So I’ve decided to launch QuickTip Tuesday,  a weekly language tip that appears on Tuesday mornings, for anyone interested in improving their skillset with a minimum investment of time. I’ll post it on Facebook and Twitter, and I invite you to share it with your friends, ask them to “like” my page, and join in the fun of mastering the crazy English language.

Until Tuesday…

Although Bill lives in a suburb of Cleveland, he agreed to drive to Columbus for the interview. We exchanged greetings at my neighborhood coffee shop on a warm August day, and I immediately knew that Bill had a story to tell. He simply had trouble conveying it. At the age of 51, the stroke robbed Bill of his ability to understand spoken or written language and made it difficult for him to coordinate the muscle movements needed to say words. Bill’s doctors did not believe that he would ever recover—even partially. Fortunately, they were wrong.  

I spent that afternoon communicating with Bill. I listened patiently as he sounded out the words that he used to tell his story. And I offered word suggestions when he stumbled over the sounds and shapes of the words that his mind knew, but his muscles did not. The article I wrote for In Better Health, a Cleveland Clinic newsletter, is the story of Bill’s dogged determination to get well and the incredible recovery that followed. It should be an inspiration to anyone who reads it. Here’s your opportunity: http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/ingoodhealth_fairview_2011fall/#/12

Life is short. Stay awake for it.  

I’d seen these words before, of course. It’s a good tagline for a coffee business. But on the other side of the cup it said: What do you stay awake for? We asked, you answered, and the best made the cup. Caribou customers sent in their responses, and as promised, some of them made it on the cup. 

As a writer, I love that Caribou put words on their cups. I like it so much that I wish they’d do more. How about mini stories on the cups? Poems? Jokes? Lyrics? Maybe even coffee factoids or who-knew statements. I’m almost giddy over the possibilities. Hey, people at Caribou, if you need a copywriter, I’d love the gig. Together we could keep those words coming.

Until then, here are a few of my favorites from the cup. By the way, you can still submit your answers at Caribou’s Web site.     

Last ride on the ferris wheel.

Chortling, lots and lots of chortling.

Cake for breakfast.

Talking to the cute guy on the morning train.

Tube socks and mohawks.

Playing peek-a-boo with my son.

I recently interviewed J. C. Miseroy, chairman of the Florida Transportation Builders Association, about his nearly four decades in the highway road building industry. I found it interesting when he said that after all these years as a civil engineer, he was most proud when he could drive by bridges like the Sunshine Skyway in Tampa and tell his kids that he worked on that project. Surprisingly, I could relate to what Miseroy was saying. I may not build magnificent bridges, but I do build stories. And I agree that one of the best things about my job is seeing the finished product. 

That was certainly the case this week when I received copies of the work I did for United Way of Central Ohio’s How I Live United campaign. It was a feel-good moment–not just because I could finally see the fruits of my labor, but because the project is so worthwhile. Imagine talking with individuals who have been directly impacted by United Way programming, as well as volunteers who help to make it all happen, and hearing the first-person accounts of their United Way experience. My job was to translate those stories into meaningful content for the campaign. And what a fun project it was! 

Here are some samples from that project. Forgive me if I’m a little overly excited about sharing. Like Miseroy, I really enjoy my work, and quite frankly, the best part of the job is sharing the work that I do with others.    

The truth is, even before this flurry of requests hit my inbox, I was optimistic about what the future holds for writers. A few years ago, when major urban newspapers across the country were turning in their printing presses, writers everywhere panicked. Many of them did not stop to look at the new opportunities around them. The Internet has ushered in the age of “content is king.” Businesses must now populate their Web sites, maintain their blogs and e-blast their message on a regular basis. And yes, somebody has to write all the content. But these are only a few of the areas where writers are in demand. Online publications are growing; social media is here to stay; and business owners and other professionals are searching for new and innovative ways to communicate their message.

But before you grab your laptop computer and embark on a career as a writer, realize that in order to succeed, you must be equipped with a strong skill set. This may be the reason why the demand is currently high. Every one of last week’s requests for a writer emphasized the need for “good” writers. That means they want individuals who have a strong command of the English language–experienced communicators who can take a wealth of information and organize it into thoughtful and meaningful copy. And for those of us who already write for a living, we know that is no easy task.

