General Writing tips part 1

Today I thought I’d share some helpful information in regards to general writing tips from my book. While useful for any sort of project, these are of course focused on grant narratives specifically. I’ll be occasionally posting useful tips and small excerpts from my book here on this blog.

Before writing each chapter, I jotted down a few thoughts for each section and did any research which was necessary. I then began writing this book the same way I do everything else-by dictation. I have a software package on my computer which allows me to dictate into a microphone and have the words appear on the computer screen. This is a very quick and easy way to write.

One of the most important factors in writing is to set aside time which is dedicated 100 percent to getting those words on paper. I realize that, in some organizations, this may be extremely difficult to do. However, if your employer realizes how important your writing will be, given the fact that it will hopefully bring in substantial amounts of money, he or she will do whatever is necessary to create an atmosphere in which you can work in an uninterrupted fashion.

I have found that many people have a problem with being easily distracted. This has not been helped by the availability of the new social networking sites. I have seen and heard of people making postings at the altar while getting married, during childbirth, and while teaching a class. You must do everything in your power to stay on task and get the work done. The writer has to be willing to push everything else aside.

It stands to reason that persons with the following traits will be the most successful at writing: ability to think critically, ability to communicate, giving attention to detail, patience, having a good vocabulary, being well-read, and being well-grounded in English.

Today was simply some general overview types of things, though I will delve deeper in the future on writing as well as other aspects of putting together a solid grant application.