Comments on: 5 Tips for Giving Your Writing More Cowbell

By: Matt Cardin

Matt Cardin — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 17:52:44 +0000

Nice post. And I just have to chime in because I’m a lifelong Blue Oyster Cult fanatic who felt like the world became a better place with the advent of the SNL cowbell sketch, and who has been thrilled to see the way the whole cowbell idea has gone on to enter the cultural vernacular in a way that keeps BOC on everybody’s mind. Now even Freelance Writing Gigs has been annexed by it. My life is complete.

Seriously, Deb, thanks for the good thoughts.

By: Deb

Deb — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 14:46:08 +0000

You’re welcome Ciawry. Going for a walk or yoga are the best head clearing exercises for me.

By: Deb

Deb — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 14:45:06 +0000

Lack of focus might also indicate lack of interest in the material. Sometimes we’re just not into our projects.

I’m a firm believer in the power of an outline, by the way. Creating an outline often shows me where I’m lacking.

By: Deb

Deb — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 14:42:57 +0000

There you go. You can always list the facts and come back and insert the meaty bits when you’re feeling it.

By: Deb

Deb — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 14:42:16 +0000

Thanks, I actually feel I’m not very talented when it comes to titles and headlines. Someone reminded me of the SNL sketch the other day and that’s how I came up with the title.

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Tue, 19 Jan 2010 14:00:22 +0000

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By: uberVU - social comments

uberVU - social comments — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 06:56:22 +0000

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By: Ciawy

Ciawy — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 05:25:19 +0000

I find “stepping away” and then meditating for at least 5 minutes helps clear my head and put the words together. Thanks for the other advice you gave.

By: J. Michael Rivera

J. Michael Rivera — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 04:38:13 +0000

Deb, I couldn’t agree more. When I’m stretching my material and find myself staring at a blank screen, it’s a safe bet I haven’t done enough research.

By: Mary E. Ulrich

Mary E. Ulrich — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 04:08:54 +0000

You have the best titles.

By: Eric Angevine

Eric Angevine — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 02:03:57 +0000

There have been times when I stifled my voice because I thought it might not fit the audience, but then I realized that’s what editors are for. They know their readership better than I do, so I give them me and let them cut if they feel it’s too much.

I am actually in the midst of an article I’m not particularly feeling right now, and I finally decided to follow that old writer’s chestnut – just write. I’ve written it with all the panache of a college research paper, just to get the facts on paper. Now that I’ve done that, I can go back tomorrow and put some life into it.

By: Deb

Deb — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 20:41:41 +0000

You always bring the Cowbell, Carson. And please forgive me if I don’t check your diapers.

By: Deb

Deb — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 20:40:49 +0000

I think that’s why blogging appeals to me so much, bencurnett. There’s something honest about a natural voice.

By: Carson Brackney

Carson Brackney — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 20:31:47 +0000

More cowbell? Did it.
Now I’m wearing those gold-plated diapers.

By: bencurnett

bencurnett — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 20:01:52 +0000

One of my favorite sketches.

Number one, use your voice, was a big struggle for me. I think it eventually came down to confidence, and confidence comes down to miles.

That’s why authentic voices stand out so well- you can’t buy that or fake it. It has to be earned with time.