So, good times for writers? The answer is an emphatic “yes, they have never been better.” But good writers are hard to find. The messages in my inbox can attest to that.

What are your thoughts about writing as a profession? Do people lack the skills to write well and pursue this career? Do you think the future is bright for writers? Is content king?

I recently saw these words in a photo. They appeared on a sign that a man was holding, part of his plea to get everyone in the United States to speak the English language. He obviously wasn’t aware of the glaring error that appeared on the sign. And, he provided more than a few laughs for people who recognized the irony.

Misused words appear everywhere, proof that it’s easy to make mistakes—even when you think you know the rules. That’s why I’ve included what I believe are the most commonly misused words in the English language. I’ve blogged about them before, but here they are again—to ensure that you don’t end up on the wrong side of the joke.

It’s vs. Its: Not as confusing as you might think.

It’s is a contraction for it is or it has. If you can substitute the two words that make up the contraction, and the sentence makes sense when you do, then the contraction is what you need.

Example: It’s really amazing that this mistake often appears on television, Web sites, magazines and newspapers. Or, it is really amazing that this mistake often appears on television, Web sites, magazines and newspapers.

The word its is possessive, sending the message that something belongs to somebody or something.

Example: The company was concerned that its advertising message was not reaching the right audience.

Finally, the word its’ does not exist.

OMG, is it their, they’re or there?

Their: This is the possessive form of the word they. When you use this spelling, something has to belong to someone. For instance: Their cooking skills are more sophisticated than mine.

They’re: This is a contraction for the words they and are. Here’s an example: They’re preparing a feast. (They are preparing a feast.)

There: At or in that place. For example: Now there is a meal worth eating.

How about you? Have you seen a glaring misuse of these words? If so, share it.

I’ve always been a fair-weather Derby fan. Mint juleps. Outlandish hats. The fastest, most suspenseful two minutes in sports. It’s not your ordinary event, but I have to admit, it sounds like a great party. And I love roses.  

Even still, all of this hoopla pales in comparison to the names of the horses—at least in my opinion. As a writer, the names have always intrigued me. I mean, c’mon, Uncle Mo? Where did that name come from?  

That’s when I decided that my dream writing gig would be naming Kentucky Derby race horses. Okay, I know they don’t hire a copywriter when they decide to name a horse—but maybe they should. I think I could come up with something better than Uncle Mo.

Consider the names of some of this year’s contenders:

Pants on Fire: Sounds like something from a kindergarten class.

Mucho Macho Man: Gag.

Archarcharch: This could be challenging for the sports announcers.

Comma to the Top: Help me with this one.

Brilliant Speed: This is much better. It sounds like a racehorse.

Derby Kitten: Not exactly intimidating.

Watch Me Go: Oh, yeah.

Or what about famous Derby winners of the past?

Jet Pilot (1947): Okay, jets are fast. But that’s where the connection ends in my mind.

Burgoo King (1932): I’m sorry. I just can’t read this without thinking about a flame-broiled hamburger.

George Smith (1916): Is this a man or a horse?

Northern Dancer (1964): Terrific!

Affirmed (1978): Even better.

Gallant Fox (1930): I thought these were horses.

I uncovered some interesting factoids. For instance, Secretariat (America’s Horse), got his name from Meadow Stud (the breeding business) Secretary Elizabeth Ham. She had previously worked for a diplomat and suggested the name because she liked the way it sounded and because the word had a close association with the UN and diplomacy.

Then there’s Man O’ War. Now that’s a name with a punch. It’s no surprise that this horse was named in 1917 when the world was absorbed in World War I. The breeder’s wife named the horse in honor of her husband, an Army officer, and as a tribute to the war effort.

But here’s the kicker: Man O’ War, who never raced in the Kentucky Derby, only lost one race in his career, and it was to a horse named Upset. Really? Maybe there’s something to this name thing after all.

I leave you with a list of this year’s contenders (in no special order) and an invitation to share your thoughts on the best—and worst—racehorse names ever.  Even better, if you were hired to name a Derby contender, what name would you choose? Share your thoughts!

