Tips for Writers

I found a great article about grammar and usage mistakes. Although the article mentions mistakes press release writers make, anyone can find this useful. I know I did. I even tacked it on the wall right next to my computer! No matter how long you have been writing, there is always room for improvement. Why not start here?

The top-10 grammar and usage mistakes press release writers make.

Jump Start Your Brain

Just a Thought:

In school, at least at Wayne State, writing seems to be a big part of the public relations curriculum. Although public relations does involve a lot of writing, it definitely is a lot more than that (Like the strategic aspects of it).
This is all to say that no matter how much you are 'prepped' in school, you will face challenges while writing. Especially as you receive more in depth projects.
Today seemed to be a day filled with writing, mostly releases. I've found, that the best way to get started on a release, is first by reading as much about it as you can, and then writing. It sounds so simple, but sometimes 'just writing' seems to be the most difficult part. What do I do when I'm staring at a blank screen? Start typing. No, most likely my ideas will not come easily, and I might struggle with the flow of the release, but at this point in my writing process, getting thoughts down is much better than not writing at all.
Once you have something on the screen, you can then print it out and reread it for clarity. Also, get messy if you have to! I highlight important parts and make all kinds of editing marks on my first few drafts. I write questions in the margins, and make it a point to remember my audience. It helps me get my thoughts in order. Yes, I did say first few drafts, because you will definitely write a few before passing it on. After those drafts, I put it down for a few hours or even a day, and revisit it. It has helped a lot in terms of getting my point across, that's what you want to do in the end, isn't it?? Lastly, get to know your AP Stylebook very well, I promise it will become one of your best friends.

An Intern Survival Kit

I'm pretty sure that this has been one of my busiest weeks here at Eisbrenner. Since this time last week, this office has been buzzing with even more activity than ususal (I swear I thought it couldn't get any busier!). Yesterday marked the end of a very important event in the automotive industry: SAE 2006 World Congress.

For those, not in the automotive loop, SAE World Congress is basically a huge forum for automotive executives and engineers where they can share thoughts, innovative ideas and technology knowledge. This year's main theme was "Driving Innovation through Partnerships" and believe me, from the sight of Cobo arena, innovation ran rampant throughout Cobo arena.

Tuesday was my first time driving down there and on my way , I got an idea to write about what things I've learned should be in my "intern survival kit". At the beginning of my internship, I made a comment in my first entry about not having to make coffee. Although I have not had to make coffee, or run and get lunch for anyone, I have run lots of errands in these few months. Big and small. This week has been a crash course in interns and errands. I give you:

The Intern Survival Kit

1. GAS
This is probably one of the most important aspects of errand running. Make sure you always have at least a half a tank, that way when things get busy and you have to run out, you won't worry about it. If you have never seen your tank on J, as in "just get me to the gas station", move on to two.

2. A working knowledge of the world around you
By world, I mean the streets around you. Mapquest, although helpful, is second to your instinct. For instance, when I had to be at World Congress at 9, and it was backed up on I-75, I knew I could take warren to Woodward and Woodward to Jefferson to get to Cobo. Although you may not frequently voyage to Detroit for your internship, its best to know the the city your internship is in. It will be helpful for running quick errands. Which brings me to my next point:

3. Know where you are going before you get there
This is just common sense. Have an idea of where you are headed, its just not a good idea to have to completely read directions while driving.

4. Be professional
Every time you go out, you are representing your organization. Besides being a face of your company, its just a good idea to make good impressions. You never know who you might need, or meet again. People respond much better to someone who is personable than someone who can't seem to check their attitude at the door.

On Monday: A review of my internship so far! Feel free to leave comments and ask questions about what I do at Eisbrenner. I'd be happy to answer!