What's Kickin', Chickens?

Two cheers for Veronique, the new addition to the office! She comes from a long background of writing, so I feel very lucky to have her guidance and input. One of the misconceptions I had about the professional world is that everyone thinks they know it all. I’m sure those people exist, but not where I’m interning. Often as an intern I feel like I have to ask an obscene amount of stupid questions to understand how to do my job. It’s nice to know that the self-questioning doesn’t go away with experience. I guess if you don’t ask questions, you won’t learn anything new.

I’ve heard that everyone has a different time in the day when they’re most focused and on. Since I’ve been with this agency, I’ve tried to assess when my ideal “creative hours” are. I’ve found my best hours are in the morning. It’s nice to start the day with some time away from the computer—your efforts focused on a journal instead. Sometimes switching between the two helps get the creative juices flowing. If one’s not working for you, you can try the other. I’m also a big fan of low-computer diets. Cut the fat where you can. There’s something about working with your hands, holding a pen or pencil, that’s a bit more satisfying.

I’ve been a reader all my life. I even pay attention to the speed limit signs. Ridiculous (and unnecessary), I know. While most of my friends share my passion for books, I’m aware of the fact that the general population doesn’t love reading as much as I do. With that in mind, one of the more important takeaways of this week is that you should pare down whatever you write. The longer it is the less likely people are to read it.

**Another note: When writing a headline, you have to remember what you’re trying to say. What’s your news? It can’t just be catchy as crabs.

Yuck.

Research is a huge part of the advertising world, especially if you’re trying to create a voice for your brand. I have a lot of experience looking into research before I start writing, but this weekend I branched out from the computer for my inspiration. I went to Starbucks. Again, yuck. However, I was lucky that the fall season means pumpkin spiced lattes, which go down easier for me than the bitter coffee taste. I got to try something new, and I found inspiration for my writing from it. I recommend this kind of research whenever you have access to it.