The Universal Gift of Writing
At the onset of 2011, I felt compelled to offer my reader a gift to empower them on their journeys of living life on their own terms.
What could I offer that would be hugely valuable to everyone? What universally useful information could I create to make life better for everyone by solving a problem, sharing a skill, closing a gap or building up on the foundations already in place?
I wanted this to be massively beneficial to everyone.
After two long and hard-working weeks, 8211 words, 5 Mind Maps and a dozen revisions later, I offer you my comprehensive manifesto on the art and craft of writing.
Empower your Writing
A Manifesto on Smart Habits, Killer Tips and Useful Actions
What is in the Manifesto?
So glad you asked. This is a manifesto that shows you a compelling reason to write well. It then goes on to describe 15 smart habits for writing well and illustrates each with examples. They are divided into three main sections: Habits to understand your writing, to improve your writing and to sharpen your writing. I include a section on 22 serious errors to avoid in your use of English and this one is a list of very common errors that can save your credibility as a content producer and publisher. Then you get 9 tips to empower your writing skills and finally, 28 questions that you must answer in order to find your writing voice.
The Table of Contents (screenshot below) shows you the structure of the Manifesto:
The sections are in-depth with useful actions and practical examples to which you can relate. I also wanted to make the learning easy, fun, entertaining and visual. This was the ideal opportunity to dig into Mind Mapping for conveying visual thoughts. Here is one of the 5 Mind Maps included with your Manifesto:
This manifesto is 90% Fresh and New Content created over 2 non-stop weeks. You won’t find re-used old blog posts here!
Serious Nods of Approval on the Manifesto
Here is what a few current fabulous email subscribers sent me back right away:
Sid Savara ~ Personal Development, Maximizing Productivity and Life Hacking
“I’ve been blogging for three years, and consider myself an above average writer. One day I received an email from Farnoosh correcting some of my grammar and pointing out a few typos in my articles. I wasn’t embarrassed – until she proceeded to email me every week for the next three weeks, tactfully and politely informing me of my mistakes! I realized my writing, while above average, was still a little sloppy – and resolved to proofread much more carefully. She’s the reason that I now carefully proofread all my blog posts – other people may let my misspellings slide, but not Farnoosh.
In this fantastic free ebook, my favorite section was her explanation of errors writers make. Her ‘22 Serious Errors‘ contains frank, concise explanations of some of the most common (and yes, most serious) writing errors committed in the blogosphere. With Farnoosh’s guidance, you’ll write better, boost credibility with your readers – and save yourself from the embarrassment of having her email you personally to correct you!”
Barbara Hammond ~ Zero to Sixty and Beyond
“I can’t thank you enough for your writing manifesto. I am constantly working on my technical skills and this was so very helpful. Even though I know where I have ‘issues’, I constantly have to triple check myself. You are most generous to provide this wonderful little handbook for free.”
Raam Dev~ raamdev.com
“Farnoosh has created an invaluable resource for new and aspiring writers, a resource that will help you avoid the most common writing pitfalls and give you the tools necessary to take your writing to the next level. If you read only one ebook on writing this year, this should be it.”
Dr. Rosvita Rauch ~ Text Winder
“Congratulations on producing Empower Your Writing. Your work reveals a tremendous amount of thought and preparation, as well as good writing. The list of active verbs will be particular useful to my students who, at times, have trouble infusing their writing with dynamism. This morning, I was using my browser to look up the correct usage of elicit (as in elicit a response) and illicit (as in illicit dealings) and I realized that could be a useful tip for your book. People only have to enter “define elicit” (without the quotation marks) in their browser and a list of definitions are supplied. Not everybody knows this, but it’s so easy that there’s really no excuse for not looking up the meanings of words.”
Tess Marshall ~ The Bold Life
“Talented writer, Farnoosh Brock, offers a rich manifesto that conveys her expertise in a well organized, keenly insightful, and conversational tone of collected advice. The author’s enthusiasm and intense passion for great writing, inspires you to become a better writer. It’s a must-have for anyone wanting to take their writing to the next level. ”
Jeanie Witcraft~ Thoughts of a Hippie Therapist
“The use of visuals backed up with written explanation appeal to different learning styles and broaden the reach of this book–tremendous! Improves scannability, cements the information into people’s brains and allows for quick reference guide to print. Your list of “pet peeves” is extremely comprehensive and encompasses many of my own irritations with communication today. Your heartfelt reassurance that these errors are easily avoided, because if you’re reading this manifesto, you MUST be brilliant, fabulous, and perfectly capable of writing well–so stop making excuses! I praise this for making me question my own writing, and kicking me in the behind to write better. ”
Emiel van den Boomen ~ The Act of Traveling
“Have you ever thought about your writing skills like this: “Michelangelo once said that he carved the stone until he set the angel free. Can you begin to feel that way about your writing voice?” This is genius. What a way to look at your own writing style. Farnoosh’s manifesto is all about finding and crafting your writing voice.
The internet is full of advice on the necessity to write remarkable content for your audience. But have you ever found a guide to show you HOW to write or how to make your remarkable content even more remarkable?
Farnoosh really has some convincing arguments for you to pay close attention to your writing style. I have been writing for my blog for almost a year now and this manifesto convinced me to work on and improve my writing voice, always! I will find it, use it, sharpen it, practice it, share it and protect it. Thank you Farnoosh!”
Rebekah Smith, Retired Classics Professor
“This writing guide is a gem of clarity, with lots of energy! It doesn’t just teach those qualities (and many others), it exemplifies them. This is great, covering points technical, motivational, constructive, communicative, and I hope it reaches a wide audience. The clarity makes it look effortlessly written, but we both know better. It is a gift, indeed, for your readers. You’ll be amused to hear that it sits side by side on the “shelf” with a 1st-century Latin treatise on rhetoric, written by the historian Tacitus, both of you advising your contemporary audiences on the cutting edge of communication.”
GinaMarie, My Fingers aren’t Broken
“Honestly I was surprised to learn just how many errors I actually use in my writing. I knew my grammar needed help but this was a much needed eye opener. The 28 questions to answer to help you tap into your writing voice was my favorite part. So many times I censor myself out of fear that my particular style won’t go over well with others. This section allowed me to accept it.”
Arvind Devalia, Make It Happen
“Farnoosh, you have surpassed yourself! I went through your entire Manifesto in one sitting, and I am inspired to approach my writing in a new way. I have been writing my blog for a few years and I wish I had something like your “Empower Your Writing” Manifesto when I first started blogging! I particularly liked your unique chart of action verbs – so simple yet so powerful. Best of all is your comprehensive list of 22 serious errors to avoid in our use of English — no self-respecting blogger will ever dare make any of these 22 mistakes again! Your Manifesto is a MUST have guide for newbie as well as seasoned bloggers.”
Lance Ekum, The Jungle of Life
“Seriously, when I first saw this come out – my thoughts were “I know all this stuff, already”, and I kind of let it sit. Well…I looked at it today. Farnoosh – this is so excellent!! Really, great stuff. I easily thought about just skimming through it. Then, I got to the section where you went over common words, and how they are misused (and I think I do pretty good here, already). Well…it was still so good to read this (and see that *ahem* I still have a ways to go!!).”