<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<rss version="2.0"
	xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
	xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
	xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
	xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
	xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
	xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/"
	xmlns:series="http://unfoldingneurons.com/"
	>

<channel>
	<title>@ Shadow&#039;s Song</title>
	<atom:link href="http://www.shadows-song.net/blog/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>http://www.shadows-song.net/blog</link>
	<description>Reality is a poor substitute for a good fantasy.</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Thu, 02 Sep 2010 13:42:10 +0000</lastBuildDate>
	<language>en</language>
	<sy:updatePeriod>hourly</sy:updatePeriod>
	<sy:updateFrequency>1</sy:updateFrequency>
	<generator>http://wordpress.org/?v=abc</generator>
		<item>
		<title>How to Write a Job Description</title>
		<link>http://www.shadows-song.net/blog/2010/09/how-to-write-a-job-description/</link>
		<comments>http://www.shadows-song.net/blog/2010/09/how-to-write-a-job-description/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 02 Sep 2010 13:42:10 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Writing]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.shadows-song.net/blog/2010/09/how-to-write-a-job-description/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[If you're an employer that is trying to find a perfect employee then you need to create a stellar job description. You see, a job description not only explains what the employee's roles and responsibilities will entail but will also clarify those unique qualifications that you are seeking from an employee. I outline your options in this article.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>If you&#8217;re an employer that is trying to find a perfect employee then you need to create a stellar job description. You see, a job description not only explains what the employee&#8217;s roles and responsibilities will entail but will also clarify those unique qualifications that you are seeking from an employee. By failing to create a stellar description and hap hazardously drafting a poor description, you&#8217;ll likely end up with unqualified candidates that will waste your precious time and hiring resources.</p>
<p><span id="more-167"></span></p>
<p>In this article, we will discuss how to write a stellar job description that gets prospects motivated and interested in working for your company while carefully weaning out unqualified people.</p>
<p>1. Brainstorm about the position.</p>
<p>Take some time and think about the skills and qualifications that your perfect employee would possess. For instance, would they be able to handle various tasks, be able to use certain software or office equipment, have specific training, skills or personality? Once you have the vision of the type of person you&#8217;re seeking, write down those qualifications on paper.</p>
<p>2. Next, evaluate your list in terms of those skills which are in fact realistic. For instance, if you&#8217;re expecting someone to handle multiple tasks then are you willing to compensate them commensurate with their efforts? Good people will generally cost more money.  Its just a fact of life.</p>
<p>3. Consider your current and future hiring needs. For instance, if you plan on opening up a new position in the future and may need your new employee to travel or relocate, then make a note to include this in the description. Its no good hiring an employee today, that can&#8217;t fit in with your plans for the company.</p>
<p>4. Do a little market research to evaluate how other employers have written job descriptions. What type of terminology did they use? Were there descriptions clear and to the point? If you were an employee searching for a position, would you be interested in their position? Why or why not?</p>
<p>5. Next, start writing. Craft your job description while being extremely detailed. For instance, include the expected performance, required skills, job duties (include all tasks), etc. Also, make sure that you include a descriptive narrative on any additional shared job responsibilities and how you&#8217;ll evaluate, measure and reward performance.</p>
<p>6. Be crystal clear about what you expect on a daily basis. For instance, what specific tasks and responsibilities will the person need to be successful? Are you open to paying for training courses? If so, how much? Do you require any specific licenses or degrees or work experience? Will you trade professional experience for these attributes? For instance, if the educational background is preferred then say so,</p>
<p>In conclusion, writing a stellar job description isn&#8217;t difficult but it requires a bit of thought and effort on your part. By visualizing your dream employee, being clear about your needs, conducting market research, writing a detailed description, you&#8217;ll find the perfect employee.</p>
<p>For More Hiring and Writing Resources Visit <a target="_new" href="http://www.anecdote.org/">http://www.Anecdote.org</a> Also find related information about <a target="_new" href="http://www.anecdote.org/writing/how-to-write-a-reference.html">How</p>
<p>to Write a Reference</a> and if you a</p>
<p>feeling Creative during your coffee break! <a target="_new" href="http://www.anecdote.org/writing/how-to-write-poems.html">How to Write Poems</a></p>
