If you had any advice for other writers on this site what would it be?

1. 82

   sallybeaposted 9 years ago

   If you had any advice for other writers on this site what would it be?
   
   Let me start this off.
   I downloaded the free version of Grammarly and have been going through my Hubs one by one.  What a difference it makes.  I have been able to correct errors which I was completely unaware of.  If we all did the same I think we would be playing a huge part in making this site the best it can be.
   
   

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2. 0

   RTalloniposted 9 years ago

   Your advice on Grammarly is really good to note. 
   My first thought was to define one's goals and prioritize them.
   This will be interesting to check back on.

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3. 82

   sallybeaposted 9 years ago

   R Talloni
   We have needed a spell and grammar checker ever since I arrived on these pages.  The staff load on here must be enormous and sometimes we have to take responsibility for ourselves.  it really would not take much if we all decided it was time to deal with basic errors in our hubs.  What a difference it would make to the overall look of the site.

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4. 82

   M. T. Dremerposted 9 years ago

   My advice is to always write what you want to write, not what you think you should be writing. Making money on sites like this is a slow trickle at best. So if you fail to meet your financial goals, at least you can say you enjoyed the writing.

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   1. 82

      sallybeaposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      M. T. Dremer
      Sound and sensible advice.  There is no point in doing it if you are not enjoying it.

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5. 67

   Dressage Husbandposted 9 years ago

   I would say to write from the heart on the topics that excite you as that way you will research better and be more original in what you write. Then you should write first leave it unpublished for a couple of days then re-read and correct the errors.
   
   It is best to have a friend to proof read before you publish. By all means use a grammar and spell checker, but do be aware that they will not get all errors and may even make incorrect changes. There is still not a program that is better than a really experienced human editor.

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      sallybeaposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Stephen J Parkin
      I completely agree with you, there is nothing quite like a human editor but failing that programs do help.  Writing original content is  key to success here..

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6. 77

   MarieLBposted 9 years ago

   I cannot but agree with all that has been said so far.  They are all useful to note and put into practice.
   
   I certainly do not write for the money, in fact I am still stuck with the Google issue, so there is no hope of making any. 
   
   What I do like to do, is that even after the articles 'get going', I like to go through them [one at a time, as my time permits] re-read, and edit as required. The time lapse seems to give me fresh insight.
   
   Sometimes it turns out to be a considerable amount I need to delete or add, at other times, I just find the odd word here or there that just does not sound right.
   
   I wonder whether I will ever get to a point where I am satisfied with all that is published so far?

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   1. 82

      sallybeaposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      It really is necessary to go back to older writing to refresh content which is no longer current or out of date.  Even a few new images can make the difference.  I know exactly how you feel.  Don't be so hard on yourself:)

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7. 36

   ChristinSposted 9 years ago

   I'd advise not being too stuck merely on words, but how your content appears to the eye as well.  Many people have long, drawn out paragraphs for example.  People reading a screen are skimmers by nature and long walls of text will turn them away. 
   
   Text should be broken up visually - short paragraphs, bullet points, indentations/quotes, tables and images all contribute to readability, just as much as one's grammar and spelling.  All of these are important. 
   
   My other advise is to stop worrying so much about trying to appease the ever fickle Google.  Yes, SEO as much as possible by writing top-quality content and giving your reader a good experience, but after that also consider - what will people share socially?  That is the wave of the future and social sharing is where I focus my energy and where I get the bulk of my high views.  Social sharing also requires excellent content that is visually striking and evokes emotions in readers - whether it's funny or just super useful and motivating information.
   
   When you give people things they want to share; they do most of the work for you.
   
   Final thought - don't put all your eggs in one basket.  You should be doing other things besides HubPages, especially if you want to make decent money.  Aside from money, writing in other venues expands skills and gives the opportunity to do other styles of writing.

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      sallybeaposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Christin Sander
      Wow, Christin, wonderful advice, I could not add anything to that,  thank you.

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      MarieLBposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      I have to echo Sally Gulbrandsen's comment.  Christin Sander, I think you've got IT.  Thanks for sharing.

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   3. 82

      sallybeaposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      MarieLB
      Some great advice from some excellent writers!  Thank you MarieLB

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8. 60

   The Examiner-1posted 9 years ago

   Go to Learning Center and read about Stellar Hubs, etc. When I did it correctly I received my EC Award.
   Also they should use the Hub Hopper frequently.