Dialed In

Archarcharch

Comma to the Top

Pants On Fire

Midnight Interlude

Soldat

Brilliant Speed

Master of Hounds

Nehro

Twice the Appeal

Mucho Macho Man

Decisive Moment

Animal Kingdom

Stay Thirsty

Santiva

Watch Me Go

Shackleford

Twinspired

Derby Kitten

1. Good copy may already exist, but it needs to be updated.
2. A subject matter expert provides the basic facts, but he or she needs a writer to improve readability.
3. A business professional may be able to provide the message, but he or she lacks the time to craft it.
4. The copy needs to be edited for grammar, spelling and punctuation.
5. The copy needs a brand voice.
6. The copy needs to be either expanded or shortened.
7. It’s a matter of efficiency. Professional writers accomplish the task in a shorter time frame simply because it’s what they do. 
8. The original writer needs a second opinion or another set of eyes to review the copy.

So, the next time you’re developing content for your business, determine if you might already have copy you could use or if you have someone in-house who can write that copy. While these may be great ways to make the best use of your resources, you’ll probably want to hire a writer to clean up the content. It’s just a good idea.

Can you think of other situations where it makes sense to have a writer clean up existing copy?

Unfortunately, events like this don’t happen every day. That’s why I seek inspiration elsewhere. Here are just a few things I’m doing to stay motivated on the job and ensure that I deliver exceptional work to my clients. I encourage you to think about how you might adopt similar strategies to your own professional career.

• I meet with a group of six, talented writers in the Central Ohio area. We share tips and leads, discuss ideas for promoting our businesses, and provide overall encouragement. We usually walk away from those meetings with our heads buzzing–fired up from the time we’ve spent together.
• On a smaller scale, I meet with other writers on an occasional but ongoing basis. Writer Jan O’Daniel and I will be having coffee tomorrow. We’ll share business ideas and brainstorm the best ways to promote our writing careers.
• I follow what other writers are doing on Facebook and Twitter and by reading and participating in their blogs. Two in particular that come to mind are Linda Formichelli and Peter Bowerman. When I stumble my toe on a business issue, I know I can reach out to either of these individuals and they will gladly offer their advice.
• Attending local events that relate to my job as a writer can be especially educational and uplifting. Specifically, I’ve benefited greatly from events sponsored by the Social Media Club of Columbus, the Columbus Society of Communicating Arts, and the Columbus Chapter of the American Marketing Association.
• I network with, read about and learn from women in other fields through The Women’s Book. The annual book features profiles and words of wisdom from women and girls in Central Ohio and Cincinnati, and  Collective for Women magazine continues that mission throughout the year. Reading their stories about overcoming challenges and achieving success is great medicine for a solopreneur like me.    
• I read. Even if you’re not a writer, reading is still a great source of motivation and a creative catalyst for whatever you do. Fiction, non-fiction, magazines, newspapers–take your pick. Just choose something to read that puts you in that can’t-stop-turning-the-pages or mouse-clicking state of euphoria.
• I try to help. A recent opportunity to work on a pro bono writing project for a local non-profit organization called Lower Lights Ministries came at just the right time. Not only am I honored and privileged to be included in the project, but I believe it’s a good fit for my skill set. That perfect marriage will help to ensure that the project runs smoothly. And I get the added perk of working on another inspiring writing project.

How about you? What do you do to stay motivated and inspired in your career? Please share your thoughts and ideas!

• Capitalize specific school courses, but not the general subjects. It’s okay to say “This quarter she registered for Calculus 101 and European History of the 20th Century,” but make sure you also say, ”This quarter she’s taking calculus and history.”   
• Capitalize formal titles only when used immediately before a name, such as Medical Director John Jones. But use lowercase for formal titles when used alone or in constructions that set them off from a name by commas, such as John Jones, medical director of  XYZ Hospital.
• For titles of books, movies, songs, computer games and TV programs, capitalize the principal words, including prepositions and conjunctions of four or more letters. Articles and words with fewer than four letters should be capitalized if they are the first or last word in the title. Here are some examples: Of Mice and Men, For Whom the Bell Tolls, The Star-Spangled Banner and Time After Time.
• Capitalize directions when they designate regions, such as “We live in the Midwest,” or “Bad weather is headed for the East Coast.” But compass directions should remain lowercase: “He drove west of the city,” or “The bad weather is moving east.”
• With countries, states and cities, use lowercase for the compass points when they describe a particular section of the country, state or city, such as northern Canada or eastern Ohio. But capitalize these points when they are part of the proper name, such as North Carolina or South Korea. 

Still not sure if something should be capitalized or not? Send your questions my way!