<p>Author: <a href="http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stuart_Brown">Stuart Brown</a><br />Article Source: <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Write-a-Job-Description&amp;id=537655">EzineArticles.com</a><br /> <a href="http://hybridabc.com/">Hybrid and Electric Cars </a></p>

<a href="http://twitter.com/?status=How+to+Write+a+Job+Description+http%3A%2F%2Fwww.shadows-song.net%2Fblog%2F2010%2F09%2Fhow-to-write-a-job-description%2F" class="retweet-anywhere" title="Retweet This Post" rev="" rel="167"><img src="http://www.shadows-song.net/blog/wp-content/plugins/retweet-anywhere/images/retweet.png" alt="Retweet" /></a>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.shadows-song.net/blog/2010/09/how-to-write-a-job-description/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Great New Post on POV</title>
		<link>http://www.shadows-song.net/blog/2010/08/great-new-post-on-pov/</link>
		<comments>http://www.shadows-song.net/blog/2010/08/great-new-post-on-pov/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 31 Aug 2010 18:12:32 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Edie Houston</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Writing]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.shadows-song.net/blog/2010/08/great-new-post-on-pov/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Bits &#38; Bytes: Romance&#8230;the Writer&#8217;s Way: Solving the Mystery of the Male POV Specifically on writing from the male point of view.&#160; Some writers seem to be able to do it so successfully, I’m sometimes surprised to find that the author of a particular book is actually of the opposite sex.&#160; What is your take [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://warawriters.blogspot.com/2010/08/solving-mystery-of-male-pov.html">Bits &amp; Bytes: Romance&#8230;the Writer&#8217;s Way: Solving the Mystery of the Male POV</a></p>
<p><span id="more-165"></span></p>
<p>Specifically on writing from the male point of view.&nbsp; Some writers seem to be able to do it so successfully, I’m sometimes surprised to find that the author of a particular book is actually of the opposite sex.&nbsp; What is your take on this?&nbsp; How successful do you feel you are at writing in the male POV?&nbsp; Or have you ever tried?</p>
<p>
<blockquote></blockquote>
<div class="zemanta-pixie"><img class="zemanta-pixie-img" alt="" src="http://img.zemanta.com/pixy.gif?x-id=0663d09f-b4c5-845e-8876-13d04f28e164" /></div>

<a href="http://twitter.com/?status=Great+New+Post+on+POV+http%3A%2F%2Fwww.shadows-song.net%2Fblog%2F2010%2F08%2Fgreat-new-post-on-pov%2F" class="retweet-anywhere" title="Retweet This Post" rev="" rel="165"><img src="http://www.shadows-song.net/blog/wp-content/plugins/retweet-anywhere/images/retweet.png" alt="Retweet" /></a>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.shadows-song.net/blog/2010/08/great-new-post-on-pov/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Do You Have to Struggle to Find Out How to Write a Novel?</title>
		<link>http://www.shadows-song.net/blog/2010/08/do-you-have-to-struggle-to-find-out-how-to-write-a-novel/</link>
		<comments>http://www.shadows-song.net/blog/2010/08/do-you-have-to-struggle-to-find-out-how-to-write-a-novel/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 26 Aug 2010 13:11:57 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Writing]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.shadows-song.net/blog/2010/08/do-you-have-to-struggle-to-find-out-how-to-write-a-novel/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I spent almost a year reading how-to books on the writing craft and I surfed hundreds of websites. I studied techniques, went down dozens of blind alleys and finally wrote my first draft. A few months passed and I started to wonder, "Did it really have to be so hard?"]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I spent almost a year reading how-to books on the writing craft and I surfed hundreds of websites. I studied techniques, went down dozens of blind alleys and finally wrote my first draft. A few months passed and I started to wonder, &#8220;Did it really have to be so hard?&#8221;</p>
<p><span id="more-164"></span></p>
<p>I wondered, &#8220;Shouldn&#8217;t all that information, the information it took me hundreds of hours of research to find, be in one place? Does the path have to be so bumpy for people trying to accomplish exactly what I accomplished only months before?&#8221;</p>
<p>I decided I had spent too much time searching the Internet and cobbling together valuable information to let it disappear without doing some good. So, I have started to put it all together for you in one place.</p>
<p>That being said, writing is not a series of steps, books to read or videos to write. You don&#8217;t find a secret formula and follow it. Writing is a process. You should explore these sites and take from them what you can. Some will resonate with you now, others later, and some never at all. Use them to sharpen your skills and employ them as strategies to uncover your strengths.</p>
<p>So, do you have to struggle to write a novel? Probably. Yes.</p>
<p>But, do you have to struggle to find out how to do it? Not as much as you think. The resources are there. I am not guaranteeing you will be published or write a bestseller because you find the resources. That isn&#8217;t the goal of this article.</p>
<p>The goal of this article is to encourage you to nurture your skills so you can fulfill a goal. It is about helping you keep a promise to yourself. I hope you will find your own process and refine it over time. There are tools, but it&#8217;s up to you to find the writer within.</p>
