Pink Pen Marks

Metaphorical Writing: Using Your Words to Paint a Picture

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Jackson) — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 15:35:00 +0000

“I feel like the girl at the bar who’s been there too long / can’t stand up

I should be gone, but I just /can’t get enough!

Can I get a refill? Can I get a refill? Can I get reee-eee-eee-fill? Yeah,

Of your time / cuz you’re intoxicating my mind

Feeling like a conversational lush / cuz I don’t know how much is too much.”

In my opinion, the mark of a great songwriter is the ability to paint a picture. To invoke a feeling. To audibly transport the listener. Often this is done through metaphors like in the lyrics above. Refill, by Elle Varner, is a great example of how to do a lyrical metaphor the right way.

Every verse likens a new crush to having drunk just a little bit too much—but it’s not done in a way that tries to hard. It is a bold, but fluid metaphor.

“Fumbling, giggling, silly as ever / I get like this after one too many,

but right now I ain’t even been drinking.

He approached me and asked for a minute, which turned into 5, and turned into 10.

And right now I don’t know how / to say when.”

And even if you can’t relate to what it feels like to be intoxicated by alcohol, you can remember the infatuated feeling of being around a crush or a new lover; feeling giddy and awkward—and wanting to drink in as much of them as possible until you next meet.

This is what any kind of persuasive writing should do: cause the reader to find something relatable in its content and subtly gain their buy in. It can’t try too hard, lest the listener discover the ploy and tune out. Refill your literary toolbox with vibrant words and phrases that allow your audience to see your vision in living color.

Writers Write

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Jackson) — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 18:19:00 +0000

In order to be considered a writer, you have to write. But not only do you have to write, you have to write daily. You have to revise and write some more. You have to read others’ writing and learn and perfect your craft, your writing style and your tone.

When you are a writer, you are passionate about writing. You write when you are inspired. You write when you are uninspired. You breathe, eat, live and sleep your craft. When you can’t write, you get cranky and out-of-sorts. Your writing is your baby, your best friend and your lover. It encompasses your entire being.

I love to write, but am not yet sure if I am a writer. I write well, but I have a lot to learn. Sometimes words and phrases tumble from my fingers like rain and pour brilliance all over the page. Other times it is like pulling weeds or teeth or any other massively difficult thing to dislodge. Sometimes I am inspired to write. Other times my brain just won’t cooperate. On my list of “things to do daily” it reads: “write” and “read writing of others who write better than you”. Some days I do both. Some days I don’t do either. But these are things a writer does consistently.

I write really well. I can edit the pants off anything with words. I am not yet sure if I am a writer. But I enjoy sharing information regarding anything I am passionate about. This willingness makes me a great blogger, an ideal columnist and a creative marketer. Perhaps one day, when all these characteristics come together to form the perfect creative storm, I will call myself a great writer too.

When a Word Isn’t a Word

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Jackson) — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 20:40:00 +0000

Commonly used word: Simular

Actual word: Similar

There are many words in the English language that people use incorrectly—but it occurs so often that the improper words become widely used. One such word is “similar”: the word meaning “like” or “resembling”. Whether through regional dialect, or perhaps being accidentally combined or confused with some other word, “similar” and “simular” have become interchangeable for some. However, the spelling s-i-m-i-l-a-r, signals that it is pronounced sim-ih-ler—minus the “u”.

Be careful, in your professional writing and or speaking to use the proper pronunciation (and spelling!) of this oft used word.

Simple Resume Formatting Tips

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Jackson) — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 20:30:00 +0000

The resume is your most useful tool in searching for career opportunities, yet it is probably the most intimidating thing you have to put together. Here are some very simple resume formatting tips that will help your resume to look more professional:

1. As a general rule, fonts used on your resume should be limited to Times, Times New Roman and Arial— with the exception of your name in the header, and unless you are in a creative industry where fancier styles will be appreciated.

2. No matter how badly you need to fit your resume into one or two pages, do not increase the font size over 12, or decrease it below 10. If it’s too large, it will appear elementary; if it’s too small, no one will be able to read it, and if a recruiter can’t read your resume, you just lost the job.

