When the Words are the Picture.

I'm loving Crate & Barrel's new TV ads. 

They are free of visuals, using only words and great music to telegraph their branding.  And, of course, their recognizeable typeface.

Like Target, they can do less with more.

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/24/business/media/a-crate-barrel-campaign-with-an-emphasis-on-the.html?_r=0
  

Cool Words.

The latest list of words that impress includes:

Scurrilous

Devoid

Surreptitious

Sodden

Micturated

Library Love.

According to the American Library Association, the average number of books an individual checks out annually is just 7.

Last year, I checked out 179 books from 3 public libraries.

I know: I'm an over achiever.

I have loved reading and, by extension, libraries since I was a school-aged girl.  I continue to love them today.

September is Library Card Sign-up Month.http://www.ala.org/conferencesevents/celebrationweeks/card

Get in the stacks.

Both Donkeys & Elephants Like a Swig.

I'm tired of political coverage, aren't you?

This witty campaign for Maker's Mark bourbon capitalizes on voter fatigue.

http://www.makersmark.com/#!/cocktail-party/platform

In the Beginning.

Grabbers are what entice readers into your story.

It doesn't matter if your story is told as a blog or in novel, in a marketing brochure or as a direct mail piece.

Here's a great example of a grabber, from the critically acclaimed best-seller The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker:

"We didn't notice right away.  We couldn't feel it."

Don't you want to know more?  Wouldn't you keep reading?

Mental Push-Ups.

Tiger Woods and Bill Gates do it.

Shouldn't you?

http://www.openforum.com/articles/boost-your-brain-and-give-it-a-breakat-the-same-time?intlink=us-openf-nav-ymal-manual 

The Right Way to Write.

Write when you want to. Or when you don't.

Write quickly. Or slowly.

Write in longhand. Or on a device.

Write inside. Or outside.

Write to surprise yourself.

Write in short sentences. Or write in long sentences.

Write when you are sick. Or when you are well.

Write when it is chaotic. Or when all is serene.

Write lying down. Or propped up in bed.

Read what you write. Or don't.

There's no right way to write.