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Business Advice from the Garden — Freelance Writers are Lettuce

 

Are you lettuce or raspberries? 

The garden is talking to me. It has an important business message for YOU!

We're in the middle of a serious drought. Yet without irrigation, my raspberries are bearing fruit.

The grass is yellow and the ground is cracking and crunching underfoot. Yet the burdock plants grow six inch long leaves overnight after getting cut down.

The new vegetable plants need to be watered twice a day to survive. Lettuce won't survive one day without water.

I know what you're thinking. What does that have to do with business?

Can Your Business Survive a Drought?

Do you want to know the secret of the raspberry patch? Of the burdock plants? And do you want to know why writers are lettuce? Take a walk with me in the garden and listen to our conversations.

Do you have a network or list that can survive this?

The Raspberries Talk to Me

Me: Hi raspberries! Thank you for the wonderful fruit today! Delicious! Keep up the good work. But hey, I want to know your secret.

(R) Raspberries: Hey Christiane. Glad you're enjoying the fruit. Here, take these. We did a really good job on these. Save a little for the birds though.

Me: Sure thing. But the secret! I want to know the secret!

R: Uh, what secret?

Me: Haven't you noticed it hasn't rained in four weeks?

R: So?

Me: And I haven't had enough water to give you!

R: We have plenty of water Christiane! 

Me: Where are you getting it?

R: We have a very happy network of roots underground. They go deep and far, and we collaborate with mycorrhizae. We have a very intimate symbiotic relationship. They give us extra roots. Our networks look kind of like your doodles. We find water wherever it is!

Me: How do you know about my doodles?

R: We watch you through the window.

Me: Oh. Did you tell anyone else?

R: Well, we have a happy network underground. No telling who else knows.

Me: Oh dear.

 

Analysis of conversation: I think it's self explanatory, no? The first year I planted my raspberries, I had to water them. Shallow roots! It's all about roots and networks!

Be as tenacious as the burdock. Don't give up.

The Burdock Talks

(I know you want to know why writers are lettuce. Be patient okay?)

Me: Hi annoying burdock plant! I find you annoying on my lawn, but I admire your tenacity.

Burdock (B): Hi Christiane! We love to annoy you!

Me: I know. I can't get rid of you.

B: But you know we can give your immune system a boost right?

Me: I know, but after digging up your 18 inch root, I need an immune boost!

B: (laughing): You don't get it do you? Digging up the root boosts your immunity too. It's great exercise.

Me: (sigh) But it takes so long! And makes my muscles sore.

B: Don't your human docs say you need at least 20 minutes of exercise a day?

Me: How do you know that?

B: I can see the articles you read through the window.

Me: (Gasp) You're stalking me!

B: Now if I was stalking you, you could just jump outside and you wouldn't have to dig up my root. But as you can see, I'm solidly in the ground!

Me: I guess. Go ahead and stalk me. That would make things a lot easier.

B: (Robust laughter) You wish!

Me: So tell me your secret. How do you grow six inch leaves overnight? You seem like an immortal plant.

B: I am! We are! You can't kill us unless you eat our root, but you have to get every speck of it. If you miss a piece, we grow back just as fast.

Me: The secret the secret! Where are you getting the water to grow leaves?

B: That's easy. Our roots go deep, very deep. There's still water down there. Plenty for us!

Analysis of conversation: Your business needs deep roots!

And now, what you've been waiting for…

Why Writers are Lettuce

Me: So here's my lettuce patch.

Lettuce (L): Water! Water! Water! Water!

Me (watering lettuce): Here ya go. Can't you say anything else?

L: More water! More water! More water!

Me: Can't you grow long deep and networked roots like the burdock and the raspberries?

L: More water! More water! More water!

Me: Hello lettuce! Good morning. I just gave you water.

L: More water! More water! More water!

Analysis of conversation: Freelance writers are lettuce. (Come to think of it, other types of freelancers are too.) They are always looking for work, then more work — well, most writers. Some are burdock or raspberry plants. They have deep or networked roots, and have some kind of residual income. I dare say that some writers are like trees with very strong and deep, networked roots.

