Eric Owusu reports:
"Audiences love movies set in the future. Classic Science Fiction is always welcomed. Well, at least mostly. Audiences get interesting glimpses through these kinds of films of how writers imagine life will be years, decades, even eons from now. Several Hollywood blockbusters and cult classics alike have been set in the future, earning awards and fans who pick the screenplays apart for deeper or alternative meanings...When writing a screenplay of your own that’s set in the future, keep a few of the following aspects in mind...If you’re like most writers and have a very vivid imagination, narrowing down the most important parts for your screenplay that you come up with to a few futuristic aspects can be daunting. Pick things that will help best illustrate the themes and messages of your screenplay’s story...In your screenplay, paint a picture that accurately depicts the world you want to present. If your future is grim, use grim adjectives to describe characters, settings and objects in their world...In your screenplay, set in the future; help your audience see what you want them to see by captivating them with things you want your future world to have. Flying cars, laser guns, androids, artificial intelligence systems that are commonplace and other things that don’t exist for public consumption currently will help transport your audience to your world and set it apart from the one we all currently inhabit...Take your time in displaying the characteristics of your main and supporting characters when writing your screenplay. Remember, the audience needs to feel a specific way (positive or negative) for each character to some degree. You have roughly 90+ pages to get audiences invested in who they are, what they’re doing and why they’re doing so. Even in a world set in the future, age-old storytelling techniques drive the story forward, in time and progression. Also, be sure to include situations where your characters are conflicted and the human story and [characteristics] can transcend, causing the characters to make choices that only exist in the futuristic world you’ve let your audience in to observe...Are you making statements in your futuristic screenplay? Why or why not? If so, what are they? Remember, Science Fiction's backbone is the human characters and story that shine through the foreign environments we are watching." Gary Ewer reports:
"How do I write a hook for the song I’ve already composed? Is that possible, or must the songwriting process start with the creation of a hook? In a way, all songs have a hook if they’re memorable. A hook is that 'thing' that keeps you focused on a song. But in general usage, the term 'hook' refers to a rhythmic/melodic figure that repeats rather constantly throughout a song. Not all songs have that kind of hook, though, so as a first step try to determine if your song calls for it. If you think that what you’ve got written down is good but just lacks a little cohesion, a hook can do that for you...Find one or two chords, and an energetic rhythm that serves as a strong component of your song, and repeat them over and over. Use it as an intro, between verses, and as part of the outro...There’s no part of your melody that must be in a hook. And in fact, my opinion is that the best hooks use a different melodic construction from your verse or chorus, to add some variety to your song...Allow a hook to disappear briefly in a song. For example, you may want to abandon it during the bridge, developing a stand-alone hook that appears only in that part of the piece. That way, when you come back to the song’s basic hook it will feel fresh...Experiment with catchy aspects of a song other than rhythm and chords...And how do you know you’ve written a good one? You’ll know that your hook works if you find yourself humming it long after the song is finished." Miranda Brookins reports:
"It's important to communicate company policies, including new ones, to employees. Announce new company policies to employees in a written format, such as a memo...Start your memo with the following headers: 'TO:,' 'FROM:,' 'DATE:' and 'SUBJECT:'. Separate each header with a double space and add a colon after each header, followed by one space...Include the name of the employee you're sending the memo to, after the header 'TO.' Or you can make the 'TO:' line more general and type 'All Employees of ...' and include the name of your company. 'FROM:' should include either the employer's name or the name of the human resources manager or director, along with the individual's title. Your 'SUBJECT:' should indicate that you're going to announce a new company policy and give indication as to what it is with four to six words...Open your new company policy memo with a paragraph that outlines the reason you're writing and sending the memo to your employees. Plainly state the new company policy; you can explain it further in the paragraphs that follow. Add a single-line space and begin your second paragraph...Provide your employees with background information that indicates how and why the new company policy was created. If a specific event in the office encouraged you to create it, state that, without providing details that may single out one employee or group. Add a single-line space, then begin your third paragraph...Use your third paragraph to fully explain what the new policy is, who it applies to, employee responsibility for acknowledging and following the policy, details on how it will be enforced and consequences for not following the policy...Close the memo by letting employees know when the new company policy goes into effect and by directing them to contact the company owner or the human resources department, if they have any further questions or concerns. If you plan to add the company policy to your existing handbook or you plan to post it in the office, let employees know where [t]hey can access the information." Juan Jose Mendez reports:
"Every famous Hollywood movie script follows the same basic structure, so why can’t your video follow it too? Following this structure assures that your video script will be as engaging as a Hollywood flick for your audience...The very first thing your script should explain is 'what' the problem of your target audience is that your product or service solves. This will immediately engage your audience...Once you’ve settled the problem, you have to explain 'how' your product or service solves that problem...You need to tell your audience 'why' they should choose yours instead of the competition. This is the most 'salesy' part of the video because here’s when you describe your product’s features, benefits, and so on. Sometimes, the 'how' and 'why' acts are quite similar and they overlap a little or they are actually the same thing, but that’s ok[ay]. Whether they’re similar or [mixed up], our advice is to not [be] too salesy all the way through: [S]ave the salesy part for the end. Apart from this, always try to follow the classic structure as precisely as possible...The longer a video is, the less likely people will be to watch it all the way through...[T]ry to be brief! The script is what defines the length of your marketing video, but how do you know how long your script will be on video? Easy-peasy: [One hundred sixty] scripted words in English is equal to around one minute on video. At Yum Yum Videos, we believe that the magic number is 240 words: that’s 90 video seconds[,] enough time for you to explain your product or service without anyone losing interest in the story...[K]eep it simple! Don’t try to explain absolutely everything about your company in a single 2-minute-long script. Get straight to the point, and take the time to think about what’s important to include in your video and what’s not. And, don’t you worry: [L]ater, once your audience gets really interested in your product or service, you’ll have the time to explain the details that couldn’t make it into the video (with sales calls, blog articles, etc.)...The most important thing to keep in mind with your animated marketing video must always be your audience and how you can help them solve their problems. Don’t try to sell your audience anything, but rather, make them understand that you can actually help them instead; only then will they truly trust in your brand and decide to purchase your product or service. And, be careful: [I]f your video talks about your brand’s features the entire time, and overlooks your audience’s problems, you may lose a lot of conversion opportunities...Finally, don’t forget to make it clear -in your script- what you want your audience to do after watching your video: [F]rom downloading an eBook or a free demo, to sharing on social media, your call-to-action must be really clear and direct. Don’t make multiple calls-to-action in the same video! Make only one, and make sure it’s straightforward and clear. But, if your marketing strategy requires different calls-to-action, you can always make different versions of the same marketing video with a different call-to-action in each; then, you could use them in different campaigns or conduct A/B testing to see which would be more successful...We always advise that any animated explainer video script be done by professionals (such as explainer video production companies that offer that service), who can really understand the script process and its cinematic value. But, you can always try to write it on your own at first, if your budget isn’t big enough." Penny Loretto reports (sample included):
"A cover letter is frequently required, and recommended, along with your job application. It expresses your interest in the role, sums up your qualifications and attempts to show how you are different than the other candidates...A good cover letter...demonstrates the strengths and benefits you will bring to the position and how your past experience will make it a quick transition. Each cover letter [you] submit should be customized for the particular job description. Particularly when applying for a job in government, an individualized cover letter is essential. Government human resources departments frequently use computer programs to scan cover letters, and using key words from the specific job description can help your application be recognized...While cover letters used to be mailed or faxed, they are now almost exclusively emailed along with your resume." Kivi Leroux Miller reports:
"I write so much better and faster when I can identify the hook of the article or story early...Think of the hook as, well, the thing you hook your thinking on as you write the article. Or the thing that will hook your reader into going past the first sentence or two. It’s like the organizing principle that you write around. Or the most important point. Or the one-liner that you think everyone will want to tweet. It’s what snags both you and the readers into the piece. You may know that you have to write about a certain topic, but until you find your hook, you’ll just be rambling...Questions that many people have are great hooks...If you are telling a story that grabs your reader, they’ll want to hang on to see how it is resolved...If a person in the story is interesting, because the reader can relate to him or her or because the person is very different from the reader, that can work as a hook...Sometimes a direct quote from someone you interviewed really gets to the crux or heart of the matter and you can use that as your hook...People love Top Ten Lists, how-to articles, and Q & A interviews. These formats themselves are good hooks because of their popularity...A startling statistic can work as a hook too...Humor is a great hook, especially if people can relate to it in their own lives." Dana Hinders reports:
