Category Archives: Site expectations

Everything That Changes Stays The Same

Twenty-one highly intelligent people responded to my poll on Tuesday. Thank you!

  • Self-editing tips: More than half of you (52 percent; 11 votes) like the self-editing tips I’ve been sharing on Thursdays.
  • In The Edit: A good percentage (38 percent; 8 votes) enjoy it when I pull back the veil between editor and writer and show you how one editor — me — does it.
  • Quote It!: While only two of you (8 percent) marked the writing quotes on Saturdays as your favorite, I noted in my site stats that the quotes get pretty good traffic.

What’s it all mean?

That’s the good thing, if you’re me. It means that you find what I’m doing here at Writing On The Fine Line helpful–which I am glad to learn.

So, I’m going to continue doing it–with a few changes. Saturday quote days remain unchanged. But Tuesday will now be the day for both In The Edit and my self-editing tips. Each week I’ll alternate between the two.

Where does that leave Thursdays?

Thursdays will be my open days. Whatever I want, that is writing or editing related and doesn’t easily fit into the other categories, will appear on Thursdays. It could be my thoughts on publishing trends, a particularly egregious communications error made in the public square, or an occasional book review of an excellent writing source.

Or there could be no post if I have nothing pressing to share.

I am enjoying this blog and am having fun interacting with writers–with you! Thanks for coming along for the ride.


Michael Ehret, for Writing on the Fine Line

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

I Live To Serve!

I started this blog to, as the sidebar says, “help writers cross the fine line between where they are and where they want to be.” One way to do that, I reasoned, was to draw back the veil a bit between the editor and the writer.

As an editor, it thrills me to help writers see ways they can improve their writing in order to better communicate. Because, as George Bernard Shaw (right) says, “The single biggest problem with communication is the illusion that it has taken place.”

I’ve now been playing with words on this blog for nearly three months. With that in mind, I hope you’ll indulge me and answer my poll. Do you like what you’re reading here? What do you like best? Are there other topics you’re interested in? Thanks in advance!



Michael Ehret, for Writing On The Fine Line

Welcome!

You’ve heard the phrase, “There’s a fine line between ‘this’ and ‘that’.” I see fine lines everywhere–between being ready for publication and being published, for instance.

Imagine you’re a tightrope walker. The secret to keeping your balance, other than intense practice, is to focus on where you’re going. Look down and you’re history.

Communication is tricky

“The single biggest problem with communication is the illusion that it has taken place.”

George Bernard Shaw

There’s also a fine line in communication–that place where what you’re trying to say gets jumbled up with what the reader is hearing. In my experience in corporate communications, it’s far easier to miss the mark than to shoot a bullseye.

Are you getting through? Is your message clear? Are you motivating your readers?

What you’ll find here

I hope this site helps you, inspires you, and provides the assistance you need to stay focused.

On Tuesdays, come Into the Edit with me as we look at one author’s writing before, during, and after my edit. Tuesday, we’ll look at a humor column from my friend, Ane Mulligan.

Thursdays we’ll look at ways to improve your writing (also known as self-editing) to move you closer to your goal–whether that’s publication or ministry-related.

Then, we’ll reserve Saturdays for a clever or humorous writing quote as a way to ease out of the week.

As always, leave a comment or e-mail me.

Michael Ehret, for Writing on the Fine Line