The lettuce freelancers produce the base of the salad. But then there are tomato freelancers. They still need to be watered every day, but they become the highlight of the salad.

I'm striving to be the highlight of the salad as I begin to create deep and networked roots. It's a lot of work at first to push those roots strategically in focused direction underground, connect with and form symbiotic relationships with other businesses, to strengthen the base of my business.

It looks like nothing is happening sometimes. But the garden reminds me that there is something happening underground. The evidence eventually peeks its head up out of the earth.

That's when someone shouts: "GUESS WHAT JUST HAPPENED!!!!" 

That's the sound of an entrepreneur who just experienced the manifestation of her diligence.

So don't give up!

Keep working and learning from those who are successful! Push those roots deeper. If you're working hard and learning from the pros, you're almost there!

So, what kind of freelancer are you? Please tell!

Christiane

 

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Content for Your Website — Tools to Help You Start Writing

I just discovered this tool after a half century of life! Don't wait to find these writing tools!

I had just vacuumed my side of the bedroom; and now I was on my hands and knees picking up the debris left behind on the carpet, piece by piece.

As a perfectionist, I could not rest until it looked like every carpet I ever saw — totally clear of debris. I remember wondering how people vacuum a whole house and vowed I would never have carpet when I grew up!

How was I supposed to know we had a cheap vacuum cleaner!

When I first began gardening as an adult, I ran into the same problem — tool ignorance! I was hand weeding daily. Now I know better!

 

Tools save time! A writing tool works the same way! 

Tools make our lives manageable.

If you're frustrated with some aspect of your business life, chances are you are afflicted with tool ignorance!

That's not an insult! That's just the state we are all in when we're frustrated with something we're trying to do, and just before we learn about the tool that makes it possible.

Writing Tools for Developing Your Content

You may be a beginning writer, or you're a business person and you don't consider yourself a writer. In fact, you may be thinking of outsourcing your content writing at the point of frustration.

But before you give up, hear me out. I strongly believe that everyone can write. Now everyone can't write the great American novel, or a long technical piece. But anyone who talks can write what's on his or her mind. So why not try a few simple active tools for getting your thoughts down before giving up?

Here goes.

Tool # 1 The Information & Idea Dump — Most Important Session

Don't let the word "dump" scare you away! I use it because this part of the process is messy. It might even be ghastly! But it's the only way I know to help you sort everything. When you can't find something in a briefcase or purse, you sometimes have to dump it all on the table. When I begin a writing project, my brain may be all jumbled up. When I dump my thoughts out, I can sort out the trash and pick out the gold!

  • Forget grammar and spelling! (Honest, just pretend there's no such thing at first.)
  • What you want to do at this stage is get it all out of your brain and onto paper or into your word processing program. My best process is still with pad and pen. Use your most comfortable format.
  • If you have a struggle with beginning, use the talk tool. Say what you want to write. Either talk into a recorder or call someone and talk to a person and record it.
  • That gets the thoughts flowing. Now you'll be ready to just go ahead and dump it out in written form. Just write it all down and don't worry about the order or whether it makes sense to someone else.
  • Best way to do the dump is to set a timer for 5 minutes and 1, 2, 3 GO! Don't stop writing, even if you just write one word over and over until another thought comes. Repeat the process as often as necessary.

Tool #2 — The Organizing Thoughts Session

I like to use different colored pens and highlighters at this point. This is because I use pad and pen. Go ahead and use word processing tools if that's your thing. internet traffic statistics Here's what I suggest:

  • Cross out anything that is just plain yucky!
  • Highlight thoughts that sound good as is.
  • Circle and number sections. (1 means this should be first, etc.)
  • Underline in green what will need to be cited.
  • Underline in red when you need to confirm the wording or source of a quote.
  • Put a star near a very important thought and a question mark if you're still not sure how to explain it.
  • Use a different colored extra fine pen to make little notes as new thoughts come to mind, and make arrows to connect thoughts together.
  • Begin to put everything in order in writing, leaving blank spaces for citations and quotes.

