S.R. Crawford's Blog, page 90

Writing Tip: RanDom capitalisation Is not OK for BusineSs

Some people like to use a capital at the start of every word in a sentence to add emphasis, or whatever...please, sir, do not do that! Not only is it unprofessional, but I also find it difficult to read. If someone is finding your content difficult to read, they're not going to want to invest in you, are they? So be smart. When writing content on your phone, during your lunch break maybe, make sure you really pay attention and proofread the work. It is so easy to make mistakes on your phone because of auto-correct and the keyboard being awfully tiny. I've had times when random capitals, amongst other things, have ruined my post because I didn't notice them or think they were a big deal. It is a big deal and it is an easy fix.So fix it!

Writing Tip: Spelling Errors Are a Professional No-No

Don't let something as simple as spelling errors end your career, my friends. It's so easy these days to get your spelling right because things like Microsoft Word or apps/extensions like Grammarly will do all the hard-work for you. So don't cut corners where it counts. These programmes should pick up on any spelling or grammatical errors and fix them for you. The only issue will be if you're like me and you've accidentally written the word concrete instead of concentrate and your editors don't notice...So concrete(!) on your work so that it is accurate and you don't lose clients due to silly errors.Always, always proofread any written text and edit - maybe even a few times if you want to be thorough (which you do, right?)

Writing Tip: Don't Start off on the Wrong Foot

When writing engaging content, in whatever form, you must start each sentence off right. If all your sentences start in the same way, your readers will become bored. For example:I went to the shop. I run a mile.I kissed my boyfriend.I discovered the moon.I...I...I...I...I...I...Blah, blah, blah.No one wants to read that, do they? Instead, try to mix it up by starting with other words. Maybe some punchy words. Perhaps some connecting words. Throw in some words that get right to the point, instead of beating around the bush. How about breaking the rules a little by starting with And or But even though your teacher probably told you not to. As long as you content makes sense, flows and feels good for the reader, who cares for the rules? Get creative. Test the waters to get an idea of what could work. Write a first draft but then edit to make it snappier. 

Thought Capture

So many books to read, so little time.

Thought Capture

If you let fear creep in, you’ll lose everything. It’ll poison you from the inside out. 

Thought Capture

Every day is a new opportunity to say “no, I want better.”

Self Improvement is Personal

Don’t make fun of someone who is trying to improve their life.

It is none of your business. Let them do what they need to do to get where they want to go. Self development, self improvement is a personal thing.

Dont make fun of a large person at the gym
Don’t make fun of someone who looks lost or is doing something wrong at the gym
Don’t make fun of someone trying out new hairstyles or make up or clothes
Don’t make fun of someone with inspirational quotes in their room or office
Don’t make fun of someone who’s reading a book for the first time that you’ve known them
Don’t make fun of someone who is breathless and panting when they run.
Don’t make fun of someone who signs up to online dating

Because what’s so funny about effort? About trying? About wanting better? About being brave enough to see something you don’t like and making a change? Mind your own business and concentrate on bettering your own life.

15 Years Later

Almost 15 years ago now, I lost my father. 15 years… It’s weird because I still feel 15 years old sometimes so to think we lost him that long ago is crazy.

People may think that because I lost my father so young that I couldn’t truly have known him. I was a kid so how could I truly feel his loss. But for me, my pain comes from the questions his absence evoked.

Who would I be if he were here?

Would I be more confident?

Would he read my books?

Would my mother be happier?

Would he have called me Sian?

Would he have liked my boyfriend (they are/were both apparently silly men so he probably would have).

Would I be a better person?

Would my family be different?

What beautiful memories would we have shared?

…

So no, I don’t mourn for a man I once knew very well and loved unconditionally. Instead I mourn for an ideal. A fantasy. And now even 15 years later, I still beg for that fantasy to become my reality. For my fantastical father to come and save me in my hour of need.

But he isn’t coming. As tears stream down my face I know he isn’t coming.

All I can hope for is his guidance and his spirit and his wisdom (whatever it might have been) to be a light inside myself to turn to when I feel weak.

Haiku

Breaking, ever breaking. (5)

My pieces scatter far. (7)

Winds, they carry me. (5)

Thought Capture

I want more. More than what I am. More than what I’ve seen. More.