Ever wonder how I seem to get so much done in a day? One of my methods is by using specific templates or outlines that I make myself.

Some of my templates are geared toward specific types of content and some are geared toward specific sites. For instance, some sites may not allow for basic html commands, like bold and italic text or in-text links. Therefore, my templates or outlines for those sites will look different than those I may do for many other sites.

More tips on this with sample templates: Quick Web Writing Tip: Make an Easy Outline to Speed Productivity

In web writing, it’s best to keep your sentences simple. Even though you may be speaking to an adult audience, web readers like to skim and be done with it. Simple wording makes your work more attractive and easier to scan.

Shorten longer and run-on sentences.
On the web, statements should be less than ten words. The shorter, the better. In the following example, the sentence is too long: “Angela took a stroll down the winding pathway that was located in City Park in the city of Denver.” Instead, you could say: “Angela walked the curved path in Denver City Park.”

Avoid words that can be used more than one way.
According to the Yahoo Style Guide (pg 329), words like “once” and “before” can be confusing. They can be used in two or more ways. Instead of saying “Once you add the eggs to the recipe mixture, stir the ingredients slowly before moving on” you could say “Add the eggs to the mixture. Then, stir slowly for five minutes. Move on to the next step.”

Avoid long-winded words.
While the word “pathway” is a simple word, “path” is better for the web. People usually find things on the web via search.  More people will search for a word like path versus pathway. Also, path is easiest to read of the two. Always choose the easiest word for what you need to say. That way, even people who have a harder time reading will be able to understand you more clearly.

Use simple words.
Try not to use long words or those that are harder to say (or read). Instead of using the word difficult, you can use hard. This may sound like you’re “dumbing down” your work. Really, you’re just making sure people see it and stick with it until the end. Web readers scan fast and they also leave fast. Your job is to make sure they find what you write and stay with it as long as they can.

Text and Photo by Lyn Lomasi; © 2014 All rights reserved

*I originally published this on another site (no longer published there).

by Lyn Lomasi, Staff Writer

Because of my career choices (and because it became quite fun), I found myself spending tons of time on Facebook daily. Although I have the application on my phone AND receive text and email notifications, I would always have at least one tab open in FireFox with something from Facebook. But lately that has changed and here’s why.

I’m busier with other aspects of my career. I offer a good portion of support surrounding my work via Facebook. There is also much more to it than Facebook support. Once I answer what is necessary there, I simply have to go away to get other things done, such as answering emails, writing articles, writing reports, publishing, editing, and so much more. Sometimes that means I can’t answer my friends right away. But I will always answer eventually.

I’m spending more time with family. Summer break is over and my younger kids are back in school (the older ones are in homeschool). That means that when I pick them up from school in the afternoon, once I’m finished with my work, they want my attention. They haven’t seen me all day. Therefore, they want and deserve my attention. I love my family and friends on Facebook too and I do my best to keep up with everyone. But as any parent knows, the kids must come first. I’m a single mommy as well, which adds to their need for me to be there.

I’m doing more things that keep me away from Facebook. Blogging is one of the things I like to do that keeps me away from Facebook. You may get an indicator that I’m online and think I’m available to talk. But really, I’m probably in another tab on FireFox posting to my blogs. Or maybe I locked the computer screen instead of turning it off and I’m actually gone walking the dogs on the trail. I’m a busy person, both in work and play. While I do have Facebook installed on my phone, it isn’t always appropriate to check it, depending on what I’m doing. For instance, if I’m cuddling up to someone I love while watching a scary or suspenseful movie, I’m sorry, but I’m not checking Facebook. My phone is probably on silent in the other room with the screen locked and I probably won’t see it for a while.

I’ve organized my notifications to prioritize work and family. Another thing I’ve done on Facebook is create lists, as well as organize my notifications in various ways. This means, I look at things related to work and family first. Then, I answer other things, based on time, as well as urgency. Sometimes I even miss things because I get thousands of notifications daily. Also, if you message me and I’m not your friend on Facebook, your messages are likely not going to show up in my regular inbox. They’ll probably be in my “Other’ inbox, which I don’t check as often because honestly, sometimes I forget about it. I have strict filtering activated on Facebook, due to spam issues.

I just don’t have the time. I know that many of my Facebook friends are used to me responding as soon as they send messages, tag me, or leave a post on my wall. But the thing is, it has gotten to a point where there are just so many that I can no longer do that every time and still have time for everything else going on in my life. There was a point where I couldn’t stand to leave anything unanswered longer than a couple minutes. Now, it can sometimes take a couple days or more for me to reply to a message. There are just so many of them and so many other things going on in my life that I just don’t have the time anymore to spend so much time on Facebook.