Tool #3 — The Read Out Loud Session

  • Read out loud and check for readability with pen in hand!
  • That's all there is to it really. Read it out loud and mark anything that sounds awkward.
  • Make changes on your piece.
  • Read out loud again.
  • Repeat as often as necessary.
  • When you think it's ready for "other person consumption," ask someone you trust to read it out loud for your ears.

Tool #4 — The Edit & Polish Session

  • Find all those places that just don't seem to make sense and fix them. Work on them one at a time.
  • Look for things like the same word used twice in a sentence or paragraph. Use a thesaurus if necessary.
  • Now put your editor/proof-reader hat on, or hire one! Pay attention to anything with green or red squiggly lines in your word processing program! But keep in mind that does not catch everything! For example, think of words that sound alike but are spelled differently. Spell checker won't get those. Some examples include: due – do; two- too- to; see – sea.
  • Grammar check won't catch stylistic blunders. You have to hear those. So if something just doesn't sound right, work on it. Grammar check also will catch things you want to leave as is. For example, sometimes a sentence fragment works for emphasis.

Notice that I saved grammar and spelling for last! That's because they are the least important aspects of writing. However, if you don't catch them, it distracts the reader and takes away from what you are trying to say.

There is more to writing online. For example there's SEO (search engine optimization) and various writing formats, among other things.

But those are topics for other posts. If you need help at any point in the process, remember I'm here. I can answer your questions below, or I can edit or write for you. 

Blessings, Christiane

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When to Use “That” and “Which”: with Waltzing Matilda and the Wombats

(This is the silliest thing I've ever posted online. But silly helps us learn. If you just want to know the grammar rule about when to use "that" and "which," skip to The Rule below.)

Sing your way to grammar success!

 While you're reading this blog, why not listen to Waltzing Matilda by the fireside?

 Go ahead, click on the video link. You'll soon learn why! And read on…


Seems some folks have complained that my facebook grammar quiz makes their heads spin. I think I know why. It's that big red X in their past. We've all gotten at least one humiliating mark in our lives, now haven't we? Anyway, moving on…

I tell my students that the best way in the whole world to remember something is to make a mistake first! So in my world a mistake is a good thing. But if no one tells you, how can you learn? So here's the formula: (1) make a mistake; (2) someone points it out and explains it in a way you can understand; (3) you have a light bulb "aha!" moment!

 So Go Ahead and Make Grammar Mistakes!

Don't be afraid to get it wrong okay? Just jump right in and make mistakes.Besides, if I include your sentence next time, I'll include your blog link!

 A Wombat Story to the Tune of Waltzing Matilda

What cool lyrics! From my research, it's one of those old songs that keeps evolving and no one really knows what it's about. I mean who writes like this anymore!

Oh there once was a swagman camped in the billabong, Under the shade of a Coolibah tree, And he sang as he looked at the old billy boiling, Who'll come a waltzing Matilda with me?

Now the second part of this blog has the submitted sentences, complete with a simple way to remember when to use each word correctly. This part of the blog is a story inspired by my fans and is best read while listening to the video above.

Hey! If you like to sing, go ahead and sing the lyrics below with that guy by the fireside. I tried it. You have to adjust the syllables a bit, but it works. It will help the grammar lesson below stick. It's the joy factor. 

Oh, there once was a wombat camped in my lavender, Under the shade of my coolipear trees, And she sang as she birthed out seven baby wombats, Who'll go a waltzing through my lavender trees!

Who'll come a helpin' me rid my field of wombats? Who'll come a helpin' my lavender and me? Helpin' my lavender with honey and vinegar, Who'll come a helpin' my lavender and me?

Down came a singer to mesmerize the wombat tribe, Strumming and singing this very old tune, And he sang as he put them all away in his tucker bag, You'll come a waltzing Matilda with me…

Okay, enough of that. On to grammar!

So here was the first version of my grammar quiz: [Feel free to skip all the way to "The Rule" if it's just grammar you want…]

  1. Write two sentences. In one sentence use the word "that" correctly. In the second sentence, use the word "which" correctly. The sentences should NOT be questions. Both should be grammatically correct.
  2. Both sentences should include the words "bombardier beetle." The information in your sentence should include scientifically incorrect information about the bombardier beetles.

