I read a few blogs on a regular basis. There are some things that immediately turn me away from some blogs, however, and I rarely read their content and there are a few reasons why. 1. I don't read content that is dotted with ALL CAPS. When text is in all caps, it is akin to shouting. It does not come across as simply emphasis; it comes across as shouting. I don't need to be shouted at and I do not listen to people who shout at me unless they are saving my life from imminent danger. If you have content that needs emphasis, try putting it in bold letters or italicize the words. 2. I don't read blogs that play music. I am often listening to my own music, or working along side my kids who are studying in our home school, so music suddenly blasting from a blog or website is highly disruptive and unwelcome. I exit immediately and don't read the content. 3. I don't read content that is filled with errors. A typo here and there is one thing; we all make mistakes, b...

I've recently stepped up a major writing project that I've been working on in a slower mode for the past couple of years. In my efforts to be accurate and remain true to my topic, I have found myself reviewing ancient writings of different theologians of days past for historical input. One such writer, Theodoret of Cyrus, lived from 393 - 460 A.D. My project is summed up here and here . Imagine his writings still being read today, over 1,500 years later! The power of the written word should not be underestimated. The Bible, much of it written long before this man's writings, is still the most-read book in all of history. What you write today matters. It matters to today's audience and will matter in the audience of generations to come. So, write. Write often. Write well. Just write. ~Tricia

As a writer, I am struck by Taylor Swift . Not only does she write all her own lyrics and music, she oversees the production of her albums and videos down to the last detail. In a recent interview, she said that since the songs are hers, she can present them however she chooses. Taylor was the victim of severe bullying in school while growing up. As an artist, she was told she couldn't sing or write. Because she did not define herself by those around her, she didn't listen to her naysayers. She pushed through, wrote songs about those who bullied her, and truly changed the music industry forever. Just this week she topped herself on the charts with singles from her her newest album, 1989. Kudos to Taylor ! I admire her for her tenacity to believe in herself and push through to her own success. She was even told to wait till she was 18, but she pushed through, claiming she was ready. Indeed. I so wish I had learned to think that way as a young woman! She's not the first ...

Maybe, just maybe, you need to fail more as a writer. I read this blog post today, 9 Famous Authors Rejected by Publishers , and realized that all the great ones fail, and they usually fail more than once. Read for yourself and find out the astonishing number of times C.S. Lewis was rejected before he was published. I dare you to keep failing again and again. Fail your way to sure success. You're in good company ~Tricia

There are many ways to improve as a writer. I've taught many ways myself. You can read to write better. You can write to write better. Did you know you can also edit to write better? Yep, it's true. I recently joined Fiverr as an editor and as I have gotten more and more gigs, I realized that what I'm learning by editing other people's work is actually helping my writing. That's a bonus I did not expect or plan on, but I am pleasantly surprised that it's making such a difference. Have you considered editing as a tool to improve your own writing? I recently blogged about how I like editing because I get to fix what's wrong. Today, I found another reason to like editing: it improves my own writing skill! I highly recommend editing as a tool to improve your writing. Happy Writing! ~Tricia

I have decided I really like editing. I recently joined Fiverr , offering quick editing for a penny a word. As the jobs started rolling in, I found that I was really enjoying editing and I figured out why. Editing gives me free reign to correct all the wrongs. I've mentally corrected people's emails, blogs, Facebook posts, church bulletins, signs on the highway, ads in stores, etc., yet I've never had the power to do anything about those wrongs. Editing jobs are different. It's my JOB to correct the wrongs. I have found editing to be very satisfying and gratifying. I love fixing what's wrong and delivering a better product in the end. Every writer needs an editor, whether they realize it or not. Fiverr is a quick, affordable way to get small editing jobs done for a fraction of what you'd pay elsewhere. I highly recommend editing for anyone who writes anything the public will see. Fiverr can be your go-to resource. Happy Writing! ~Tricia

Do you learn something as a writer every single day? I try to. I subscribe to a number of writing blogs as well as writing websites and try to learn from these other authors every day as part of my overall business plan. Today, I found this article, 5 Mistakes I've Made in Writing by Frank Viola to be very helpful as well as familiar. I've taught these things in my writing workshops and seminars. Read the article and learn what Frank Viola, and I, have learned from decades of being writers. Happy Writing. ~Tricia