follow the (easy) directions before Friday, March 12.
- Ground Floor Media Is There Such as Thing as Work/Life Balance for Entrepreneurs? This Denver-based public relations firm usually has really interesting blog topics and, of course, I couldn’t resist this one. This fascinating post is by the woman who created Ground Floor Media in her basement in 2001.
- Lisa Romeo Writes Slow Down, Seed Memoir, with Memory Triggers Lisa offers incredibly useful tips for capturing those unexpected flashes of memory and following through on the inspiration to write. In a second post, she also shares a lengthy list of possible memory triggers.
- Also, be sure to check out The Urban Muse. She’s featuring a guest post from Peter Bowerman, author of The Well-Fed Writer. He’s blogging about corporate writing.
Your turn. Assuming you’re not consumed with all Olympics, all the time, what did you read this week that stuck with you? Please share in the comments below.
Cognitive Connection: February 19
February 19, 2010 — 2 Comments
You may recall me mentioning a spill and injured ankles two weeks ago. At the time, I was in pain, but determined I’d be just fine. I had things to do and I don’t like being slowed down. Finally, today, I went to the doctor. I figured I’d be told to keep up with RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) and be sent on my way. Not so. I actually fractured my ankle and now have to keep all weight off of it. Oops. There is nothing like having a broken ankle in a boot and sprained ankle to do all the lifting.
So this statement is for my honey, who’s doing everything right now: I should have gone to the doctor two weeks ago. Lesson learned!
Now, on with the reading.
- Betsy Lerner Faces Come Out of the Rain Agent Betsy Lerner gives her take on—and experience with—selling memoirs. Finish it first? Or query with a proposal?
- Freelancedom Got Jumper Cables? My Career is Stalled. Steph’s post is a personal reminder to act, rather than wait. I think we can all relate to this one.
- FreelanceFolder How to Be Competitive Without Alienating Your Peers In the last few weeks, I’ve been the giver and receiver of advice to and from fellow freelancers. It’s such an honor to be in a community with such lovely, talented people and I’m proud that we can be supportive of each other.
- Marketing Collaborative It Was Me…Lessons Learned in Social Media This Denver-based marketing firm has a fun voice, so I enjoy checking out their blog. This post is about being successful with social networking. However, it’s the storytelling of an architecture student-turned-marketer/web pro that really caught my attention.
- Nail Your Novel Developing a Strong Writing Voice. Also known here as dirtywhitecandy.com, novelist Roz offers helpful information for developing the “elusive x-factor” of your writing.
Your turn. Assuming you’re not consumed with all Olympics, all the time, what did you read this week that stuck with you? Please share in the comments below.
Cognitive Connection: February 13
February 13, 2010 — 2 Comments
Somehow, I’m summing up this week with a mix of football, freelancing and show tunes. One of those three things is not typically associated with me. Just ask my brother! But I do love a good story, especially when shared by a talented writer.
- Paige Bowers Every Family in Louisiana Has One. While much has been written about the 2010 Super Bowl and the Saints, the personal history and stories Paige shares are compelling and heart-warming—even if you’re not a football fan.
- Michelle Goodman Upcoming events for media folks and freelancers. One thing I love about my work is answering questions from people who are considering freelancing. And one of my all-time favorite resources, a book I recommend frequently, is Michelle’s My So-Called Freelance Life: How to Survive and Thrive as a Creative Professional for Hire. If you’re dreaming about busting out of the cubicle, be sure to check out her “Getting Started as a Freelancer” teleseminar this Tuesday, February 16.
- Also along the lines of exploring cubicle-free work is FreelanceFolder’s How Committed Are You to Freelancing? Writer Laura Spencer explores the differences between long-time freelancers and those who return to the traditional 9-5. Be sure to check out the comments on this one, too, for a spirited discussion.
- Another thing I love about what I do is my fellow writers and bloggers. One in particular made my week, with some perfect gig-related advice and a little dish of Glee. Thank you, Susan! For you Glee fans, here’s a delightful video of a guy who dreams of joining the song-and-dance TV show.
Your turn. Assuming you’re not consumed with all Olympics, all the time, what did you read this week that stuck with you? Please share in the comments below.
