Recently, I have had conversations with several people who expressed interest in writing books but lack writing skills.  From those discussions, I noticed three categories that aspiring authors fall into.  First, there are the people who want to write but lack skills.  Then, there are people who clearly have stories in them, but don’t want to write. They may have skills, but are not willing to put pen to paper.  The last groups are people who don’t like to write because they lack skills.

Instead of discouraging them from fulfilling their dreams of being authors and sharing themselves with the world, I provided the following tips to each individual group to get them  started on their writing journey.

Group 1: People who want to write but lack skills

1. Start writing and don’t worry about grammar, spelling or syntax initially.
2. Read everything even if it’s just a license plate or billboard.
3. Refresh grammar and punctuation skills by reading, writing and practicing.
4. Listen to how people speak.
5. Take writing classes.
6. Practice with writing prompts.
7. Find a writing mentor or coach.

Group 2: People who don’t want to write, but want to tell their stories

With advancements in technology, following are ways stories can be told without much writing.

1. Voice recognition software
2. Digital voice recorders. NOT tape recorders!
3. Ghost writers (hire us!)

Group 3: People who don’t like to write because they lack skills

I would give the same advice to this group as I did Group 2.  However, I would encourage them to journal.  Writing in a journal would not only help build writing skills, it would also build their confidence and possibly be the start of another book.

Just because people lack writing skills does not mean they cannot add “author” to their list of credentials.  Just be mindful of the tips above and a published book is sure to follow.

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Who are you talking to? This is the one question that needs to be answered before writing a letter, memo, or email.  Answering this question will set the tone of the message; determine the method of delivery; and the length of the message in your correspondence.

Tone

The conversations you have with co-workers are different from those you have with your supervisor.  Well, they should be.  The same logic holds true in writing.  Your tone with co-workers will be informal to semi-formal depending on the relationship.  Correspondence with your supervisor should be semi-formal to formal.  Be mindful of the level of your supervisor’s authority regardless of how “open” the organization is.

Method of Delivery

The Internet has skewed interpersonal communications and basic manners.  Communications have gotten very informal and more immediate.  With all of the options available today, there are some things that hold true.

1. Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn should not be used as your primary source of communication at work.  Or at home for that matter.
2. Respond to a message in the same manner in which it was received.  If someone emailed you, do not text, call, or respond via Facebook unless directed to do so.  Take time from your busy schedule to respond appropriately.
3. You may have to pull out pen and paper to jot down your message.

Length of Message

This will vary based on your message and the recipient.  Always include who, what, when, where, why, and how.  If you have to write a five page letter to get your point across, do it.  It’s better to have two much information than not enough.  On the other hand, if you can get your message across in one paragraph, that’s excellent.  Do not forget to edit your writings.

Remember, knowing who you are talking to is the first consideration prior to writing anything.  The tone, method of delivery, and length of message is determined by this decision.  Use proper etiquette and basic manners when writing, and don’t forget to put “YOU” in your messages.

Sentence: After the terrorist 9/11 attacks, there was a huge level of xenophobia in America.

I sometimes create abnormal words in moments of spontaneity, creativity or boredom. My words are created on purpose. Grammatical practices such as using words and phrases incorrectly and using nouns as verbs, are just plain wrong. They also annoy journalists Tasha Clopton-Stubbs and Glenn Reedus to a high degree.

Tasha literally wants to scratch her nails across a chalkboard when the following words are used incorrectly.

Last but not least, educators who cannot differentiate between too, two, to and there, their, and they’re!

Glenn Reedus cringes when nouns are used as verbs:

Ok, the last one is mine; I just wanted to share my two cents.

As you know, the English language is already complex enough without us adding to the madness. To keep life simple, learn to use words as they are intended. If you are uncertain, check out your dictionary, dictionary websites, or Tasha or Glenn.