3. Set your margins at 1” all around the page. This allots spacing for various screen sizes and printer set ups.

4. Use a bulleted format for job descriptions. This allows recruiters to spot your key accomplishments with ease.

5. If your resume consists of 2 pages, put at least one form of contact as a header on the 2^nd page. You can’t be sure how your information will be presented to the hiring manager and you want them to be able to reach you even if they lose a page of your resume in the shuffle after reading it.

Keep these simple resume formatting tips in mind and you are well on your way to making a great first impression.

Writing In Your Own "Voice"

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Jackson) — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 17:57:00 +0000

When writing, it's important to find your "voice" or the writing style that most closely matches your personality and identifies your work as uniquely yours. Equally important, however, is not falling into the trap of writing in exactly the same way that you speak. There are space-filling phrases, slang and other cues used in verbal communication that are conveyed in different ways when communicating in writing. Adding these verbal cues to the page disrupts the ease of flow, and can leave your reader distracted or frustrated.

Don't use phrases like "Well," or "I mean.." at the beginning of your sentences. They're unnecessary.

Don't type infinitely long run-on sentences; use punctuation to help your reader understand where the natural ebbs and flows are within the context of the thought.

Don't end your sentences with prepositions. "Where are you going to?"

Do avoid using the same word in repetition within one sentence or several successive ones. For example, "I honestly didn't mean to hurt her feelings, but I honestly didn't like the way she behaved. "

Become a Better Writer...

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Jackson) — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 14:50:00 +0000

ShyMagazine.com has posted their 7 Ways to Become a Better Writer. These are great, simple tips for the novice writer; and good reminders for someone who may have taken time off from their craft.

Did I Read That Correctly? Why Sentence Structure Counts

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Jackson) — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 18:18:00 +0000

I don't know the source of the text from these "funny signs" because it was forwarded to me via email. However, these are hilarious examples of why proper grammar and sentence structure are so paramount when communicating in writing:

Did I read that sign right?
TOILET OUT OF ORDER. PLEASE USE FLOOR BELOW

In a Laundromat:
AUTOMATIC WASHING MACHINES: PLEASE REMOVE ALL YOUR CLOTHES WHEN THE LIGHT GOES OUT

In a London department store:
BARGAIN BASEMENT UPSTAIRS

In an office:
WOULD THE PERSON WHO TOOK THE STEP LADDER YESTERDAY PLEASE BRING IT BACK OR FURTHER STEPS WILL BE TAKEN

In an office:
AFTER TEA BREAK STAFF SHOULD EMPTY THE TEAPOT AND STAND UPSIDE DOWN ON THE DRAINING BOARD

Outside a second-hand shop:
WE EXCHANGE ANYTHING - BICYCLES, WASHING MACHINES, ETC. WHY NOT BRING YOUR WIFE ALONG AND GET A WONDERFUL BARGAIN?

Notice in health food shop window:
CLOSED DUE TO ILLNESS

Spotted in a safari park:(I sure hope so)
ELEPHANTS PLEASE STAY IN YOUR CAR

Seen during a conference:
FOR ANYONE WHO HAS CHILDREN AND DOESN'T KNOW IT, THERE IS A DAY CARE ON THE 1ST FLOOR

Notice in a farmer's field:
THE FARMER ALLOWS WALKERS TO CROSS THE FIELD FOR FREE, BUT THE BULL CHARGES.

Message on a leaflet:
IF YOU CANNOT READ, THIS LEAFLET WILL TELL YOU HOW TO GET LESSONS

On a repair shop door:
WE CAN REPAIR ANYTHING. (PLEASE KNOCK HARD ON THE DOOR - THE BELL DOESN'T WORK)

Common Errors in Word Usage: Your vs You're

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Jackson) — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 13:00:00 +0000

There seems to be rampant and widespread confusion over whether to use "your" or "you're" in sentences. I see them both used incorrectly in writing of all levels and across varying platforms. Though these words are similar (and both derivatives of the word "you") they are not interchangeable.

A good way to aid in choosing the proper word is to break each down before selecting it, based on the context of what one is writing.

"Your" denotes possession....
"Is that your car parked at the curb?"
"I would love to speak to your manager if she is available."

..While "You're" is a contraction (a term which is also described here) of the two words "you" and "are".
"Can you please explain why you're standing here instead of at the designated meeting place?"
"I'm having a difficult time understanding why you're behaving this way."