Ariana Parolini-SIsti noticed that some other people had gathered in line but were too afraid to dive in. She was the first brave soul to step out. She submitted this:

(1) Bombardier beetles are ground beetles that can be found all over the world.

and


(2) Bombardier beetles have a unique system of defense; a combination of two liquids, which are stored in a reservoir, that mix together and become a hot and noxious fume sprayed at predators when threatened. (She went and got all scientifically correct.)

Then Sharon Cobb came along and gave it a whirl:

(1) There is a wild looking purple and pink polka-dotted "bug" that is called The Bombardier Beetle.

(2) The Bombardier Beetle is not only crazy looking but also releases spit "bombs" which can put your eye out!

 Warning! If you're a fourth grader looking for true scientific information about bombadier beetles or wombats, please go back to Google. This is a true grammar blog, but has very silly science!

Easier but More Clever Version of Quiz:

I had to try a second version to help the more fearful participate. Here it is:

Wanna play my grammar quiz? The wombats got into the lavender field. There's a whole family in there! I've tried everything, but to no avail. Can you help give me advice? They've even made friends with my rott. (The rules were similar except I gave the option of using either that or which. I asked for fictional advice.)

Here are the suggestions I received to solve my farming problem:

Deb Turton:

Oh dear!!! I have only one solution for this burrowing situation which is obviously causing total havoc in the lavender field!! Sing to them, yes in the key of F, sing Waltzing Matilda, bring in two harmonies during the chorus and you will surely have them following you directly to their chariot that awaits them at the bottom of the garden.

Then Tara Yvonne Chatzaki came up with a great solution to the wombat issue.

Now, let's see….I'm trying to remember what I did the last time I was infested with lavender eating wombats. If, my memory serves me well the one thing that really got under their scales was hosing them with a solution of vinegar and honey which brings them out in a terrible rash. Doing this will send them running to the hills! Let me know if it works sweetie! :)) (Thanks Deb for being scientifically incorrect!).
 

The Rule

The rule is you should use that with restrictive clauses and which with non-restrictive clauses. Also, the which clause should be surrounded by commas (at beginning and end of clause). Now don't panic. I have to post the rule!

The Easiest Way to Remember!

Use that to give information that is essential to the meaning. To test, remove the word that and what goes after it (the clause). If the meaning of the sentence changes, you've got the correct word!

My sentence is a good example. If I remove that is essential to the meaning, my sentence will state a totally different rule. It would read: "Use that to give information. See how that last sentence wouldn't help you at all in this case?

Use "which" when giving extra information. The words in the clause that begins with which tells us something interesting, but removing it does not change the meaning.

For example, take Sharon Cobb's contribution: The Bombardier Beetle is not only crazy looking but also releases spit "bombs" which can put your eye out!

Keep in mind now, that her sentence should be scientifically incorrect. Let's pretend she's writing a very important field guide. If you remove the clause that begins with which, the field guide will be missing crucial information important to the safety of the reader (if it was true of course). So I'm afraid we'll have to say this sentence should use the word that instead.

Let me try making a which sentence out of Sharon's information.

The Bombadier Beetle, which is crazy looking, also releases spit "bombs" that can put your eye out! 

There, I did it, and it shows you something else too. Usually, there are commas around the which phrase. You could just as easily write it this way: The Bombadier Beetle (which is crazy looking) also releases spit "bombs" that can put your eye out!

Ariana's Sentences

(1) Bombardier beetles are ground beetles that can be found all over the world.

If we remove the phrase that begins with that, the meaning of the sentence will change.

(2) Bombardier beetles have a unique system of defense; a combination of two liquids, which are stored in a reservoir, that mix together and become a hot and noxious fume sprayed at predators when threatened

Let's test sentence number 2 and remove first the phrase that begins with which:

Bombardier beetles have a unique system of defense; a combination of two liquids that mix together and become a hot and noxious fume sprayed at predators when threatened.

That works. Good work Ariana!

Let's try the same test and remove the phrase that begins with that:

Bombardier beetles have a unique system of defense; a combination of two liquids, which are stored in a reservoir.