<p>Kit Calder is dedicated to helping aspiring writers follow their dream of writing their first novel. You can learn more by visiting <a target="_new" href="http://www.squidoo.com/free-writing-classes">www.squidoo.com/free-writing-classes</a>.</p>
<p>Author: <a href="http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kit_Calder">Kit Calder</a><br />Article Source: <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?Do-You-Have-to-Struggle-to-Find-Out-How-to-Write-a-Novel?&amp;id=4103152">EzineArticles.com</a><br /><a href="http://captionwit.com/">Humorous photo captions</a></p>

<a href="http://twitter.com/?status=Do+You+Have+to+Struggle+to+Find+Out+How+to+Write+a+Novel%3F+http%3A%2F%2Fwww.shadows-song.net%2Fblog%2F2010%2F08%2Fdo-you-have-to-struggle-to-find-out-how-to-write-a-novel%2F" class="retweet-anywhere" title="Retweet This Post" rev="" rel="164"><img src="http://www.shadows-song.net/blog/wp-content/plugins/retweet-anywhere/images/retweet.png" alt="Retweet" /></a>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.shadows-song.net/blog/2010/08/do-you-have-to-struggle-to-find-out-how-to-write-a-novel/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Freelance Writing Coaching &#8211; The Value</title>
		<link>http://www.shadows-song.net/blog/2010/08/freelance-writing-coaching-the-value/</link>
		<comments>http://www.shadows-song.net/blog/2010/08/freelance-writing-coaching-the-value/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 19 Aug 2010 12:53:07 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Writing]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.shadows-song.net/blog/2010/08/freelance-writing-coaching-the-value/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Getting started as a freelance writer is tough stuff. You have the desire, sure. You maybe even have some innate talent for writing. Good for you. Unfortunately, neither of these things can help guarantee the success of your freelance writing business.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Getting started as a freelance writer is tough stuff. You have the desire, sure. You maybe even have some innate talent for writing Good for you. Unfortunately, neither of these things can help guarantee the success of your freelance writing business. You need expert advice and the perspective that comes with success.</p>
<p><span id="more-160"></span></p>
<p>What a Freelance Writing Coach Does for You</p>
<p>Hiring a freelance writing coach gives you just that. It allows you to tap into the wealth of knowledge, information, wisdom and experience that can usually only come from years in the field. When you hire a freelance writing coach, you&#8217;re likely to:</p>
<p>- Hone your writing craft <br />- Gain a fuller understanding of the freelance writing market <br />- Learn the common pitfalls of the freelance writing business <br />- Discover the ins and outs of finding and landing freelance gigs <br />- Propel your freelance writing business forward by weeks or even years.</p>
<p>The Cost of Not Hiring a Freelance Writing Coach</p>
<p>You can go it alone. You can start your freelance writing business, and feel your way blind, in the dark. If you&#8217;re lucky, you&#8217;ll weather the hard times and, eventually, learn everything you need to know on your own. Along the way, you&#8217;ll get stuck working for peanuts, make mistakes that ruin your reputation and hurt your business, and get some serious bumps and bruises.</p>
<p>Hiring a coach doesn&#8217;t keep you from making mistakes, and it doesn&#8217;t guarantee success. However, it does help you make sure you get paid what you&#8217;re worth, sharpen your skills, and help you to protect your reputation as a writer.</p>
<p>When it comes down to it, you can&#8217;t afford not to hire a coach when you start your writing business.</p>
<p>Bob Younce is a professional freelance writer living in Linwood, Michigan. Bob loves helping new writers improve their craft and fully realize their dreams.</p>
<p>Subscribe to his blog for free at <a target="_new" href="http://www.writing-journey.com/">www.writing-journey.com</a> and check out his Roadmap for starting your freelance <a target="_new" href="http://writing-journey.com/freelance-writing/how-to-start-your-freelance-writing-business-the-last-word">writing business</a>.</p>
<p>Author: <a href="http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bob_Younce">Bob Younce</a><br />Article Source: <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?Freelance-Writing-Coaching---The-Value&amp;id=1728768">EzineArticles.com</a><br /><a href="http://intriguingnews.com/">Video news</a></p>

<a href="http://twitter.com/?status=Freelance+Writing+Coaching+-+The+Value+http%3A%2F%2Fwww.shadows-song.net%2Fblog%2F2010%2F08%2Ffreelance-writing-coaching-the-value%2F" class="retweet-anywhere" title="Retweet This Post" rev="" rel="160"><img src="http://www.shadows-song.net/blog/wp-content/plugins/retweet-anywhere/images/retweet.png" alt="Retweet" /></a>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.shadows-song.net/blog/2010/08/freelance-writing-coaching-the-value/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Writing the First Two Chapters of Your Novel or E-Book</title>
		<link>http://www.shadows-song.net/blog/2010/08/writing-the-first-two-chapters-of-your-novel-or-e-book/</link>
