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12 Point Checklist for Writing Feature Articles
1. Have you selected your intended subject topic and carefully planned out your idea? 2. Have you sent your idea query pitch to magazines or newspapers who may be interested? or will you write "on spec"? With many magazines and newspapers now...
A Scriptural 'How to' for Writing ...
If you want to know how to be a successful writer, by the world's methods and standards, I have absolutely no idea. However, if you have a passion to use writing as a tool to reach people for the Lord, have I got Good News for you! A Scriptural...
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Writing: Getting Started
Writing for web content is one of the easiest ways for writers to get their work published. If you have yet to submit articles for syndication, you are missing out on a wonderful opportunity to share your knowledge as well as to promote your name....
Writing Narrative vs Writing Dialogue
Writing Narrative vs Writing Dialogue Copyright 2001, Michael LaRocca http://free_reads.tripod.com One of the nice things about being an author is that we can break any rule we want. (I just did.) Its part of our job description. Language changes...
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Listen Up and Improve your Writing
Are you a good listener? Almost everyone will answer this question affirmatively. However, listening is not the same as hearing; it requires concentration, effort and practice. To be an effective listener, you must be an active participant of communication, not just the passive recipient.
If youre a writer, you need to be a good listener, no make that a GREAT listener. How can you create life-like dialogue, with its natural cadence, graceful as a dance, if you dont listen to the people in your life?
I like to listen. I have learned a great deal from listening carefully. Most people never listen. Ernest Hemingway
Do you recognize any of these symptoms of poor listening?
1)Getting distracted, half listening, thinking about something else or what you plan to say next. Part of the problem may be our ability to think four times faster then we can speak. It is easier to stay focused if you remove distractions. Some distractions may be internal: youre ill, upset or you may be physically uncomfortable, while others are external: noise around you, kids, phone ringing, TV blaring. All these factors compete for your attention. If you cant remove the distractions, let the speaker know that now may not be the best time to have a conversation, because you cant give 100% of your attention.
2)Assuming you understand what others have to say. You may be tempted to interrupt the speaker. DONT. Speakers appreciate having the chance to say everything they would like to say without being interrupted. Jumping in before they are done will make you appear impatient, uninterested and rude. The speaker may be so annoyed they will withdraw from the conversation. After all, why should they bother to speak if you know what theyre going to say? One of the best ways to ensure you understand what was said is to ask clarifying questions. You dont need to act like a parrot. If your speaker says Its raining outside. don't respond with Are you saying its raining outside? When in doubt, it is a good idea to repeat in your own words what the speaker said so that you can be sure your understanding is correct.
3)Being Competitive or Combative. Are you more interested in promoting our own point of view, rather than hearing the other person? According to Stephen Covey, author of Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, you should Seek First to Understand,
Then to be Understood. In addition, Covey explains that we listen autobiographically, from our own perspectives, so we will judge what we hear. You may express disagreement through feedback, shaking your head or frowning when the other person is speaking. You may look for weak points of flaws so you can contradict the other person.
Let me ask you again: Are you a good listener?
Active Listening is a form of listening and responding that focuses the attention on the speaker. The listener pays attention to the speaker, and doesnt attend to other activities, and then paraphrases what she thinks the speaker has said. This enables the speaker to validate or clarify and to feel they have been heard.
Empathic Listening is achieved when you suspend judgment and receive the message. You are genuinely interested in understanding what the other person is thinking and feeling. Empathy is achieved when you are able to see through another persons eyes.
You can improve your listening skills with the following techniques:
1.Remove distractions so you can give the speaker your full attention.
2.Paraphrase what you have heard. Do not parrot; rather rephrase what youve heard in your own words.
3.Refrain for making judgments and assumptions. They are based on your perspective and may not be what speaker intends.
4.Do not interrupt or think about what youre going to say before the speaker is done.
According to Dr Beverly Langford, LMA Communication, When we listen we expand our horizons, increase our understanding, and gather material for the next time we have the opportunity to talk.
Writing is a process of communication and no communication is one sided. We deliver a message that we expect our audience to receive, understand and accept. Building upon Coveys message, writers must Seek First to Listen, Then to be Heard.. When we listen more effectively and empathetically we gain insights which will transform our work.
About the Author
Lisa Hood is the author of "Shades of Betrayal" and Shades of Revenge. She has been writing for over 10 years and is presently working on her third suspense novel, Shades of Jealousy.She is also the Talent Liaison @ BOOKJOBBER.com. Other articles by Lisa Hood can be downloaded from
http://www.bookjobber.com/articles.asp or email her @ mailto:lisa_j@bookjobber.com
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