Am I a Writer Because I Have Been Writing a Lot?

So, just because you write a lot doesn't mean it's all good. I mean, I've been writing for ages and still think there's loads to improve on. But, hey, I've been around the block a few times, and some newbie writers ask me for advice. My go-to answer? Write. A lot. Like, try writing a hundred pieces before getting all critical about it. The idea of putting stuff out there scares most newbies. So, just getting over that is a big deal.

But if you're writing often, what should you even write about?

Your Passion Matters

Another challenge is we love learning new things when it comes to non-fiction. But no one likes a writer who has no clue what they're talking about. So, when writing, it is also important to talk about things you could talk about for hours, days, and months on end.

Think about your fave writing style. Hate those annoying rhetorical questions? Don't use 'em. Love a good story intro? Go for it. Prefer short and snappy sentences? Or do you like when writers go all out with fancy descriptions?

There's no "right" way. It might take some time to figure out your vibe. I've looked at stuff I love and realized it wasn’t what I thought. Like, I once read a book thinking it had a ton of research, but it only had a few references. You only get the hang of your style when you deeply dive into what you like.

Freelance Writing for Pay

Writers, or more specifically, copyeditors, can't always pick their style. Other publications have their tone, Advertisers want a certain voice, and you have to adhere to a set format if you're going to publish on research journals. In these cases, you can't really write the way you want. Being flexible with your writing style can be based on where you're publishing. But even with those boundaries, you can find your groove.

The Trap of Second Guessing

Trying to guess what others might like? That’s a trap. Thinking "I don't get it, but someone else will love it" is mostly wrong. Sure, people have different tastes, but you can't fake liking something just because you think others will.

Writing's joy isn't about making bank or getting loads of compliments. Those moments are rare. It’s about feeling good about what you've written. Write so that you'll always have something to be proud of.

Your City Needs Its Writers: 3 Steps to Improve the Writing Culture in Your City

There is a La Union Books and Arts Exhibit right now at the SM City La Union, and this got me thinking. Every city has its share of storytellers. Some write novels. Some write long social media captions that probably should have been novels. I personally think a city with no active writers feels a bit empty, like a place that only knows traffic and billboards but has no imagination. A writing culture is not optional. It is the difference between a town that thinks and a town that merely exists. If you want to encourage a writing culture where you live, start by following these 3 steps: Step 1: Make writers visible. Invite local authors to your library, schools, community centers, and yes even your neighborhood book clubs. In fact, book clubs are one of the easiest groups to involve, because they already read, already discuss stories, and usually already have snacks. A sponsored book club event featuring a hometown author can do more for visibility than a month of posters. And honestly,...

Better Library Shelfing by Colocation: Grouping Similar Items

As librarians, we've all faced the challenge of making the most of our shelf space. It's like a puzzle, figuring out where each book belongs so that people can find what they need without a treasure map. This is where colocation – or putting similar things together – comes into play. It's a simple idea, but it can make a huge difference in how we manage our shelves and help our library users find their way around. Let's talk about how this approach can make our libraries more user-friendly and efficient. Why Colocation Matters Imagine you're looking for a cookbook. You go to the section where cookbooks are supposed to be, but instead of finding them all in one spot, they're scattered all over. Some are with the gardening books, others are near the science fiction. Frustrating, right? That's the problem colocation solves. By keeping similar items together – all the cookbooks in one place, all the science fiction in another – we make life easier for everyone....

Being a Document Control Officer to Manage Archives: Are You the Office Librarian?

In many workplaces, there's someone who seems to know where everything is. They can pull up the latest policy revision, retrieve an outdated client file, or point you to that mysterious "blue folder" from three years ago that somehow still matters. This person may not wear glasses or whisper "shhh"—but in essence, they are the office librarian . In most cases, this role falls to the Document Control Officer . But what does being a Document Control Officer really mean? And how close is it to being the keeper of a corporate library? Let’s unpack it. What Is a Document Control Officer? A Document Control Officer (DCO) is responsible for managing how documents are created, reviewed, stored, accessed, and archived within an organization. In many cases, the DCO is the quiet force behind regulatory compliance, internal consistency, and institutional memory. In short, if your company ever says, “We have a paper trail,” the DCO is why. Their duties typically incl...

Content Creators Need to Try Creative Fabrica

Hey there, fellow creators! Whether you're a seasoned artist, a passionate designer, or a content creator just starting your journey, you know that the right tools and resources can make a world of difference. That’s why I’m excited to introduce you to Creative Fabrica , a fantastic platform that's like a treasure trove for all your creative needs. Why Creative Fabrica? You might be wondering, "What makes Creative Fabrica so special?" Well, let me tell you: 1. Endless Resource s: Creative Fabrica offers an extensive library of fonts, graphics, templates, and even digital crafts. It's like having a bottomless toolbox, ready to help you bring your wildest ideas to life. 2. Affordable Pricing : Quality resources can be expensive, but Creative Fabrica provides budget-friendly options, including subscription plans that give you unlimited access to their vast collection. It's a small investment for a huge creative payoff. 3. ...