Nowadays, aside from career-related support and tasks and conversing with my closest family and friends, I haven’t been doing much on Facebook. Although, I usually do come in at random times and meme-bomb my wall. I’ll look in my favorite lists I’ve created from various pages rather than the regular newsfeed and I’ll post a bunch of memes in a row and then leave. Hey, I can’t help it! They’re funny! Facebook is supposed to be fun!

**Photo Credit: Lyn Lomasi

I originally published this elsewhere (no longer published there)

by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E Media Staff

Today’s grammar f*ck-up is priceless. “I really could careless” was seen in a meme with a longer message. Really? There’s always someone around f*cking up grammar. It’s not always a big deal. We’re not all grammarians and I mess up on occasion as well. But when I see it in books, on business websites, in schools, or in other places where more attention should be given to proper English, I cringe.

This one wasn't in a place like mentioned above. But just in case someone else happens to f*ck up in the same way (in a place where it might matter more), here's how to fix it. Where I saw “I really could careless,” the complete message itself would have been a good one, had the person taken care to actually word it so that it made sense. But, just about everything is wrong with this particular phrase.

First of all, saying you COULD care less implies that you do care, not that you don’t. Could and couldn’t mean exactly the opposite of each other. What the person was trying to get across is that they don’t care at all and it’s impossible to care less. Therefore, the correct wording should have been “I really couldn’t care less.”

This brings us to the second point. It’s not careless. It’s care less. There is a big difference. This sentence makes sense (though is not giving out the intended message): “I really could be careless.” This sentence makes sense (though again implies a message different than intended): “I really could care less.” The original wording does not make sense. Careless is not a verb. It’s an adjective. There should be a verb in there to take some action, such as caring about something. The verb is care – by itself. How much do you care? You care less. Therefore, the correct wording is “care less,” not “careless.”

While the meanings of care less and careless are similar, they are not the same grammatically and cannot be used in place of each other. Could and could not are the exact opposites of each other. So there you have the grammar f*ck-up the day, people. It’s "I really couldn’t care less," not "I really could careless."

Even my simple grammar checker highlighted that sentence when I typed it in a document, by the way. Always check your work yourself and with tools before you put it somewhere for all to see. It will save you the embarrassment later. You’re welcome.

Image: memecreator.org and Lyn Lomasi

I originally published this on BUBBLEWS (no longer published there)

by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

One of the questions I get asked most commonly as an experienced freelance writer is “Which photos can I use in my articles?” There’s much more to it than just doing a search. In fact, doing a search without knowing what to check for could land you in some very hot water if you use the wrong image. I generally recommend using your own images to avoid common issues. However, not everyone is a photographer, so that isn't always possible.

Where should I look?
First, check with the client or site you are submitting to. Some prefer specific sources. Once you know the rules as far as this goes, you can go from there. You can look pretty much anywhere, but the photos need to be licensed for what you intend on using them for and be within the guidelines of where you will be posting them. Many sources offer free stock photos with various licensing rights attached. Some of my favorite sources besides my own images include Flickr and Wikimedia Commons.

How do I know which licensing types to use?
This will depend on your usage of the image, as much as the site as it's going on. If you are using the image for commercial purposes (meaning you will earn in any way from anything the image is used for), you must look for either public domain images or images that can be licensed for commercial use. All images available for use should clearly indicate the licensing type and terms.

What about Google Images and Yahoo! Images?
It may seem that because these two search engines are specifically for finding images that the images found there would be safe to use. But before you use one, stop!! Retrace the image tracks. What do I mean? Check the licensing rights with the source link (hint: Yahoo! and Google Images are not image sources).

I read all this and still have no clue what to do
When in doubt, don't use the image. Ever. If you can't understand whether you can use an image or not, then you should only use your own images. Ignorance of the law is not an acceptable defense and you'll be better safe than sorry using only images you yourself have created or none at all.

Questions? Experiences to share?

Photo Credit: Lyn Lomasi
(Photo is free to use for both commercial and non-commercial purposes with credit to Lyn Lomasi as the photographer and a link back to this page as the source)

by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

Have you ever been writing a new post and had your mind wander completely? I don’t mean just the usual switch of topics, but maybe something you’d want to write but never considered writing before. You know, those things you’d like to say, but don’t? Following your rabbit hole(s) can lead to productivity for many reasons.

When you write what you want, you are enjoying yourself and thus will produce more work faster. I’ve written about this regarding switching topics. It’s the same concept. Going with the flow generally is more effective than trying to force topics that just aren’t happening.