		<comments>http://www.shadows-song.net/blog/2010/08/writing-the-first-two-chapters-of-your-novel-or-e-book/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 12 Aug 2010 12:48:03 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Writing]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.shadows-song.net/blog/2010/08/writing-the-first-two-chapters-of-your-novel-or-e-book/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[When a writer interfaces with a publisher on a book proposal, generally the publisher will ask for a synopsis. If they like the idea, various forms will be signed or emails exchanged and then they will wish to see the table of contents and perhaps two chapters. Many so called writers of the writing craft will often sell e-Books on "How to Write a Novel" and yet that is the easy part.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>When a writer interfaces with a publisher on a book proposal, generally the publisher will ask for a synopsis. If they like the idea, various forms will be signed or emails exchanged and then they will wish to see the table of contents and perhaps two chapters. Many so called writers of the writing craft will often sell e-Books on &#8220;How to Write a Novel&#8221; and yet that is the easy part.</p>
<p><span id="more-159"></span></p>
<p>Selling the book or getting it published is the tricky part and the most important. Beware of buying an e-book which does not include how to write the first two chapters or the first and last chapter. You must be able to do this if a publisher asks for it and if you plan on writing a book, doing a little novel writing, story writing or ever hope to sell your work you must get the right knowledge and understand the entire game.</p>
<p>There is all sorts of writing software out there that make grand and glorious claims and hundreds of non-successful writers who have sold less than a few hundred thousand copies selling &#8220;How to Write&#8221; books. They could not make it as a real writer, but now they are going to tell you how to do it? Interesting, but I advise not to buy.</p>
<p>Why would you wish to pay even $10.00 to download a &#8220;How to Write Novels in Your Spare Time&#8221; e-book if the author of the &#8220;how to&#8221; book never made the grade in the real world? Don&#8217;t be duped by so-called creative writing experts, former English professors or failure novel or book authors. Unless the author of a how to write book has been consistently on the Best Seller List with some work during the last couple of decades, quite frankly it is this authors opinion, you are wasting your money. Don&#8217;t be tricked.</p>
<p>&#8220;Lance Winslow&#8221; &#8211; Online <a target="_new" href="http://www.WorldThinkTank.net/">Think Tank</a> forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; <a target="_new" href="http://www.WorldThinkTank.net/">www.WorldThinkTank.net/</a>. Lance is an online writer in retirement.</p>
<p>Author: <a href="http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lance_Winslow">Lance Winslow</a><br />Article Source: <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?Writing-the-First-Two-Chapters-of-Your-Novel-or-E-Book&amp;id=582175">EzineArticles.com</a><br /><a href="http://alphaandroid.com/">Android apps</a></p>

<a href="http://twitter.com/?status=Writing+the+First+Two+Chapters+of+Your+Novel+or+E-Book+http%3A%2F%2Fwww.shadows-song.net%2Fblog%2F2010%2F08%2Fwriting-the-first-two-chapters-of-your-novel-or-e-book%2F" class="retweet-anywhere" title="Retweet This Post" rev="" rel="159"><img src="http://www.shadows-song.net/blog/wp-content/plugins/retweet-anywhere/images/retweet.png" alt="Retweet" /></a>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.shadows-song.net/blog/2010/08/writing-the-first-two-chapters-of-your-novel-or-e-book/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Top Four Writing Websites</title>
		<link>http://www.shadows-song.net/blog/2010/08/top-four-writing-websites/</link>
		<comments>http://www.shadows-song.net/blog/2010/08/top-four-writing-websites/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 05 Aug 2010 12:43:54 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Writing]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.shadows-song.net/blog/2010/08/top-four-writing-websites/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The Internet is arguably the best place for writers to go when they are looking for a place to publish their content or to learn about the writing craft.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The Internet is arguably the best place for writers to go when they are looking for a place to publish their content or to learn about the writing craft. There are literally hundreds of places you can go to network with other writers, look for writing jobs, or brush up on the latest trends. Following are my top four in writing websites &#8211; check &#8216;em out and see what they have to offer.</p>
<p><span id="more-158"></span></p>
<p><b>Top Writing Websites #1: AssociatedContent.com</b></p>
<p>If you are looking for a place to make a little bit of extra money and to see what others writers are up to, AssociatedContent.com is your best bet. They pay from $3.00 &#8211; $40.00 per article submitted (as long as it adheres to their guidelines) and they are quickly becoming one of the hottest media outlets. This year, they are hosting the first annual People&#8217;s Media Awards (PMA&#8217;s), which honors their &#8220;Content Producers&#8221; for hard work. Just sign up for an account and start writing!</p>
<p><b>Top Writing Websites #2: Guru.com</b></p>