10 Benefits of Becoming a Board Topnotcher in the Philippines

Becoming a board topnotcher in the Philippines is a highly esteemed achievement that can have significant benefits for an individual's professional and personal life. These benefits span across various aspects, including career opportunities, personal growth, and societal impact. 10 Reasons Board Topnotchers are a Big Deal in the Philippines 1. Enhanced Career Opportunities : Achieving topnotcher status in board exams in the Philippines often opens doors to a plethora of career opportunities. Many employers, particularly in competitive fields such as engineering, accountancy, and law, view topnotchers as individuals with exceptional capabilities and a strong work ethic. As a result, topnotchers often receive job offers from prestigious firms, government agencies, and private corporations. Additionally, they are frequently offered higher starting salaries, leadership roles, and opportunities for advanced training and education. 2. Professional Recognition and Credibility : Topnotche...

Why the Banned Book 1984 by George Orwell Seems Prophetic Now

In George Orwell's book '1984', we are transported to a totalitarian state that is uncannily like the very world we are living in. It's a politico-social novel that tells a lot about how power can be a dangerous thing when placed in the hands of a remorseless totalitarian government that punishes with impunity and rewards only those that cooperate. It's so borderline non-fiction that many libraries have banned it a short time after it has been published. They say it's fear-mongering, but as many of us in the 21st century now know, it was somewhat prophetic.

Lecture Notes on Philippine Toy Library, Collaborations, and Linguistic Diversity Campaign

Part I: Takeaways from PLAI 2018:“Connected Actions, Collective Vision: Libraries Transforming Society” 1. Lecture Title: “Philippine Toy Library” Website http://www.philippinetoylibrary.org/ Partnership page: http://www.philippinetoylibrary.org/donate-share-or-partner-with-ptl/ What is it? A special library built by partnerships between and among organizations Toys become tools to reinforce love for reading. Books and toys in the same space. Philippine Toy Library (PTL) transforms idle spaces in barangays, schools, parishes, and partner organizations into fun and educational playrooms for the children in the community. Playtime is associated with library time. The toy library’s popularity has become a beacon for national government agencies (NGAs) and non-government organizations (NGOs) to implement their own programs, e.g., “handwashing day at the PTL” and “storytelling at PTL by community leaders” Children are encouraged to read by being promised a toy after several visi...

Short Story: Deliverance

Categories: FRIENDSHIP, DRAMA, CRIME It had been twenty-four years since she’d last seen it, but the place looked exactly the same. The boarded up windows gave the impression that the buildings lining the street were not habitable. Katie smiled and nodded at the curious eyes peeking out from the slats of wood as she passed them, knowing that her blonde hair, blue eyes, and fair complexion got the locals excited. This old motel strip in the seediest corner of Metro Manila, Philippines had been both a place to hide and recuperate, and the best venue for secrets. Why she went back was as much a mystery as it was a marvel. It was hard to imagine that after all the craziness that happened in the past, she would want to come back and look for… something. Perhaps it was closure that she was after.

Vision Boards and Arts: Library Contests for National Book Week and Library Week

Looking for a fun project for your library users on National Book Week and Library Week? Here's a solution: Vision Boards ! Vision boards are art projects that can be worked on by anyone, not just artists or those who have been doing art for a long time. There's no exact science to putting things together to make a creative concept, although some logical concepts can be applied. Even if all you have are piles of old magazines and kraft paper, you can do a lot to make art by using these artworks. Here are some of the frequently asked questions about Vision Boards!

Check Out My New Creative Fabrica Store Banner

I’m thrilled to announce the launch of my brand-new banner on Creative Fabrica! If you’ve never heard of Creative Fabrica, it’s time to introduce you to this teeming and thriving community of artists, educators, entrepreneurs, and crafters. Whether you’re a creator looking for inspiration or someone who loves to support independent artists, Creative Fabrica is the place to be. What is Creative Fabrica? Creative Fabrica is an online marketplace where creators like me can share and sell digital designs, fonts, crafts, and more. But it's not just a store—it's a hub for collaboration, learning, and growing your creative skills. Imagine a place where you can find everything from SVG cut files to crochet patterns to teaching tools. The best part? The community is always buzzing with activity, full of creators sharing their work and buyers looking for unique designs to bring their projects to life. Why I Love Creative Fabrica One of the reasons I love being part of Creative Fabrica is...

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