Getting those usual “don’t go there” thoughts on paper can be freeing in a way, which helps your mind focus on what needs to be written. The more open and happy your mind is, the more readily you can slam out the work as fast as you are able to. This can be important for those who make a living doing web writing. If you try to force the topics without a clear mind, the quality of your work is likely to suffer. Even if you never end up publishing your “rabbit hole” topics, they can still aid in productivity in this way.

The more topics you are willing to write about, the more ideas you will have. This is another way to increase productivity. Some people have trouble coming up with ideas. Following your rabbit holes gives you much more to work with.

Are you writing any rabbit hole topics? Why or why not? Do you have similar productivity tips? Let us know in the comment section.

Photo Credit: Lyn Lomasi

I originally published this on BUBBLEWS (no longer published there)

by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

Ever been working on an important project only to have your mind wander elsewhere? Me too. But I'm here to tell you from experience that it doesn't need to mean failure for you. Go with the flow.

You heard me right. If your mind wanders in the middle of a project, run with it. Take that inspiration and see where it leads you. I often have at least 20 documents open at once. Sometimes I focus on just one. But more than likely, my overly-creative mind wanders from one topic to the next.

Instead of letting my wandering mind be the source for a writer's block, I use it to my advantage and write on each topic as much as my mind allows for. When it switches topics, so do I. Sometimes I focus longer on one particular post and other times, I may jump all over the place. Once a topic is finished, I edit and submit it where intended.

This strategy has never failed me, even during intense deadlines. When it gets down to the wire, I do work to keep my mind focused on what's necessary. But I find that doing my best to just go with the flow also leads to doing the best job where productivity is concerned.

Photo Credit: Lyn Lomasi

I originally published this on BUBBLEWS (no longer published there)

RELATED:

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Too Many Writing Topic Ideas? What to Do With Them

Being a Freelancer Isn't Easy But It's Worth It

Tips for Easier Writing and Blogging From Your Smart Phone

5 Ways to Make the Most of Your Web Content

by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

The other day some friends and I were discussing working from a smart phone. Some of them felt it would be too difficult. I actually felt the same until trying it. True, the keys and screen are smaller but there are many ways to make it easier to write and even post using a Smartphone.

Take your own pictures and use your cell phone camera
You’d be hard-pressed to find a good Smartphone that doesn’t include a camera these days. Some of them are better than others but they all do the job. Always take the pictures for your posts with your cell phone camera. This will make it much easier to upload the pics when posting your writing online from your phone.

If you take notes, take them on your phone and make them usable in your post
Most cell phones have some sort of application that stores notes. Use that if you need to jot down information before writing. Better yet, formulate any notes in a way that they could be a part of your writing. That way, you can just copy/paste the needed info into your post straight from the phone, if necessary. If you don’t have an app that will allow note taking and don’t have room or capability to download it, text the notes to yourself. If you text yourself, you’ll have two copies of each thing you send. But it works in a pinch.

Use a stylus pen
Some people complain that the keys on a phone keyboard are too small, making it more difficult to type. Try using a stylus pen. This object looks like a pen but it has a tip designed to touch Smartphone touch screens instead of using your fingers. This can save tons of time, especially for those who haven’t yet mastered typing from a small touch screen.

Use voice recognition
Most newer smart phones have voice recognition capabilities. You speak into the phone and it translates your text into the application you’re using it with. It does sometimes get the words wrong. However, fixing a few typos is probably easier than typing out all of those words for someone who isn’t experienced at quickly typing on a Smartphone.

Stay logged in to applicable websites
Keep in mind that it can be more risky security-wise to stay logged into websites at all times. However, at least during the time that you’re making your posts, it is so much easier if you are logged into the sites that you need and they stay remembered. For sites that store your post drafts while you’re working on them, this is even more important. You don’t want to receive a phone call and have a post lost because the information didn’t auto-save while you were entering it. Not all sites allow you to save drafts. Therefore, this advice mainly applies to those that do.

**Photo Credit/Copyright: Lyn Lomasi
(Yup, that pic was taken using my cell phone)

I originally published this on BUBBLEWS (no longer published there)

by Lyn Lomasi, Staff Writer

When you write an article and publish it on the web, you don't know who is going to read it. Your high school English teacher might read it. But then again, so might someone with minimal understanding of English or a person with low vision. You need to be able to target as many people as possible when writing for a web audience. One way to do that is to toss the "educated jargon." You're a journalist. We all know you can read and write. Keep it simple and keep the readers.

