Writing...Just because!

O.K.  I couldn’t resist using the rhyme (as long as you pronounce simile and hyperbole correctly).  It’s a cheap attention-getting device but sometimes it works great.    So, what is hyperbole?   It’s when you use over-the-top extravagant exaggeration that, when it comes right down to it, is hard to believe.  You’ll recognize it when writers throw in a string of adjectives and adverbs to spruce up copy when describing something.  Unfortunately, it only succeeds in turning people off or making them suspicious.  It’s like the used car salesman yelling at you from the TV.  We either mute him or walk away.  Using too much fluff will cause your readers’ eyes to glaze over and with a simple click of the mouse, they could be gone forever!  The danger in using language that is wildly extreme is that you have to be ready to defend and prove the claim you’re making.  On the other hand, using metaphors and similes helps paint a pictur...

I thought I would change it up a little bit since I promised to review small business resources as well so this month we’ll take a look at Brilliant Business Writing by Neil Taylor.   I would like to start off by saying it is brilliant because he gives a lot of advice that I give in my workshops myself and use on a daily basis with my writing projects!   All kidding aside, I enjoyed Taylor’s tongue in cheek, humorous approach to a sometimes very dry subject.   Most of us who call writing our passion and vocation can devour (and enjoy) books on writing that others would find extremely dull.   I would say that Brilliant Business Writing is a resource for any level of writer.   A novice writer will probably pick it up and read it cover to cover in one sitting.   The more veteran writer may keep it on the desk and refer to it periodically over a month or so and read a few pages at a time while waiting for large documents to download or for the computer t...