<p>Freelancers writers everywhere sign up for accounts at Guru.com to have access to thousands of jobs posted for writers. When I signed up for a Guru account, I made my money back times ten with the first project, and thus far I&#8217;ve made more than $10,000 from employers on their site. The membership fee isn&#8217;t as high as Elance&#8217;s, and they have more projects to choose from. Just make sure that you have a clean resume, a few work samples, and that you use their SafePay service to protect your work.</p>
<p><b>Top Writing Websites #3: AllAboutWriting.org</b></p>
<p>This website is one of the newest writing websites, but it&#8217;s poised to become one of the biggest on the web. AllAboutWriting.com is a one-stop resource for advice, tips and articles about every aspect of writing, from magazine freelancing to publishing your book to ghostwriting for clients. They have also announced that, beginning in March of &#8217;07, they will be purchasing content from freelance writers on the Internet, so definitely keep tabs on this site.</p>
<p><b>Top Writing Websites #4: WritersMarket.com</b></p>
<p>For a measly $4.00 per month, you can have access to the world&#8217;s largest database of freelance work, all at your fingertips in an easily searchable format. Writers&#8217; Market is a must-have for every freelancer, and is helpful if you are looking for a market in which to publish your book. You can also check out their annual print publication, which is several hundred pages of paying markets for freelancers.</p>
<p>Laura J. College is a professional writer, editor and consultant currently based in Houston, TX. She writes tons of articles for aspiring authors and is currently working on her first novel outside of ghostwriting called <i>Hour of the Nephilim</i>. Check out her website at [http://www.laurajcollege.com].</p>
<p>Author: <a href="http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Laura_College">Laura College</a><br />Article Source: <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?Top-Four-Writing-Websites&amp;id=387005">EzineArticles.com</a><br /><a href="http://ywywy.com/q/unix-ipc/">Unix inter-process communication (IPC)</a></p>

<a href="http://twitter.com/?status=Top+Four+Writing+Websites+http%3A%2F%2Fwww.shadows-song.net%2Fblog%2F2010%2F08%2Ftop-four-writing-websites%2F" class="retweet-anywhere" title="Retweet This Post" rev="" rel="158"><img src="http://www.shadows-song.net/blog/wp-content/plugins/retweet-anywhere/images/retweet.png" alt="Retweet" /></a>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.shadows-song.net/blog/2010/08/top-four-writing-websites/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>The Importance of Writing Skills</title>
		<link>http://www.shadows-song.net/blog/2010/07/the-importance-of-writing-skills/</link>
		<comments>http://www.shadows-song.net/blog/2010/07/the-importance-of-writing-skills/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 29 Jul 2010 12:32:42 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Writing]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.shadows-song.net/blog/2010/07/the-importance-of-writing-skills/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Writing skills are an important part of communication. Regardless of what level of hierarchy you are at in an organization, writing is a valuable skill. Managers especially cab greatly benefit from honing their writing skills.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Writing skills are an important part of communication. Regardless of what level of hierarchy you are at in an organization, writing is a valuable skill. Managers especially cab greatly benefit from honing their writing craft.</p>
<p><span id="more-157"></span></p>
<p>Managers are expected to write reports, emails, memos and letters which their subordinates are supposed to read. Now if this written communication is badly structured and written, the subordinates will waste time trying to decipher it. Badly written communication is also open to misinterpretation. In order for a manager&#8217;s career to prosper, they need to possess or fine tune this important skill-set.</p>
<p>Those managers who lack this will spend a huge amount of their time trying to get their communication right. It is essentially unproductive for a manager to waste time and effort looking for the correct words or phrases to use in their written communication. This time spent has an impact on the cost to the company. Therefore, bad writing skills mean greater expenditure for an organization.</p>
<p>Managers can also reap positive benefits through writing well. A manager may come up with an innovative idea that can improve a process or lead to cost saving. In order to present the idea to senior management, the manager would need to send out some sort of written communication asking for permission to explain the idea further. Now if this written communication is not convincing enough, there is very little chance of senior management even considering the idea, leave alone talking the time to attend the presentation. Many outstanding ideas die a natural death simply because they were not communicated effectively.</p>
<p>If you already possess great writing skills you should have no problem making a success out of your career. Between someone with poor writing and someone with great writing, senior management will be generally more favorably disposed towards a person who can write well. If you are among those who are not comfortable with the written word, practice your writing skills at every given opportunity.</p>