According to the Yahoo! Style Guide lesson entitled " Translate Voice Into Words " (pg. 36), using simple words is helpful. It's not a good idea to practice all those big words you used in school in web writing. This is not to say that web readers aren't smart. But, when a person searches for something on the internet, they just want to find and scan the info quickly. If you have too many big words, they'll just click away and move to the next, costing you a potential reader. Lighten your vocabulary load.

As an experience web writer, I agree with the Yahoo! Style Guide on this point. When I first started writing for the web, some of my work contained too many big words and complex language. You can still be considered a professional without having a talk with your thesaurus every day. Simple wording does not mean you aren't smart. It just means you're catering to your audience.

Another vocabulary-related mistake is being too formal in web writing. Take this sentence for example: "According to authorities, Amanda was unwillingly arrested, due to the unruly bar commotion she provoked." There is nothing wrong with the sentence. But it's not as easy to read as the following: "Amanda is said to be in jail after refusing to go with police. Reports state that she caused some ruckus at the bar before that." Which one is easier to follow? Most likely, it will be the second one.

There's also your unique voice. Your content should be written in a way that immediately tells readers it's something you wrote. Think of the books and articles you read often. Are there authors that stick out? Do you know right away who wrote something, based on the topic and tone? That's what you want readers to do with your work also.

One way to do this is to create your own wording for certain things. For instance, I call myself a "Momtrepreneur". When I say that, I am referring to the fact that I'm a mom and an entrepreneur at the same time. I work at home and stay home with the kids. I've received countless comments and messages over that one term. Also, just the way in which someone "speaks" in their writing should tell you who the author is. Two people can write about the same thing and have it come out entirely different. Give your content that special touch that only can come from you, but at the same time, keep it simple.

Source:
Yahoo! Style Guide by Yahoo! and Chris Barr

**Photo Credit: Lyn Lomasi

**I originally published this content on Yahoo! Voices on Aug 2, 2010

by Lyn Lomasi, Staff Writer

No offense meant to the writers this applies to. But I have been doing this a long time and am a natural observer. I've noticed that oftentimes the writers who have the most interaction from readers are those that update their profiles, especially photos. I mean, who wants to look at the same picture for years, no matter how good looking it might be?

When you update your profile photo often, it shows that you are active and it also gives readers something fresh to look at. Think of your profile photo just as you would your written content. Random browsers may find an older photo or piece of content interesting. But those faithful followers need something new to look at or they might wander somewhere else more interesting. Yes, most of what readers will be focused on is the written content. However, it does help when the author photo is shiny and interesting. People on the interwebs like shiny things. It's a given -- and new shinies appear often.

How often do you update your profile photo? Have you observed the same things I have? Tell us about your experiences in the comment section.

Photo Credit/Copyright: Lyn Lomasi

by Lyn Lomasi, Staff Writer

Are your readers getting bored with your posts? Are you getting tired of writing them? The quality may be good but for some reason, no one is reading. Why? One reason may be lack of creativity.

You aren't writing a text book. Get creative! Make your content shine by showing off its style within the text. Obviously, it needs to be readable. But there is no need to be straight facts and no fun. Dress up your content as if you were dressing up yourself. Get glammy, glittery, and gluey -- if that's you.

No one wants to read the same thing they can read anywhere else on the web. people want something different. Don;t just report the facts. Talk about what you would do or have done in the same scenarios -- and don't be too mainstream in how you do it. Just be your creative self. You're an artist, correct? Remember, that is what we writers really are deep down? Use that to your advantage and show it off.

Have you been taking advantage of your creative side?

by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

Just like a carpet cleaner shouldn't leave behind too many spots, a good writer should have clean copy, as well. Think of typos, grammar mistakes, and spelling errors as the spots on your virtual carpet. No one is perfect. But if you are going to write for a living, you need to make sure that your copy is as clean as possible.

Do you think someone is going to hire a carpet cleaner that leaves behind some spots or one that's known for getting out most or all stains? Web writing is the same. You are the expert and your finished product should demonstrate that.

Why would online article writers need a website if many article submission sites allow a professional profile? This is a question I get asked often when I mention the idea. Learn some of the many reasons all freelance web writers need a website of their own.

Writer's Resume

When applying for online writing jobs and gigs, reference links and/or a resume are often required. This will be much simpler for those with a website. Some may create an area where a client can download their resume by requesting the link. Others may post links to samples. Yet others may do both or handle it another way. Online article writers need a website in order to reference their work all in one place.