"Whether you're combining elements of several different fairy tales, creating a fractured fairy tale, or giving a classic story a modern twist, fairy tales offer a rich source of inspiration. Fairy tales can be used as the basis of stories for children or combined with other elements in order to create a work that appeals to older audiences...Fairy tales can also inspire poems...Generally, a fairy tale is also described as a fable that teaches an important moral. The message of the story may be subtle, but it is what makes the fairy tale endure for generations of readers...To be successful, a fairy tale needs to have characters that readers can relate to. Generally, a fairy tale needs both a hero and a villain. The interaction between good and evil is a critical element in the success of your story. When learning how to write a fairy tale, keep in mind that your characters don't necessarily have to be human. Plenty of fairy tales have been created using animal characters as a starting point...Having an obstacle to overcome gives your characters something to accomplish during the story...What would a fairy tale be without a happy ending? Even though we don't always get what we wish for in real life, the world of fairy tales makes us believe that anything is possible. A successful fairy tale has a resolution to the plot that is believable, if not a bit optimistic." Louise Balle reports:
"Job seekers may sort through hundreds of employment ads before deciding on a few for submitting applications. If you want qualified applicants to contact you, it's important to create an appropriate job advertisement. You can then post your ad on one of various job employment websites and forums...Create a title for your employment advertisement that contains the name of the position you're trying to fill...Identify your business at the beginning of the advertisement. List the business name as well as background information about your company. Include facts about your products or services, the customers you serve and your company's mission. If you have a new company, say so—letting the reader know that you are hiring for a small startup could attract people with experience in this type of situation...Provide a more in-depth look into the department that your company is hiring for, if applicable...Explain that you are in search of a new employee (or employees) to help you further your small [business'] mission. List the official title for the employee you're seeking as well as the job's duties and responsibilities...Provide a list of requirements for this employee, including educational level, skills, availability (part time or full time), experience in specific fields, physical ability (if applicable to the position) and willingness to travel. Explain exactly what the employee must present to you as a condition of consideration for employment, such as a portfolio or list of references. Be as specific as possible to prevent yourself from receiving a slew of applications from unqualified applicants...Provide a section regarding salary. If you don't feel comfortable listing the salary or hourly rate for the position, you can simply write 'commensurate with experience' or something similar. If you offer benefits, list them to make the job listing more attractive to qualified candidates...Enter details about your application process at the end of the employment ad. Ask for a resume and a brief cover letter. Avoid posting your main email or a direct phone number in the ad, unless you don't mind handling many inquiries this way. Direct applicants to a fax number or separate email account specifically designated to receive resumes or inquiries via email. Provide a link to the 'about' page of your website so applicants can confirm that you have a legitimate business." Lauren Owens reports:
"Businesses seeking to establish themselves as industry experts or thought leaders should first take a look at whether their web content is helping or hurting their case. Follow these simple guidelines to start producing stellar content that not only increases conversions, but [also] establishes your business as a credible voice...It’s important that you use an authoritative, yet approachable, voice in your blog, web and social media content. To write with authority, present thoughts easily, clearly and with confidence. And, write in an active (rather than passive) voice, putting the subject before the verb...Communicating clearly and effectively will go a long way in establishing your authority, but so will making sure you have something new to say. It’s important when you’re blogging to add to the collective conversation rather than simply putting your own spin on the same old information...Provide your reader with detailed information and back that information up by using sources. In other words — don’t be vague...But passing along erroneous information will undercut your credibility more than anything else you do. If you’re citing a scientific study, government data or other industry expert, make sure you get it right...It’s crucial that your audience be able to trust you. That’s why you should always convey honesty and sincerity — even if it’s bad for your brand in the short term...Your blog readers are just like you. They’re looking for solid information about something they’re interested in. If you talk down to your readers, give false information or attempt to 'dumb down' your content, you’ll lose readers — and credibility – fast...Something as simple as using