This most definitely changes the meaning of the sentence. The phrase we removed completes the explanation of the unique system of defense. Without it, we have no idea how the liquids are utilized in the insect's defense.

Watch for future grammar quizzes on facebook, designed to allow the learner to make creative grammar errors. You might just inspire the next blog!

Thanks to all brave sentence submitters. I honor your mistakes and my mistakes. Here's to learning everyday! 

(Besides, your mistakes just might be tomorrow's rule.)

So go ahead, make a grammar mistake below. If possible, identify it! But don't worry if you can't. Another poster can do it — or I might. 🙂

Christiane

I write. I edit. I tutor. I laugh.

 

 

Need help with a writing project?

Now's a good time to contact me. I'm offering 50{58fa4333fd06cfe96eae647af59806dcc37bdf19903d66dd287fb364595dc6df} off the regular price of all writing and editing services. But you have to pay in advance by the deadline! (November 26)!  http://144.208.75.247/~ineedawriter/black-friday-special-writing-services

 

 

 

 

 

 


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Grammar Help for Your Content – “You’re” vs. “Your” and the Wombat

Wombats?

 So… what does a wombat have to do with grammar, you ask? Well, I ran a little quiz on facebook yesterday. Here are the instructions:

 Write two sentences.

Use the word "your" in one sentence, and the word "you're" in another sentence.

Each sentence must also mention wombats.

Rules:

(1) You must use correct grammar and spelling; and
(2) whatever you say about wombats should be scientifically incorrect.

Looks like all entries were winners. Well, at first Carmen Seibold's entry contained scientifically correct information. Then she noticed that the rules state that information about wombats should be scientifically incorrect. She promptly changed her sentences.

Before I give you the entertaining sentences, let me just give you a quick overview of these two words.

Our grasp of grammar is usually related to how we hear English. "Your" and "You're" sound identical. So what can we do to remember when to use them? 

When to Use "Your" and "You're"

"You're" is really a contraction of the words "you" + "are." To check your blog post, article or email for the correct use of "you're," simply replace it with the words "you are" and read your sentence out loud.

 If the sentence makes sense, you've used it correctly. If it doesn't, then you should use the word "your."

Here is an example from Garrett Wilner:

CORRECT: Your basic wombat is native to Illinois.

Notice what happens if we change "your" to "you're":

INCORRECT: You're basic wombat is native to Illinois. Change to "you are" — You are basic wombat is …

Garrett's Correct sentence using "you're" — You're most likely to find one in the Windy CIty.

Notice if we replace "you're" in this sentence to "you are," it makes sense:

"You are most likely to find one in the Windy City."

"Your" Indicates Possession

Here is one more test for your sentences. When someone uses the word "your," they are talking about something you own. For example, your friend might say "Let me see your iphone for a minute." If you don't see a noun shortly after the word "your," there's a good chance it is incorrect. You may see an adjective first. Here's an example: "I like the sound of your red guitar best."

If you still aren't sure, try the "you are" test!

 More Great Examples

Play around with the rest of the winning sentences!

Rose Mis:

Your wombats are far different than mine.

You're in trouble when wombats look like Angels burning the midnight oil!

Carmen Seibold:

Your plans to see wombats may come true in Australia. You're likely to be unsuccessful in finding an endangered northern wombat. (tisk tisk, that information about wombats appears to be correct…)

Carmen returned with these sentences:

Your peerless reptile collection wins the prize for including the common wombat. You're not a real wombat unless you're the offspring of a platypus crossed with a kangaroo.

For more on wombats and when to use "that" and "which," see Waltzing Matillda and the Wombats. And, feel free to sing along! 

I'd love to hear your sentences! Please post them below!  Christiane : )

 

 

Need help with a writing project?

Now's a good time to contact me. I'm offering 50{58fa4333fd06cfe96eae647af59806dcc37bdf19903d66dd287fb364595dc6df} off the regular price of all writing and editing services. But you have to pay in advance by the deadline! (November 26)!  http://144.208.75.247/~ineedawriter/black-friday-special-writing-services

 

 

 

 

 

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Grammar Help for Your Content – When to Use Then and Than

Successful entrepreneurs know they can't possibly be good at everything! So if your grammar or spelling is less than perfect, rest assured that you're not alone! I'll post two or three grammar tips per week. I'd love to take special requests, so post your questions below!