<p>The more you write the better you will be at it. You could get coaching on improving your business writing ability where you would be able to assess your strengths and weaknesses and focus on improving your skills. Remember, your writing skills have a direct impact on your career and your future. So it is well worth the extra effort and the time you would spend on improving them.</p>
<p>Gabriel enjoys writing up on a variety of subjects. Other than the above topic, he also likes to set up sites on different topics. Do check out his new site which covers useful information on <a target="_new" href="http://emgloaircompressor.net/">emglo air compressor</a> and <a target="_new" href="http://emgloaircompressor.net/80gallonaircompressor/">80gallon air compressor</a>.</p>
<p>Author: <a href="http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gabriel_Stiller">Gabriel Stiller</a><br />Article Source: <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Importance-of-Writing-Skills&amp;id=4419732">EzineArticles.com</a><br /><a href="http://ywywy.com/q/">Digital economy, mobile technology</a></p>

<a href="http://twitter.com/?status=The+Importance+of+Writing+Skills+http%3A%2F%2Fwww.shadows-song.net%2Fblog%2F2010%2F07%2Fthe-importance-of-writing-skills%2F" class="retweet-anywhere" title="Retweet This Post" rev="" rel="157"><img src="http://www.shadows-song.net/blog/wp-content/plugins/retweet-anywhere/images/retweet.png" alt="Retweet" /></a>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.shadows-song.net/blog/2010/07/the-importance-of-writing-skills/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Start a Freelance Writing Business</title>
		<link>http://www.shadows-song.net/blog/2010/07/start-a-freelance-writing-business/</link>
		<comments>http://www.shadows-song.net/blog/2010/07/start-a-freelance-writing-business/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 22 Jul 2010 12:31:01 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Writing]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.shadows-song.net/blog/2010/07/start-a-freelance-writing-business/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Do you have what it takes to be a Freelance writer? Do you want to make money working from home? Do you want the satisfaction of owning your own business? The freelance writing life isn't easy, but it is a good one. Read on to find out how to get started.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>So, you want to start a freelance writing business, eh?</p>
<p>Good for you! You&#8217;re taking the first step on what could prove to be one of the best journeys of your life.</p>
<p><span id="more-156"></span></p>
<p>It can be challenging, though, to know just where to start. Starting a freelance writing business is a lot like starting any other business. In some ways, however, it&#8217;s very different from other businesses.</p>
<p><strong>Costs</strong></p>
<p>The first thing you need to think about when starting your freelance writing business is costs.  While it&#8217;s certainly possible to get up and running with a very small investment, the more you bring to the table the faster your writing business can become a success.</p>
<p>Your cost priorities need to focus in a few specific areas. First, you need to invest in some education and ways to improve your writing craft. That doesn&#8217;t mean enrolling in a college writing course (although it could); it means finding resources that can improve your writing. There are some excellent ebooks on the subject that you can get for a reasonable price. You should also consider finding a mentor. A mentor will help you not only become a better writer, but help you with getting your writing business started, too.</p>
<p><strong>Planning</strong></p>
<p>Like any business, a successful freelance writing business has a plan. You have an idea of where you want to go, and how you&#8217;re going to get there. You have a specific roadmap in mind that will guide you as you go and that you can check your success against.</p>
<p><strong>Finding Work</strong></p>
<p>There are plenty of places to find writing work. The Internet is full of websites that connect freelance writing businesses with clients. You&#8217;ll soon find that these sites are some of the best resources for finding writing gigs.</p>
<p>There&#8217;s more to it, for sure, but these are three of the most important parts of starting your freelance writing business.</p>
<p>Bob Younce is a professional freelance writer living in Linwood, Michigan. Bob loves helping new writers improve their craft and fully realize their dreams.</p>
<p>Subscribe to his blog at <a target="_new" href="http://www.writing-journey.com/">www.writing-journey.com</a> and check out his Roadmap for <a target="_new" href="http://writing-journey.com/freelance-writing/how-to-start-your-freelance-writing-business-the-last-word">starting your freelance writing business</a>.</p>
<p>Author: <a href="http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bob_Younce">Bob Younce</a><br />Article Source: <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?Start-a-Freelance-Writing-Business&amp;id=1727720">EzineArticles.com</a><br /><a href="http://betterdollar.com/shopping/us-state-by-state-sales-taxes/">US State tax list</a></p>

<a href="http://twitter.com/?status=Start+a+Freelance+Writing+Business+http%3A%2F%2Fwww.shadows-song.net%2Fblog%2F2010%2F07%2Fstart-a-freelance-writing-business%2F" class="retweet-anywhere" title="Retweet This Post" rev="" rel="156"><img src="http://www.shadows-song.net/blog/wp-content/plugins/retweet-anywhere/images/retweet.png" alt="Retweet" /></a>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.shadows-song.net/blog/2010/07/start-a-freelance-writing-business/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Creating Time to Write</title>