an en dash (—) in one place and an em dash (–) in another can make your website look as though it were rushed or cobbled together. It’s a good idea to follow style guidelines such as those defined by the Associated Press or the Chicago Manual of Style so that everyone who provides content to your website can do so correctly and with confidence. Alternatively, companies can create their own style manuals that serve as quick and easy guidelines for anyone writing for your website, or about your products and services...You can have the most brilliant ideas in the world, but if they’re not being communicated correctly and effectively, you’re undercutting your credibility. If you know that you’re not a good or effective writer, hand the task of maintaining your company blog, website and social media posts to someone who is. Because grammatical errors and clunky sentences can quickly repel readers — just as soon as they found your blog, they’ll back out and go someplace else." Karol K. reports:
"[A]s a freelance writer, you probably write a lot, right? And as always, there are more and less productive periods in your work schedule. For that reason, it surely would be nice to be able to keep track of your writing and monitor the amount of work you’re doing every day. As we all know, what gets measured gets improved. Here’s what I do. I use an Excel spreadsheet that consists of the following: Each row represents a given day. Each column represents: (1) a client of mine, (2) the number of words I wrote on that day, and (3) the number of articles I sent out. There are two additional columns that represent: (1) the sum of words I wrote in a given day for all clients, and (2) the total number of articles I sent out...Apart from the things you’ve already written, there are also things you have yet to write. I use a simple Excel spreadsheet to keep track of those as well. Here’s the layout: Each row represents a single article I have to write. The columns represent: the deadline, the client, the headline, and a short description...Now, for actually brainstorming over ideas and coming up with new article topics and headlines, I use a completely different environment, but once my client and I agree on a topic and on a deadline, the article goes into this spreadsheet...[I]f you’re doing any sort of guest writing services (where you not only have to write an article but also get it published on a third-party site) then having...a published articles log can surely be useful. It can also help you with your marketing as a freelancer. When you have a nice log of your previous articles, you can easily pick some specific pieces and send them to your next prospective client to prove your expertise. Here’s the layout: Each row represents one article. The columns represent: the client, the headline, the URL – link, the publication date (optional), and the main keyword (for backlinking; also optional)...Your clients will often provide you with a list of keywords and the corresponding URLs that they want you to use. Those lists are very specific and it’s important not to confuse anything or you might end up not getting paid for your work. Excel works great as a management tool for keywords. Here’s a possible layout for the spreadsheet: Each row represents a single keyword. The columns represent: the status of the keyword ('used,' or 'available'), the actual keyword (like 'learn to play guitar'), the target URL for the keyword, the destination (if your client wants the keyword to be used on a specific site), and the headline of the article where the keyword is to be used (in case you have to go back to the article and do some tuning up)...[C]ommunicating with your clients or various website owners not only takes time when you’re actively sitting in your inbox, but is even more time-consuming when you have to find a certain email sent a while ago, connect it to an individual project and take some specific action on it. This is why I keep something I call a communication log. Here’s the layout: Each row represents a given event (like an email sent, or a project getting accepted). The columns represent: the recipient, the date, type of communication (this is quite easy to predefine; most common communications involve things like pitching an idea, sending an article, following up, and so on), and an additional comment (this field can contain whatever you feel is relevant)...Another way of guaranteeing a smoother client project is to use some of the modern tools instead of Excel. A nice setup is to use Bidsketch for creating, sending[,] and managing client proposals, and then use Teambox to manage projects once they’re in progress...[A popularity] spreadsheet [for guest writing] is very useful if your clients require you to research the prospective websites where you can publish articles on their behalf. The layout of this spreadsheet is very important because you have to be able to sort its contents easily. Here’s my proposition: Each row represents a single website. The columns represent: the URL/name, the contact and guest author guidelines URLs, the PageRank of the site, the mozRank, the Custom Rank (I encourage you to personalize these columns and use only the rank factors that make the most sense to you), and the range of topics the site accepts...Once you have such a spreadsheet you can easily sort it according to any of the rank scores or even create an additional column that somehow combines the ranks into one overall score. By the way, there are many browser plugins available to make finding these ranking scores way easier. Like SearchStatus (Firefox)." |
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
April 2024
CategoriesJ.D. Parsons
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