This is a very simple distinction, right? Right. Happy writing.

What's Wrong with This Sentence?

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Jackson) — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 12:45:00 +0000

Can you spot the errors in the sentence below?

Counseling Psychology with a Master Degree)... so in 2019. i would be successful to say i would hold the title of Dr. in front of my name:)

If you guessed that it makes absolutely no sense, you were correct. But why doesn't it make any sense?
1. "Counseling Psychology with a Master Degree" is not a sentence, nor is "so in 2019" which is where the period was placed.
2. There is no capitalization of the word "I" in either instance that it is used.
3. The correct term for an advanced level degree is "Master's", but it will not garner you the title of "Dr."; that title would be the result of having earned a Doctorate Degree.
4. The entire sentiment is poorly constructed.

Using context clues to decipher the intended meaning, I would suggest that perhaps this could have been written similarly to the following:

"In 2019, I will have successfully earned a Master's Degree in Psychology, as well as a new title in front of my name."

The original sentence was posted as a social media status. The problem with the informal nature of the social media platform is that people fail to grasp that everything they write says a great deal about their personality and habits. My intent is not to belittle the person who wrote it, but to encourage others to always be cognizant of what they write--even on social media--because it is impossible to predict who may end up reading it.

Resume Wizard - The Student Resume

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Jackson) — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 03:18:00 +0000

When companies seek out students or soon-to-be graduates as potential candidates for positions, they recognize that there may not be a great deal of experience in the solicited portfolios. They are, however, looking for related activities and experiences that showcase whether or not a candidate has a good grasp of the nature of the organization’s business; and to see if that person has the potential to learn the ropes quickly and effectively.

The key to preparing a student or entry-level resume is to ensure that you’re highlighting your best work in related academic endeavors and extra-curricular activities. This is a sample student resume I put together for someone a few months ago.

Since education is the main experience at this juncture in the career process, industry courses are highlighted, and the student’s online, volunteer and part-time accomplishments round out the picture. The inclusion of technical skills is important because it lets the hiring manager know that this person can utilize the basic programs used in an office.

When a Word Isn’t a Word

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Jackson) — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 20:51:00 +0000

Commonly used word: “Conversate”

Conversation (noun) = informal interchange of thoughts, information, etc., by spoken words; oral communication between persons; talk; colloquy.

Converse (verb; used without object) = to talk informally with another or others; exchange views, opinions, etc., by talking.

Source: Dictionary.com

Though commonly and widely used, “conversate” is not an actual word. It is often used to represent the act of having a conversation, though the correct action phrase is “to converse”. This incorrect formation is used so much that you will, in fact, find it in the dictionary listed as a “slang” derivation of the word "conversation". However, should you use it in your professional writing--you may find that it causes you to lose a valuable opportunity. It’s probably better not to use it at all.

Adventures in Social Media Errors

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Jackson) — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 14:55:00 +0000

Awesomely Luvvie and Miss Zindzi have put together a list of the 25 Dumbest Tweets of 2010--a.k.a.--a writer's nightmare. Neither the relaxed atmosphere of social media, nor the character limit are excuses for these.

Read it here.

Common Errors in Word Usage

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Jackson) — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 01:06:00 +0000

It is often that I see misuse of the words "they're", "there", and "their" in print. Writers are often simply too lazy to bother to decide which version properly fits the context of their sentence. But sometimes, it is just that it is difficult to decipher.

A good way to aid in choosing the proper word is to break each down before selecting it, based on the context of what one is writing. Think:

"Am I attempting to tell what "they are" doing?" If the answer is yes, choose "they're" -- the contraction (the combination of the two words by omission of internal letters) of the two words "they" and "are". If the answer is no, move to an alternate choice.

"Am I attempting to tell someone where to go, and answer them with "there"? If the answer is "yes", choose "there". Hint: it is spelled similarly to "where"; the question and the answer look alike. If the answer is no, move to your final choice.

"Am I attempting to showcase ownership? Does something belong to them?" If so, the correct word to insert is "their", i.e. "their house".

Try doing this in your head before typing something out and see the difference it makes in the accuracy of your sentences.