Then and Than — That is the Question!

Using these two words incorrectly is a very common mistake. I find when I edit a client's work, I see repeat mistakes. People who create their own content usually have a handle on most grammatical standards. The problems are usually one or two mistakes that they make each time they write. It's no big deal. I don't have to know how to fix my car engine in order to drive! Usually the copy is compelling, and the stories are interesting. These elements are more important than perfect grammar. But if you're wanting to have near perfect copy without the help of an editor, then you will want to understand at least about your specific mistakes! So if you confuse the words "then" and "than," read on!

Understanding the Logic

Understanding the logic can help, but I'll also share some strategies that might be more helpful for people with different learning styles.

The word "then" refers to time and sequence. If the context refers to what comes next or simply when something happens, then you should use the word "then." Notice in the last sentence that I used "then" because I was explaining when you should use the word. I could easily replace "then" with the words "that is when." See below:

If the context refers to what comes next or simply when something happens, that is when you should use the word "then."

 The word "than" is used in comparisons. Use "than" when the context of your sentence has to do with comparing two or more things.

Examples

Than

I love almond milk better than soy milk.

My dog is stronger than your dog.

I bet I'm shorter than you!

If I had limited space in my garden, I would prefer to grow edible flowers rather than flowers that can't be eaten.

Then

I first heard the tragic news from my daughter, then I heard more details on the news.

First mix the dry ingredients, then stir in the milk.

I started to drive to your house, then I realized you were out of town.

Strategies

For most people, it's best to turn the "editor" mode off when you write. That's the way I work. I write first, then I edit. I sometimes find errors in my writing on day two, so I keep checking. (Incidentally, if you happen to see something wrong once I publish this, do let me know! )

If you're writing effective copy on a regular basis, please don't change your process. Here are a couple of suggestions that might help you with this particular grammar fix:

  • After you write, use the find feature to find all of the instances of "then" and "than." Do them one at a time.
  • Keep this cheat sheet next to your computer: Then = time or sequence. Than = comparison.
  • You can also word your cheat sheet this way: Then — Does this tell me when something happens or should happen? Than — Does this compare two or more things? What does it compare?
  • Change as needed while you go through your article using the "find" feature.
  • Pronunciation. For a few days, pronounce the two words differently. Write or gather some sentences for each word. Recite the sentences out loud while looking at the words. This will combine the visual and auditory pathways. In some cases, this might serve to change your brain's perception of the two words to the point where you actually write the words correctly while in writing mode.

I'd love to know if this was helpful! Please let me know what other topics you need help with. Do you have any other strategies for determining when to use "then" and "than"? Do share them here!

And if you'd rather have an editor take care of this for you, contact me! I edit your content for grammar, spelling and SEO! I make headline and formatting suggestions too! See my Black Friday Special now!

 

 

Need help with a writing project?

Now's a good time to contact me. I'm offering 50{58fa4333fd06cfe96eae647af59806dcc37bdf19903d66dd287fb364595dc6df} off the regular price of all writing and editing services. But you have to pay in advance by the deadline! (November 26)!  http://144.208.75.247/~ineedawriter/black-friday-special-writing-services

 

 

 

 

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About Content and SEO

If you're looking for content, you're probably tired of trying to keep one step ahead of the search engines. If you aren't a writer, chances are you are frustrated with your own attempts at creating content, or tired of searching for and buying just the right mix of articles. You may be thinking that you just want to run your business and forget about SEO!

Do you know how to weave the needs of the search bots and the human reader? No human likes stilted writing designed for computer programs, yet no one will find your content if it doesn't meet the criteria of the ever changing search engine algorithms.

It's an art.

If you're great at SEO and your site gets lots of organic traffic, but the writing isn't compelling…. well, no one's going to stick around and read. On the other hand, great writing without SEO is like a gourmet meal dropped from a helicopter into the ocean. No one's going to find it. expired domain names