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   1. 82

      sallybeaposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      The Examiner,
      Nice one!   Good on you!   I was super chuffed yesterday when I received my 17th one.  Here's to many more for both of us.

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   2. 60

      The Examiner-1posted 9 years agoin reply to this

      I felt so good when I have received 1. I have only been here 2 years so far.

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   3. 82

      sallybeaposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      So glad for you:)

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9. 60

   fpherj48posted 9 years ago

   Sally....First of all, thank you for the mention of Grammarly! This would have to be a tremendous aid.
   Any advice I would pass on to other writers have been mentioned for the most part, in the fantastic comments you've already gotten from some of our top writers.  I can merely agree & second their tips. M.T. is definitely on my same page.  In fact, I truly HAVE to write what I want to write, (and read about as well).  Specifically, writing of topics you KNOW is so critical, IMO.
   If I had to write a hub that required hours/days of in-depth research, I confess I wouldn't do it. Don't have that time luxury nor would it be enjoyable for me.
   Christin is spot on about careful & repeated editing, as well as refreshing older hubs from time to time.
   Very good question Sally.  Thanks....Paula

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   1. 82

      sallybeaposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Paula,
      My niche subject, can take hours and sometimes days of creating, photographing and then collating the info.  I have had an amazing journey and I have learned that you have to write about what you love doing, I am so glad I enjoy what I do.

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   2. 60

      fpherj48posted 9 years agoin reply to this

      and you do it so fabulously, Sally!  We can rest our case! 

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   3. 82

      sallybeaposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Paula you are much too kind:)

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10. 79

    FatFreddysCatposted 9 years ago

    I would quote Viv Savage of Spinal Tap:
    "Have a good time. ALL the time."

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    1. 82

       sallybeaposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       (FatFreddysCat)
       Sound advice:)

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11. 69

    Angela Blairposted 9 years ago

    My advice -- which, after all is only my personal opinion: (1) Write what you know and are passionate about as succinctly and professionally as you can; (2) find your own path -- acknowledge and graciously accept others opinions on your work but stay true to your vision of what you want to accomplish; (3) elements involved with internet writing are many and varied -- if you're a writer. . . write. . .  but if you're overly involved with SEO, etc. you may have been diverted from  your original purpose and your writing (and joy in writing) may suffer; (4) spelling, grammer, punctuation, research and learning a system (as in Hubpages) is a  responsibility each writer must personally assume and should not expect others to do that work for them; and lastly (but not leastly) (5) if you're no longer enjoying writing then it's time to take a break, back off and reassess the situation and proceed accordingly. Hats off to all the fine, responsible writers on Hubpages!

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    1. 82

       sallybeaposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       Angela Blair
       Thank you for this well thought out response to the question.  I agree with you.  You have made some very valid points here  I appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts with everyone.
       Sally

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12. 84

    annartposted 9 years ago

    Proof-read, proof-read, proof-read!  Then check with spell-checkers etc.  It's not difficult!  I don't understand why so many writers obviously just don't read back what they've written.  Glaring errors could so easily be avoided.
    Apart from that, if we read each of our own hubs out loud, that can show flaws in the flow or the need for apostrophes etc.
    Great question, Sally!

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13. 60

    Jo_Goldsmith11posted 9 years ago

    I as well agree with many of the prolific and successful authors here. Each one have already mentioned so many ideas, that I too, believe to be useful.
    
    I would add that when you find your niche, or when you can gather enough information on any subject of interest.
    
    
    I feel a writer should begin there and expand into other areas.
    
    
    I wouldn't want any writer to *pigeon hole* themselves. One of the things I have noticed, no matter how well an article is written. Sometimes the Hub score will drop after it is posted.
    
    Wishing all writers to "write what they feel, believe it is important to write it, and make sure the words allow a reader to see clearly the character of the one who writes".

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    1. 82

       sallybeaposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       Jo_Goldsmith11
       I understand the importance of writing in a niche where you are comfortable and are giving people what they are looking for, You are a clear example of someone whose character shines through their writing Jo, thank you, Sally.

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14. 83

    tamarawilhiteposted 9 years ago

    Choose topics that are evergreen, not the latest and greatest commentary.
    
    Write about topics you can write about intelligently, even if it takes some research.

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    1. 82

       sallybeaposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       tamarawilhite
       You've got it! It is absolutely essential to write on evergreen topics. Thanks so much for taking the time to input your own experience.
       Sally

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