		<link>http://www.shadows-song.net/blog/2010/07/creating-time-to-write/</link>
		<comments>http://www.shadows-song.net/blog/2010/07/creating-time-to-write/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 15 Jul 2010 12:29:30 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Writing]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.shadows-song.net/blog/2010/07/creating-time-to-write/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Make time to write. You and your craft deserve your best efforts free from interruption.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Making time to write is really difficult in our intrusive modern world. The siren song of email beckons us to respond to its &#8216;in your face&#8217; immediacy. Blackberries chirp and ding in public places like a chorus of obnoxious magpies in discordant harmony. Telephone, email, and people clamor for my attention all day long. If only I could find some peaceful downtime I might be able to make time to write.</p>
<p><span id="more-155"></span></p>
<p>The technologies we surround ourselves with are all actually useful tools that we can manipulate to make our lives richer, more convenient, etc. However, when that same technology begins instead to manipulate us, then it ceases to be useful and becomes a distraction. How did this happen? How did our society become obsessed with email, texting, and instant messaging? Simply take a teenagers cell phone away even for a day and watch them go into a rage faster than a drug addict hauled off to a detox unit.</p>
<p>The technological breakthroughs of the last 25 years in communication are mind boggling. The fact that I can sit at my computer Washington and have a live camera conversation with a good friend who is sitting on her balcony in front of her computer in Singapore blows me away!</p>
<p>Even with all the nano-technology out there, no one has quite figured out a formula for generating more time to write and be creative. It is interesting that the only way to actually create more useful available time requires the lowest level of available technology. This technology predates the cell phone and the computer itself. The easiest way to create more time for writing is merely a function of the earliest technological breakthrough of the Industrial Revolution: The ON-OFF switch.</p>
<p>So simple but so hard to use&#8230; but you owe it to yourself to develop the discipline to disconnect and start writing. Turn off the phone, turn off the email, turn off the instant messenger, and make the time to write.</p>
<p>&bull;	Your time is incredibly valuable</p>
<p>&bull;	Commit in writing to write</p>
<p>&bull;	Put your writing schedule in your calendar&#8230;in ink!</p>
<p>&bull;	Get organized before sitting down to write &#8211; time spent researching is not writing time</p>
<p>You have to schedule down-time for writing much like you schedule time at the gym and doctor appointments. Let people who matter know that you are not available at that time daily. Block out at least 90-120 minutes per day to dedicate to your writing craft.</p>
<p>Make a contract with yourself to write X hours per week or X number of pages per week. Create a viable plan that produces a measurable output. Start small and build more goals for time and output as you become more disciplined in your writing schedule.</p>
<p>Get a wall calendar and a day planner and schedule time for your writing. You and your writing are important. Make the time to write articles, blog entries, or your next chapter.</p>
<p>Writing with discipline and purpose can be hard at first but over time it becomes an ingrained personal routine. But beware! Writing regularly can become as addictive as email, IM, and texting.</p>
<p>Shannon Evans is recognized in the Puget Sound as an expert in how to make your business have a web presence rather than just a web page. Her conversational marketing techniques and practices outlined by Practical Local Search, LLC you will see your small business presence on the web increase: <a target="_new" href="http://www.practicallocalsearch.com/">http://www.practicallocalsearch.com/</a> She is a consultant for social marketing campaigns that allow you to organize your marketing and sales efforts in an inexpensive delivery platform that is easy to set up and manage. The ability to send, deliver, and track any installed resource gives you the power to create a marketing program quickly and easily in a scalable format that can grow with your business.</p>
<p>Shannon is also a co-author of Get Found Now! Local Search Secrets Exposed: Learn How to Achieve High Rankings in Google, Yahoo and Bing and multiple business ebooks. Her books teach entrepreneurs how to leverage the internet to attract new clients.</p>
<p>Shannon has a wide and varied background in both the practical and the pragmatic aspects of the business world. Shannon loves nothing better than teaching local businesses how to think globally and to be searched locally.</p>
<p>Author: <a href="http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shannon_Evans">Shannon Evans</a><br />Article Source: <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?Creating-Time-to-Write&amp;id=950684">EzineArticles.com</a><br /><a href="http://foodtocure.com/">Healing food: natural way to cure cancer</a></p>

