Alia Nikolakopulos reports:
"The Internal Revenue Service sends correspondence for a variety of reasons...[and] is a large organization with many offices. Each office processes different types of information and in most cases your letter must be sent to an address that differs from the location where you normally send your tax return. If you send your letter to an address not provided with your notice, the IRS may take longer to process your response...Your notice contains information you’ll need to draft a proper response...Most IRS notices reserve the bottom third of the letter for you to tear off and enclose in an envelope provided with your notice. The voucher lists other information the IRS uses to process your response, so send the voucher with your correspondence if you still have your notice. If you don’t have the notice, call the IRS...and ask for the address to which you must send your letter. An IRS agent will look at your account to see which notice you received and give you the correct mailing address...The format of your response letter should look neat and approach the subject of your response. In the upper left corner, write the date and the IRS address to which you are sending your correspondence. Create a subject line with the letters 'Re:' followed by your IRS notice number. You will see your IRS notice number in the upper right corner of the letter. Often, the notice number begins with CP or LP. On the second line below the subject line, write your Social Security number and name. If the notice concerns your business, write the name and EIN of your company...The body of your letter is the meat of your correspondence...[for explaining] your response to the notice. Use as much detail as possible to describe your position. Include dates of circumstances when necessary and attach any additional documents that support your story. Avoid writing your response directly on the notice sheet, unless the IRS specifically provides a space for your response and directs you to use that area...If you use an envelope provided by the IRS, place the address from your notice voucher behind the envelope window...[Otherwise], write the IRS address on your own envelope. Most IRS addresses contain only a city, state and nine-digit zip code, so don’t be worried if there isn’t a street address listed. However, do use the whole nine-digit zip code as the last four numbers direct your mail to the right place. If the IRS requires your response by a particular date, mail your letter from a post office and purchase a certified mail receipt. This receipt is postmarked and proves the date you sent your letter. Keep this receipt with your records in case the IRS challenges the date of your response." Nina Amir reports:
"No matter how much you say you want to write, I bet, like me, you can find a million and one ways not to write. Today the world is a noisy, distracting place—and that world comes right to your keyboard...So how do you block out the noise and distraction so you can write? Here are seven methods you can try...Go somewhere noisy. This may seem counterintuitive, but lots of writers enjoy working in noisy coffee shops. They find the background noise actually helps them concentrate. Don’t want to actually go to a coffee shop? Get the same [e]ffect with this app: Coffitivity...Although some writers can’t concentrate with any type of noise or sound, others find music helps them focus. You may discover that it keeps you more interested in what you are doing—provides just the right amount of minimal distraction while still allowing you to concentrate on your work. Try listening to Mozart; his music is supposed to actually foster good concentration. If you don’t have an iPod or music in some other format, try Songza...If the [I]nternet in any form is your downfall, it is possible to simply turn it off. I don’t mean just closing it down. I mean making it impossible to use while you write...Sometimes distractions come from inside your home...Close the door to your workspace. Shut your window. Make your space as quiet as you can. Leaving doors and windows open to noise simply invites in distraction...Invest in some good earplugs. My office is in a loft that hangs over the living room and kitchen. That means I can hear everything going on downstairs...I’ve been known to use earplugs and then to put my computer headset over them when I’m really in need of quiet!...Go out in nature. Sometimes getting out of the office and into nature can make a huge difference. I often sit on my deck in good weather, and I’m amazed at how much more productive I am. I spend much less time on the [I]nternet when I’m out there...Go on a retreat. If you really need some quiet time, find a retreat center—preferably one with no [I]nternet or really bad reception! Don’t go with a group. Go alone. Book a weekend or a week, and enjoy the quiet time to write." Lisa A. Leitl reports:
"Don't write to come up with the next big hit. That's a lot of pressure. Just write without thinking about some external measurement of success...Always push yourself to say what has been said thousands of times before, but in a new and fresh way...Write with other songwriters...Two people can usually come up with some pretty cool and fresh ways to say something in a song. Just be sure [that] you are both allowing freedom of expression during your sessions...Try writing in different locations for unique inspiration and fresh perspectives...Join one of the many Songwriting Challenge Groups online. It is a way to be held accountable to others for creating a song a week or a song a month. Plus you will be meeting other like[-]minded individuals...There are also some great books written on the craft of songwriting, [so] be sure to check them out. Also, there are many websites that have great information to assist songwriters in improving their craft along with educating them on the business of songwriting...Most importantly, make sure you are enjoying the process." David Searls reports:
"Hiring managers who are looking for in-depth self-appraisal from job candidates may ask a potential new hire to write a career autobiography. Written in narrative form, your autobiography should reveal your early influences, the career decisions you've made, the challenges you've overcome and the valuable experiences you’ve gained along the way...Reflect on your past and jot down notes. Consider every job you've ever held and what you've learned from each. Start with a rough outline that takes you through your career in chronological order...Find your earliest influences...Determine whether a parent, teacher or other adult served as an informal mentor. Don't forget that college class that made an impression or the early job that set you along your career trajectory...Draw conclusions and find a unifying theme. Determine how every job on your resume helped shape who you are today -- even those positions that, in hindsight, were mistakes. Think about how each job added skills to the arsenal you bring today to a prospective employer....Develop an appropriate writing style. Your career autobiography should take your reader step-by-step on a path that logically leads to the position you seek. Demonstrate how each victory won and lesson learned better prepared you to pursue the job at hand...Make sure that the quality of your writing reflects the position for which you're applying. In other words, your level of proficiency and creativity will be more highly scrutinized if you’re applying to be a journalist or editor than if you seek an engineering position...Tell a story that demonstrates your passion for the position to which you're applying. Your narrative should stand out and compel your reader to hire you based on your skills, experience and insights, as well as the depth of your character." Lisa McQuerrey reports:
"Writing a business plan for a charity is similar to writing a business plan for a for-profit organization. Key elements include identifying competition, developing a marketing strategy and forecasting income. The main difference is that while a for-profit business relies on sales projections to form the basis of a comprehensive business plan, a charity must evaluate its current and future funding sources, which typically come from donors, fundraisers and grants...Collect financial and operating data, if available. If the charity is already in operation, this material should include profit and loss statements, detailed operating expense reports and a spreadsheet that indicates income sources, amounts and [timelines] for funding. If the charity has not yet been launched, compile materials related to any secured funding sources and operational funding projections, including anticipated startup, overhead and operating costs...Write a one-page executive summary that outlines the intended goals for the charity in one-, three- and five-year increments. The summary should provide an overview of program and fundraising goals. If the charity has an advisory board or board of directors responsible for guiding the organization, their input should be considered as the executive summary is written...Describe current and planned marketing activities. This may include community outreach initiatives, public awareness campaigns or specific use of contributions to be used for marketing. Include in-kind marketing provided by donors and charity supporters. The description should include anticipated costs for marketing and anticipated outcomes...Describe your competition and how their activities have the potential to impact your operating plans...Detail your current and anticipated operating procedures, including details about staffing. This should include creating an organizational chart that includes details about positions, responsibilities and salaries. Include time donated by charity volunteers...Develop a budget. Include startup costs, if necessary, the cost for supplies, equipment, securing a facility, if applicable, and monthly operating costs. If the charity is already operational, use established accounting records to complete this section of the business plan...Evaluate revenue streams. Use information gathered as part of steps one and six as reference if necessary. For a charity organization, this is a vital component of business plan development. Established charities can use income statements from previous years of operation as a benchmark for developing a cash flowchart...New charities should use pledged gifts and anticipated revenue from fundraising and grant writing activities...Assess your compiled business plan materials to look for areas that don’t support one another and adjust accordingly. For example, if you have less anticipated revenue than necessary to meet operating expenses, adjust either your operating budget or your fundraising budget to bring your plan into line." Elle Smith reports:
"You may hate to leave your pooch behind, but when you can hire a dog sitter, it takes some of the sting away. The first step is to find a good sitter, but your job's not done until you leave detailed instructions on what your dog requires in your absence...Jot down any behavioral or temperament issues your dog may have...The sitter must be on guard...Note the activity your dog requires, and how much time you want the sitter to spend at your house. Include how many times each day your dog needs to be walked, or how many times you usually throw the tennis ball before your dog gets pooped out...Make a notation of what, when and how much to feed your dog and ask the dog sitter to strictly follow these directions. Inform the sitter of the food's location. Most dogs don't do well with changes in their diet, so now is not the time to overindulge with treats or switch food because you're feeling guilty. Keeping your dog's feeding routine regular can help the dog feel normal in your absence...Include the dog's water-drinking habits on your list. If your dog has access to both indoors and out, ask the sitter to keep a bowl of fresh water in both locations...List all equipment -- such as leashes, plastic bags and collar -- the sitter needs to care for your dog and where to find it. If the leash is hanging on a hook by the back door, for instance, remind the sitter to look there and to return it to the same place so that it's easy to find for the next walk...Add a notation for any medication or supplements your dog requires and any health issues that may need more attention...Be very specific in the exact dosage and the time of day the medication or supplements must be given. Instruct the sitter to keep them out of reach of the dog...Note your dog's normal sleeping pattern and places. For example, if your dog is usually crated for the night after her last potty break, indicate what time she should be placed in the crate. If the dog normally sleeps on your bed or couch, let the sitter know that is acceptable so she doesn't remove the dog from her normal sleeping spot...Add your contact information...and ask the sitter to call you with any questions. List your regular vet's phone number and address. Include a contact for an emergency veterinary hospital. It wouldn't hurt to also add the phone number of a familiar neighbor the sitter might call if there's a problem." Angela Ogunjimi reports:
"Open your letter with a brief, unequivocal statement announcing your intention to depart. Include the effective date of your resignation or the last day you will be available to work...Whether the date is four weeks or four days from now matters not; your company needs to know your plan...Thank your employer for the opportunity to work with the company. Name your supervisor or a mentor who has helped you during your stay...Offer support. Although your last-minute letter gives your employer little time to appoint your replacement, avail yourself to helping in any way you can. Write in your letter, 'I offer my support in the transition and hope to close out the following projects.' In practice this might mean training your nearest co-worker and providing detailed notes about your assignments...Keep your letter positive and upbeat. No matter your reason for leaving, you want a drama-free record of your employment on file. Chances are[,] other employers will call for a reference. Keep the letter short, too, for the same reasons. You don't want any words coming back to haunt you. Offer no reasons as to why you're leaving, and don't blame anyone or any situation for your resignation...Expect to cause a stir, maybe some anger with your short-notice departure. Your co-workers will resent that you're moving on and you've left them with your workload. Your company might even want you off the premises immediately if you have access to important company secrets. Don't make a habit of last-minute resignations; your reputation might outrun you." Elizabeth Doyle reports:
"Here are some general guidelines for writing blurbs to go with your adoptables’ photos...Before you write anything, stop and think about your goal. You have to want this animal to find a home. You have to feel that want. Don’t let any secondary thoughts interfere right now. Think 'I’m her greatest hope for a home in this moment. I’m going to make it happen.'...Write a show-stopping first sentence. Something that will make people stop and look at this animal. Do not write this sentence: Joey is a 5 y.o. neutered male Shep/Pittie/Lab mix w/white markings, up-to-date on shots. That’s all useful information that you can share once you have readers’ attention — and more important[ly], their hearts. But first you have to grab their hearts. How to do that? Look into the animal’s eyes and say something true about him — something about who he is, not what he is. Perhaps something that describes his need. If you’re working only with a photo, look into his eyes in the photo...Once you’ve grabbed readers’ attention, and made them take a look at the dog behind the name, age, breed and stats, then you can share factual information. But how you phrase that information is important...List the positives first. Don’t say first that he hates cats. Say first that he loves other dogs! Sometimes, on a shelter’s behavior evaluation, it will not even list the positives; it will just have the 'cannots' and 'must haves.' So you have to read between the lines. If the behavior section is blank, that must mean that she’s an extremely well-behaved pet. Confirm that this is the case, and then put that information near the top. Before you mention that she has arthritis...Spend as much time on the positives as the negatives. Or even more. Ask more questions about the positives. Often, a dog’s shelter or caregiver will give us a book-length explanation of a bad behavior to make sure we fully understand, but unless we ask, we don’t know nearly as much about the good behaviors...At the end, urge readers to take the next step. At the bottom of the blurb, remind them how much you want them to call, email you or approach the shelter desk. Near the end of the blurb is also where many people mention absolute requirements for adopting a particular animal, such as 'The yard must have a six-foot fence' or 'She must be the only pet.' When writing about a restriction or requirement, try to sound warm and encouraging toward the reader. The greatest danger when talking about restrictions is that while trying to ward off the unqualified applicant, you might scare away the qualified one by sounding unfriendly. It’s not wrong to say what the requirements are, but you want to avoid making it sound like you don’t want people to call. And that can affect the reader’s split-second decision about whether to pick up the phone, send an email or approach the shelter’s front desk...Finally, carefully reread the whole profile. Ask yourself, 'Would this make ME call?' If the answer is 'Well …,' then that’s not good enough. Go back over it — with your heart." Sara Richmond-Walls reports:
"Imagery is language that appeals to the five senses: touch, taste, hearing, sight and smell. Successful authors weave imagery throughout their short stories with intricate detail, creating a painting out of words. An author wishing to create vivid imagery in a short story needs to remember to incorporate all five senses, show the reader what is happening instead of simply telling, avoid cliches and read often...Perhaps the strongest piece of advice given to aspiring authors of fiction is to show the reader what is happening instead of merely telling them. If you are writing about a man driving to his first day at work, you can tell the reader that he is nervous. Or you can create the scene with imagery: His palms itched and a trickle of sweat dripped its way down his lower back. His stomach churned from the coffee that he drank that morning, and while he pressed the gas pedal with his right foot, his left foot tapped the floor of the car incessantly...Authors often focus on the visual, describing things in unique ways by what the eye can see. A world of smells, tastes and sounds awaits a writer who is ready to dive into descriptive writing. Consider Ray Bradbury's short story 'All Summer in a Day.' In this story, it rains every day on the planet Venus, with the exception of one hour on one day every seven years. Instead of saying that the characters heard rain, Bradbury writes: 'But then they always awoke to the tatting drum, the endless shaking down of clear bead necklaces upon the roof, the walk, the gardens, the forests, and their dreams were gone.' Bradbury does not omit the sense of hearing, and thus creates a more detailed world for the reader to experience...While writing with imagery can make a story beautiful and eloquent, it can also destroy a story if it is riddled with cliches. Authors often use similes and metaphors to create imagery. These devices are excellent ways of enhancing a story. As an author, you have to come up with an original way to describe the sparkle in a character's eyes without referring to them as swimming pools, or diamonds, sapphires or other jewels to which eyes have so frequently been compared. In her book 'Imaginative Writing,' Janet Burroway writes, 'A cliche metaphor fails to surprise and so fails to illuminate.' The burden is on the writer to create something new...While it is important to construct original similes, metaphors and other word creations, reading quality writing by others can both inspire you and show you what not to do. Once you've decided to author your own fiction, you will find yourself reading the writing of others with the eye of a critic, for better or worse. Reading descriptive writing can enhance your own." Mary Elizabeth Bradford reports:
"Focus, not generalization[,] is critical. Say, for example, the VP of Sales for a Fortune 500 company gets a hold of your resume. They are reading your opening statement that starts with: 'Sales executive with 15 years of experience building teams and consensus, expanding territories and so on…' Ultimately this tells the reader very little. What questions might this reader have? I guarantee you they are trying to come up with a framework of perspective about you that includes things like: Do you have experience with regional, national or global sales? How big are the teams you have managed? What kind[s] of companies have you called on and what is the dollar figure of the products or services you have represented? Any particular selling skills such as conceptual selling, or academic credentials like MBA? Using a combination of keywords and a brief opening statement, you can paint a picture (quickly) that satisfies (not frustrates) your reader...If you have Googled executive resume writers and seen their samples, you might notice professional resumes are becoming more and more visually impactful and much less dense in text. This is because big blocks of text in your resume will seldom get read. You must say what you wish to say directly, simply and briefly. Focus on the value you bring to the table. In other words, what happens when you do what you do – vs. outlining tasks and skills. After all, what does someone who reads your resume want to know? It sounds harsh, but it is: 'What good are you to me? Why should I be reading this?'...New grad resumes, mid-level resumes and executive resumes all have one thing in common: [T]hey are written in implied first person. Don’t say: 'I offer 5 years of social media marketing experience,' but 'offer 5 years of social media marketing experience.'...Enhance your opening statement with keywords either above or below it. This is an easy way to help your reader understand your value. For example, a construction executive resume might say: Commercial Construction | Healthcare & Academia | Teams to 400 | P&L To 500 Million." |
Writing and editing can be pretty rigorous processes if you want to do them well, but that's what this page is here for. Check out the latest tips here. Archives
March 2024
CategoriesJ.D. Parsons
Author SEO Writer Proofreader Editor Internet Researcher |
Proudly powered by Weebly