by Margot Carmichael Lester | Aug 31, 2021 | Best Practice, Content & Content Operations, Writing/How to Write
I've long said feedback is more about the person giving it than the person getting it. At least that's what I need to believe to explain why so much of the commentary we get on our writing is unactionable. The things that makes this so hard is that bad feedback is...
by Margot Carmichael Lester | Aug 18, 2021 | Training & Workshops, Writing/How to Write
Effective advocacy includes the voices of people directly involved in the cause. These "ambassadors" bring authentic, front-lines voices to outreach and are vital to successful advocacy campaigns. Some people love speaking at events and rallies, lobbying...
by Margot Carmichael Lester | Aug 11, 2021 | Writing/How to Write
One of the most misleading pieces of writing advice is "read a lot". It's not that it's untrue, it's just that it's too broad to really be helpful. Look, if you want to read a lot fiction, feel free. But it's unlikely to help you become a better memo writer, content...
by Pete Andersen | Aug 3, 2021 | Guest Posts, Writing/How to Write
A few weeks ago, my colleague Pete and I did a team writing training for one of our long-time clients. Someone asked about the passive voice, which has always kind-of flummoxed me. Luckily, Pete swooped in to save the day with an explanation I liked so much I asked...
by Margot Carmichael Lester | Jul 28, 2021 | Work Samples from Margot Lester & The Word Factory Team, Writing/How to Write
I love getting a break from brand journalism and content marketing to revisit my newspaper days and write feature story. Here's my latest for the International Cinematographers Guild Magazine, a behind-the-scenes look at the making of ZIWE, Showtime's break-out hit...
by Margot Carmichael Lester | May 19, 2021 | Writing/How to Write
Even people who make their bones writing every single day can get stymied when it comes to beginning a piece. I think some of that is because we all know the start of any story is the make-or-break point for engagement. If we don't hook you at the top it's really...