<a href="http://twitter.com/?status=Creating+Time+to+Write+http%3A%2F%2Fwww.shadows-song.net%2Fblog%2F2010%2F07%2Fcreating-time-to-write%2F" class="retweet-anywhere" title="Retweet This Post" rev="" rel="155"><img src="http://www.shadows-song.net/blog/wp-content/plugins/retweet-anywhere/images/retweet.png" alt="Retweet" /></a>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.shadows-song.net/blog/2010/07/creating-time-to-write/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>What You Need in Order to Write Well</title>
		<link>http://www.shadows-song.net/blog/2010/07/what-you-need-in-order-to-write-well/</link>
		<comments>http://www.shadows-song.net/blog/2010/07/what-you-need-in-order-to-write-well/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 08 Jul 2010 12:19:43 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Writing]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.shadows-song.net/blog/2010/07/what-you-need-in-order-to-write-well/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[In order to write well, good observation skills are a must. This is especially true when writing fiction.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In order to write well, good observation skills are a must. This is especially true when writing fiction. You need to be able to accurately observe people and events around you if you hope to convey realistic descriptions to your readers. We all are aware of watching a scene in a movie or reading a book where the setting, description, or words spoken by the characters just seems off. In many cases, this is due to the writer omitting important details in his or her descriptions, which make the scene seem false. If you want your writing to seem real, pay attention to the real life around you so you can portray it accurately on the page.</p>
<p><span id="more-154"></span></p>
<p>But being a good observer is only part of the skillset that a good writer must master. The other thing that the writer must have is the ability to accurately convey his observations to the world in a way that enables the reader to feel as if he were looking at the scene himself. This means that a writer must have a superior command of the language &#8211; both the words used to describe people and things and the words needed to bring those descriptions to life.</p>
<p>For a writer just starting out, it may seem that there&#8217;s a long road to travel before he&#8217;ll attain all of the skills necessary to become a master of his craft. And he&#8217;s right. But the length of the road is going to be the same whether he starts today, tomorrow, or a year from now. And that&#8217;s why the most important thing that an aspiring writer can do is to begin writing today and to keep on writing &#8211; even if he has no current writing project.</p>
<p>Daily writing exercises help you to hone your writing craft in a couple of ways. They show you where you&#8217;re weak and where you need more work and practice. Also, constant writing will eventually lead you to where your true interests are, thus giving you a natural path to follow.</p>
<p>Many people have a natural creativity and storytelling talent. But, in most cases, talent is not enough. Most professional writers will tell you that the most important asset they have is the ability to discipline themselves. They are able to devise and maintain a writing schedule for themselves until they achieve their goal. Whether their goal is 5 pages a day, 1 chapter a week, or some other guideline &#8211; they set their goals and try to make them. And even in cases where, for some unforeseen reason they are unable to meet their self-imposed goals, because they made the attempt, they&#8217;re much further along than the dreamer who did nothing during that same period.</p>
<p>Another trait that you have to master, if you want to become a successful writer, is the ability to take criticism. Other than acting, there are few professions where rejection is such a natural part of the territory. The trick is to learn good criticism from bad. Then simply ignore the bad criticism, and learn from the good criticism.</p>
<p>Chris Edwards is webmaster and writer of <a target="_new" href="http://www.bookauthorservices.com">http://www.bookauthorservices.com</a>. At his website you can fin more information about <a target="_new" href="http://www.bookauthorservices.com/steps-to-writing-a-book.html">steps to writing a book</a>. You&#8217;ll also find other author related information and products.</p>
<p>Author: <a href="http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Rosin">Chris Rosin</a><br />Article Source: <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?What-You-Need-in-Order-to-Write-Well&amp;id=2952525">EzineArticles.com</a><br /><a href="http://canacanyon.com/">Buy electrical pressure cooker</a></p>

<a href="http://twitter.com/?status=What+You+Need+in+Order+to+Write+Well+http%3A%2F%2Fwww.shadows-song.net%2Fblog%2F2010%2F07%2Fwhat-you-need-in-order-to-write-well%2F" class="retweet-anywhere" title="Retweet This Post" rev="" rel="154"><img src="http://www.shadows-song.net/blog/wp-content/plugins/retweet-anywhere/images/retweet.png" alt="Retweet" /></a>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.shadows-song.net/blog/2010/07/what-you-need-in-order-to-write-well/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
		</item>
	</channel>
</rss>
<!-- This Quick Cache file was built for (  www.shadows-song.net/blog/feed/ ) in 0.54868 seconds, on Sep 8th, 2010 at 11:57 pm UTC. -->
<!-- This Quick Cache file will automatically expire ( and be re-built automatically ) on Sep 9th, 2010 at 12:57 am UTC -->