Good Copy, Bad Copy
Doris and Bertie’s blog dedicated to helping you find and keep your business writing mojo!
Podcast E2: From copywriter to full-time novelist
Clare Lynch talks to author Rosie Fiore (aka Cass Hunter) about giving up the day job to write fiction full time. It’s what every aspiring novelist dreams of. But, as Rosie reveals – reality doesn’t always live up to the dream…
Podcast E1: Using grammar to be a more effective writer
Clare Lynch discusses grammar and writing with Professor Mike McCarthy. Mike shares his view of grammar as a tool to get your point across - rather than a set of strict rules designed to constrain you.
10 writing tips from my podcast chats with pro writers
Want to be a better writer? If so, you'll want to tune into Coffee, Tea or Something Stronger? my new podcast launching 19 March.
How to interview someone to guarantee great copy
When you’re a writer, other human beings are your best source. Whatever you’re writing, the more you talk to people the more powerful your words will be.
Pore or pour?
‘Pore’ or ‘pour’? Which one should you use when? Donald Trump recently confused these two words - and he’s not alone. Here’s how to tell the difference.
How to structure a story for maximum impact
Finding Nemo and Toy Story 3 are in the top 50 highest grossing films of all time. The secret of their popularity? Fabulous storytelling.
"In order to" – meaning, use and abuse
Here’s a really quick tip to make your writing more succinct: ditch the phrase 'in order to'.
Communicating techie stuff? Start with the 'why'
You can’t just leap in with all the tech specs of what the upgrade does. First, you need to get your colleagues to care.
Mailbox: Should you tell clients you're a newbie copywriter?
One of my students, John asked me whether he was wrong to tell prospective clients that he was a copywriting newbie. Here's my reply.
How to make your writing flow
A lot of students ask me how they can make their writing 'flow' better.
How to avoid research overwhelm
Here's the first in a series of posts on how to research your next writing project.
How to write a headline (part one)
How to write powerful headlines and avoid rookie headline pitfalls.
The unexpected benefits of learning to write
In a recent survey, managers were asked to identify the biggest skills gap individuals face between college and the workplace.
United Airlines: how not to write an apology
It's worth reading as a textbook example of how not to write an apology.
Sentence structure: How to make your sentences much easier to read
These extracts say the same thing but using a different sentence structure. Which one do you find easier to read?
Empathy mapping: How to get inside your reader's head
Here’s a way to dig even deeper into your reader’s psyche: empathy mapping.
How your culture shapes the way you write
We all agree that business writing should be clear, concise and direct, right?
Writing to deadline: pragmatism vs. perfectionism
A student recently asked me a question about writing to deadline