Critical Mass PR

My latest article for Public Relations Tactics is now online and also mailed in the February print issue to Public Relations Society Of America members. It’s called “The right kind of writing: Follow simple writing tenets to increase your likelihood of social media success.” The focus is on, well, focus! Mind-framers like audience, accuracy and brevity are covered.

Thanks this month goes to technology marketing strategist and consultant Greg Head. Check out Greg’s New Avenue site for more about his background and expertise. And as always, thanks to the PRSA Tactics staff for having me contribute.

February is traditionally “The Writing Issue” for Tactics, and there are plenty of great articles on the subject including Amy Jacques’ “In the driver’s tweet: Making the most of 140 characters,” and Margo Mateas’ “The Media Relations Maven on good writing.”

This issue got me thinking about some of my favorite books on writing, which include:

Writing Tools – 50 Essential Strategies For Every Writer by Roy Peter Clark. I think Clark’s book, published in 2008, will remain relevant for years to come. It’s 50 brief chapters, each dedicated to introducing a “tool” and encouraging its use. Chapters such as “Activate your verbs” and “Play with words, even in serious stories” find Clark sharing an array of insights. Some are grammatically sound, others quirky, and Clark has clear purpose for presenting them all. This book is especially helpful for on-the-go types who may want to read a quick chapter or two on a flight or during a lunch break. Nifty little nuggets to lift your writing!

On Writing Well by William Zinsser. A classic on the subject for over 30 years, and so easy to read. Zinsser begins with a review of simple writing principles and a brief discussion of method before diving into various writing forms that include interviews and business writing. Throughout, much like the other two books listed here, Zinsser reminds of the enjoyment of writing and how you can achieve it if you’re presently in a funk. This book has sold over a million copies and continues to get a revision every five years or so by Quill publishing to keep with the times.

On Writing- A Memoir Of The Craft by Stephen King. Although this one doesn’t directly give advice for corporate communicators, how can you pass up the memoirs of a master? King provides equal doses of autobiography and advice in this enlightening read. I’ll confess I haven’t read much of his fiction, yet this particular title is one I return to on occasion for inspiration. I have found reading about his approach helpful and entertaining, and I’m still impressed that Amazon enlisted his involvement to launch their Kindle 2 digital reading device.