I recently worked with a young woman who was applying to nursing school. She had asked me to edit her personal statement, which is the most important piece of a graduate school application. Many students who apply to medical or nursing schools–or to a Ph.D. program–have straight A’s and impressive qualifications. The one piece of… Continue Reading
Author Archives: Clarice
Expressive Writing: The Key to Learning, Creating & Healing
In Teaching with Writing, Toby Fulwiler presents the findings of a 1981 study of writing in American schools that I believe is still valid today—even in universities and corporate training rooms across the country. The study found that the majority of assignments involved transactional writing—the kind used to communicate information (as in essays and business letters). The second… Continue Reading
Just Published: Artist’s Website
Website Design for Ettore de Conciliis, Italian Artist I just finished designing a WordPress website for an artist in Italy that I think turned out well. (My client’s really happy with it, so that’s a good thing!) Ettore and I both wanted the site to look modern and elegant and to display his beautiful paintings… Continue Reading
Words of Wisdom from a Book Designer
A Conversation with Jennifer Omner I had a wonderful conversation last week with Jennifer Omner, an experienced book designer in Portland, Oregon. Jennifer has owned her company, ALL Publications, since 1994; she not only stays up-to-date with all of the latest technological advances in the publishing industry, but she also has years of experience in design… Continue Reading
Stuck? Try Some Creative Writing Prompts
If you are in a dry spell–struggling to come up with ideas for the article you are trying to write, searching for an answer to a problem at work, or muddled in confusion–there is a simple solution: Creative Writing Prompts! What? Creative writing prompts. At heart, these are simply suggestions that get your ideas flowing… Continue Reading
Using Story to Spark Change
I’ve been thinking a lot this week about how change actually happens. Using force, threat and fear doesn’t work very well; nor do sincere New Year’s resolutions. At certain times in our lives, we decide we’ve had enough. We’re going to lose that weight, find a relationship that works, earn what we’re worth. Similarly, an… Continue Reading
Secret to Business Growth: Storytelling
As a freelance writer/editor/web designer, my focus for the last eight years has been on helping my business clients tell their stories in writing and on the web. I have come to believe more and more that our brains interpret ALL writing as a story because human beings just seem to be hardwired for storytelling.… Continue Reading
What Is Your Founding Business Story?
All businesses and organizations have a story that begins with the founder. Founders often have the vision to create an organization that makes a difference, that improves the lives of their employees and customers in some material way. In order to succeed, they may have gone through times of trial and hardship, had help from… Continue Reading
What Technical Writers Can Learn from Shakespeare
One of my editing clients asked me recently how he could improve his technical writing skills. I told him I would think about it and get back to him with an answer. Because my client is British and lives in the UK, it was only natural for my thoughts to turn to Shakespeare! What did… Continue Reading