Professionalism

Professionalism is key, even though you don't see your clients face-to-face when writing online. A freelance writer's website is like a virtual resume, meeting place, and office at the same time. This is where you can let your clientele know you are professional by including all of the right things. A bio, samples, and a contact page are just a few. Read "8 Musts on a Freelance Writer's Website" for more details on those and other must-include items for professionalism.

Info Source

Even if a client finds your work elsewhere, they may want to know more than they can find in a limited bio attached to your profile on a content site. This is where your website comes in handy. Many content sites allow article writers to place a link to their website in their profile or bio. Also, be sure to link to it from any blogs or other profiles you have. Giving clients (both potential and current) a place to find more information about you as a person and as a writer is very beneficial to them as well as to your writing career.

Announcements

If you have any big writing projects, off days, exciting news, etc it can be posted to your website. Of course you don't want to announce information that is too personal, but a web writer's website can serve as a great way to spread the word. Doing this has many benefits. Some include letting clients see that you are accomplishing things, engaging with your audience, and also depending on the announcement it might bring in more readers or clientele.

File Storage

Depending on how much bandwidth your site allows, this can be a great place to store certain files. Of course you still need a hard copy backup, but storing them in a secure, hidden location on your website can help you keep everything related to your online article writing all in one spot. This also can free up space on your computer if you'd rather not have the files there. Just be sure, as mentioned above to keep a hard copy if you go this route.

by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

Do you have non-exclusive writing lying around collecting dust? If you write for a living, chances are that not everything you submit or publish is exclusive to one party. What are you doing with the work that you still hold publishing rights to? If you answered "Nothing" you are not making the most of your work.

Offer reprints.

What are reprints? Put simply, reprints are pieces that have been previously published but can be published again.

If you submit your work to someone non-exclusively, you still have publication rights. Always read the fine print everywhere that you publish your work to be sure who has the rights. Just because you still hold the copyright, does not always mean you still hold publication rights.

Once you have determined that you do hold publication rights, there are several ways you can offer reprints.

Here are some of my favorites:

• Get them published with online venues that accept non-exclusive content and customize the content to each venue.
• Have a reprints page  on your website or offer it on your regular services page.
  
• Republish them on your own website to draw traffic to your services and/or advertisements.
• Get them published in print publications that accept non-exclusive work, again customizing to fit the venue.

by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

You spend hours on a submission perfecting every little detail when along comes an editor to mess with your masterpiece. If you're going to make it as a writer, you will have to work with editors. A necessary part of the publishing process involves dealing with editors.

Learn to compromise. Editors can and often do change things. That's what they're there for. They catch the little mistakes we make (and we all make mistakes). They also may make changes that are better for structure, your audience, the web, and more. Though you may not always agree with their changes, you will have to deal with many of them. Depending on the publication, you may be able to form a compromise with the editor.

Let it go. That may be easier said than done in many cases. As writers, we see our writings as our little babies, if you will. We work hard on it and it means so much to us. Altering it can feel like someone is trying to change us. After all, it does have our names on it. But at some point, we have to learn to let it go. If the work never bypasses an editor, it may never get out in front of the audience. Try not to get too attached and let the work go once its complete.

What's the change? Instead of becoming to attached to the way the piece is written, focus on the message. If the edits do not take away the message, don't be so hard on the editor. It's perfectly fine to address the editor if you feel that the changes are unsatisfactory or take away from the message. But if the change is nothing that takes away the message, why waste all that energy getting upset? Write another article.

Report the editor. This is only for extreme cases. I say that because as a writer, you will need to learn to deal with the fact that your writing will be changed by editors if you want it published with major companies. If the editor really is making changes that are unreasonable (and not just changes you don't like - changes that affect the quality of the work significantly), that's when you report the editor. I advise not taking this route unless necessary because a writer and editor need to be able to work together peacefully. But obviously, if there is an injustice it should be reported.

Switch venues. If you just cannot deal with a particular editor, write somewhere else. Ultimately, you should be happy with your writing (or any) career. If that's not happening, you haven't found the right venue/s to write for yet. Realize you should not be switching venues every time you don't like what an editor does. But if there is a true problem, remember that you can move on.

Write for yourself. If you truly cannot deal with anyone at all messing with your own work, only wrote for yourself. When someone is paying you to produce work, it should be what they want, hence part of the reason for the editors. If you create your own venue, such as your own website or blog, you make the rules. Even if you go this route it can still be a wise move to have an editor or at least a writing buddy that is willing to be a second pair of eyes. But you'll have the most freedom when writing for yourself.

Bottom line: Editors are a part of the writing and publishing business and writers need to be able to adapt to that fact. Work with (not against) your editor, unless you have a legitimate claim against them.