Finding content when it’s scarce

It happens more frequently than we’d like to admit: an unexpected content void. The article scheduled for the front page of your company’s website has fallen through, and you need another to fill the space right now. In my day job as an internal communicator for a regional health care system, I am responsible for developing content for two websites with very different audiences. In my “other” job, I write weekly for my own blog, Impertinent Remarks. So I know how tough it is to scramble when content is in short supply. If you find yourself asking, “What can I...

15 tips to make the writing process less...

Not everyone who writes for a living always enjoys writing. Writing can be a tedious and frustrating task . . . staring at a blank screen, knowing what you want to write but being unable to call up the proper words. Canadian author Ann-Marie MacDonald says “Writing is a hellish task, best snuck up on, whacked on the head, robbed, and left for dead.” What follows is some of the best advice I’ve received to make the writing process less hellish. When you’re stuck, don’t keep staring at the screen. Take a break and come back to it. Write first; edit later Don’t...

Hyphenation — worth a second look

It’s a gift and a curse. PR Daily readers, you know what I’m talking about. Even when you’re not looking for them, you see them. I’m talking about spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors on signs, in movie credits, on magazine covers. They’re everywhere, and we can’t help but notice them. Last week, I drove past a billboard that said, “Your coworking headquarters.” I had to look twice to make sure I understood what the sign meant. That billboard brought to mind my least favorite punctuation mark, the hyphen, and how hyphens are generally used to avoid...

25 clever email subject lines

After my recent post listing 19 terrible email subject lines, readers asked for a list of examples of good email subject lines. Considering that readers decide whether to read or trash your email in about three seconds, well-written subject lines are essential. If you can throw in a little mystery or humor, that works, too. Here are some great examples: Don’t let your spam box come between us Need an app for that? Show me the writing . . . 8 reasons not to read this email A blatant pitch (that you should open NOW) Made you look Athletes use steroids . . . entrepreneurs...

14 inspiring quotes from “Downton ...

“Downton Abbey” is the wildly popular Masterpiece Classic period drama that follows the the Crawley family and their servants in post-Edwardian England. It is one of the most widely watched television dramas in the world. I run hot and cold with this series. I start watching it but stop in the middle of the season, because it becomes too much like a soap opera. Then I’ll start watching again out of sheer curiosity. Despite the outlandish plots and out-of-character character motivations, what also keeps me coming back is the dialogue. Often, the best lines of the show...

Me, myself, and I: deciphering pronouns

Which of the following sentences is correct? 1. Please copy Robert and I on that email. 2. Please copy Robert and me on that email. 3. Please copy Robert and myself on that email. If you’re not sure of the answer, you’re not the only one. The misuse of pronouns—I, me, myself, he, himself, her, herself, them, themselves—can make your writing seem “juvenile and nonstandard.” Or so says one of my old grammar books. Let’s examine a few rules for using pronouns so we can cut through the confusion and write for grown-ups. Pronouns are words used in place of nouns....

Is that one word or two?

Lately I’ve been having trouble with compound words, such as timeframe, payoff, and placeholder. Are these one word or two? After 10-plus years as a professional writer and editor, shouldn’t I know the rules for compound words by now? Why am I still asking myself these questions? As it turns out, the rules for compound words aren’t straightforward. (Or is that straight forward?) “Compound words generally develop over time through use. As people continue to use two or more previously unrelated words together, the combination gains acceptance. Unfortunately, this...

7 tips to help you remember names

There’s no easy way to admit this, but I am horrible with names. I shake hands with someone I’ve just met, the person says his or her name, and within 10 seconds I’ve forgotten the name. And since I’ve just started a new job, I am beyond frustrated with my memory problem. Grrrrr. As PR professionals, we all know the importance of building rapport and maintaining relationship with clients. That can be difficult when you can’t remember the name of the guy sitting next to you at lunch. Never fear. There are plenty of techniques and tricks from business pros and...