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Content Mastery Guide

Editor and Ghostwriter

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What on earth do I mean by, “Einstein hair”?

May 14, 2008 By Linda Dessau

Once in awhile, I’m awakened by my creativity. It actually rouses me from sleep and makes lounging in bed impossible. I simply must get up and capture the ideas – there’s a fear there, that if I don’t, the ideas will be lost forever and I won’t get any more.

Now, I know for a fact that’s not true. I’ve been shown that the best ideas will always come back, sometimes seeming new again.

And in those early morning hours, long before rational thinking sets in, the desire and will to bring my ideas to fruition – together with that little bit of fear – propels me out of my comfortable bed and to the nearest piece of paper.

Once sparked, my idea-generating capacity usually snowballs into a free-flowing pool of ideas. And while I’m trying to get myself showered, dressed and ready for the day, they just keep coming. And so in between the bathroom and the bedroom, my moisturizer and my comb, I’m back and forth to the desk or kitchen table to jot down more and more things.

Now, there’s a certain time limit to how long I can leave my hair wrapped in a towel. Ideally, it’s just long enough to dry it a bit, but not too much that starts to take on the funny shape it’s in.

On these creative mornings, my "towel time" can extend far past its limit. And the result? Einstein hair, sticking out in all directions. For me, it’s a badge I wear with honour for the rest of the day.

Christianne Northrup, in her book, "Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom," writes about some of the things women go through as they cycle through the month. Interestingly enough, these highly creative times that I experience can actually be traced back to that cycle. Even down to the detail of how vivid my dreams can be at certain times, as well.

I wrote about the creative cycle back in 2006. It’s fascinating to take a look back and see how my creative cycle is being expressed today.

Writing Prompt: What can you do today to honour your creative cycle? Do you have an idea catcher in place? Check out two of my favourite idea catchers – jott and blogging, and also watch for upcoming news of a brand new idea catcher that I’m putting together for you!

Filed Under: Writing Prompts

Personas – Who are you writing to?

May 9, 2008 By Linda Dessau

Well, like I said, "Want to write more? Get out more!" When I got out to CaseCamp 7, I met June Li, a web analytics specialist and the founder of ClickInsight.

June has another really nice way of explaining what I was getting at in my writing for your niche post. Check out her discussion of personas.

She also has plenty of other great tips for getting the best results from your online efforts.

Filed Under: Writing Prompts

The World of Web 2.0 – Joan Vinall-Cox

May 8, 2008 By Linda Dessau

[Update, May 9, 2008 – My apologies to Joan for calling her "June" – again!]

I first introduced you to Joan Vinall-Cox in the post, "Want to write more? Get out more!" I got out last month, to a PWAC Toronto seminar, and that's where I met Joan.

She's a writing coach, editor and Web 2.0 consultant, and has a special touch for demystifying the world of Web 2.0.

I was delighted that we could set up a time to chat, and Joan graciously agreed to let me record our conversation as my latest http://del.icio.us as the best place to dip your feet into the Web 2.0 pool.

Joan is available for speaking and consultations, and you can reach her via her online portfolio at http://joanvinallcox.wordpress.com/my-e-portfolio/.

MP3 File

Filed Under: Expert Interviews

Website Help

May 7, 2008 By Linda Dessau

Did I touch a few sore points with my website manifesto? Good!

No matter how long we’ve been in business online (and I’ve been here since 2002), there is always much to learn and improve upon. I’m planning a complete revamp of my own websites and blog when I migrate them over to WordPress later this year. [Updated May 12, 2009: As you probably noticed, I decided to stick with Typepad, but I did revamp all of the copy on my website.]

If you’re looking to start or revamp a successful website, here are some resources for you:

Lisa Wells, Coast2Coast Business Solutions: Lisa is an e-marketing specialist and a whiz with website templates. She’ll have you up and running with your own online marketing machine in no time. And she can also help you out with updates on an ongoing basis. She does fantastic work!

Sandra De Freitas, Tech Coach for Coaches: Sandra is the author of the upcoming book, “Does this Blogsite make my Wallet Look Fat? How to use a WordPress blogsite to make money, attract clients and gain expert celebrity status.” Sound good? Get her book and do it yourself, or hire her to do it for you. Sandra wrote the book on WordPress – and I should know, I edited it 😉
[Updated June 22, 2008] Sandra’s book is now available from http://wpblogsites.com/.]

[Added May 30, 2008] How could I forget Kenn Schroder? His Client Converter service builds upon his proven track record of helping coaches successfully build an online presence.

[Added June 22, 2008] Or build your own website in a snap with Deb Gallant’s Web Power Tools. No technical knowledge required, I promise!

June Li at ClickInsight: June is a web analytics specialist, and her website is full of great tips for getting the best results from your online efforts.

Robert Middleton’s Website Toolkit (an affiliate link): I haven’t used this resource personally, but it’s been highly recommended by Sandra De Freitas, Kathy Mallary, and other trusted peers.

Please let me know if you have feedback about ANY of these resources that you decide to try.

Help and information is out there and yours for the taking, so let’s see you get that website working for you. And of course, if you need any assistance with writing or editing copy for your successful website, I’m here to help.

Filed Under: Content Marketing Ideas

Sneak peek of my new do-it-yourself editing tool for coaches

May 7, 2008 By Linda Dessau

Well, I’m busy creating my next product, the do-it-yourself editing tool, and I’ve come up with the following working title:

Be Your Own Editor: The Customizable Style Guide for Coaches Who Write

Do you like it? What do you think of when you see that title? Does it compel you at all? Do you think you need something like that? Please enter your comments below.

FYI, the sales page and “pink spoon” will explain what a style guide is, for those who don’t know already.

Also, if you haven’t sent me your own editing confessions yet, hop on over to the website. If you submit your confessions, you’ll be the first to snap up the free “pink spoon” version of the tool, and you’ll also be eligible for a FREE COPY of the finished product.

Thanks SO much for your help!

Filed Under: News & Special Offers

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