Writing assignments often make their best impact in a succinct form. I struggle with this at times, so have crafted a process which helps me limit my wordiness.

Begin with a brain dump

The data/information collection stage is really where I allow myself the practice of TMI (too much information.) I begin each writing assignment by taking copious notes. Whether from interviews, internet searches, or even personal knowledge, it all gets written down. I make sure to keep my notes organized to...

I think I started out life as a creative person. Most children naturally gravitate toward a specific direction from a young age, and my first creative foray was art. Asking my eight-year-old self what I wanted to be when I grew up, I would quickly answer, “Artist.” I took art classes, had loads of sketch books, worked in multiple mediums. The problem was, I wasn’t very good at it. The other problem; aspiring to be an artist doesn’t offer the guarantee of financial stability I’d need if I was...

Perusing the internet, reading through your favorite blogs, a style pattern may emerge — headline, intro, series of subheads with 1-2 paragraphs under each, a few bullet points, conclusion. There’s a reason for this format, as formulaic as it may be. Crafted with the right words, in the right format, your blog post is more likely to get read, thanks to SEO.

Search engine optimization (SEO) works when relevant words are woven into your content. This includes word placement as much as word...

You can call me a snob if you like, or roll your eyes when I correct your grammar or punctuation. I don’t care. It’s intrinsic for me to flinch when it appears that someone has forgotten elementary-school English. Having already expressed my views on commonly confused words and misplaced commas, I’ve started to notice two other areas where people can struggle in getting things just right — apostrophes and exclamation points. In my opinion, both tend to be overused primarily because of a lack...

I started journals for each of my children when they were born. I use them to mark special event and milestones. They’ve also morphed into scrapbooks with ticket stubs and old birthday cards. My hope is to deliver a book of memories they might not have of their own lives when they’re older. I hope these journals become a treasure, but as my oldest started elementary school I began to worry. The carefully-crafted messages to my kids are painstakingly handwritten in cursive — Are they even...