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Since 2005, Quill Writing Services has been helping small business owners just like you harness the power of words to boost profits and enhance their image.

Quill provides copywriting and proofreading services so that your written communications say exactly what you mean them to say while presenting your business at its absolute best.

So, whether your materials need to be crafted from scratch or 'polished to a shimmer' with a professional touch, you can rest assured they are in safe hands.

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Quill Writing Blog

My new assistant

Carol Dorman - Friday, January 22, 2010

I think her job description goes something like this:

- Keep the boss's (and I use the term loosely) brain alert by constantly rearranging items on the desk
- Help facilitate lively network discussion (or ... get the the kids to fight over who gets to hold her next)
- Coordinate team-building activities (such as: "You keep her occupied so she doesn't follow me out the front door.")
- Provide staff with onsite training in negotiation techniques (for example: "I'll clean your room if you empty the litter tray")
- Provide security for office equipment ("Ain't nobody gonna steal this printer")
- Staff morale manager (Well, basically provide everyone with a lot of laughs and "Awww isn't that cute" moments)


Cheers,
Carol

Some of my new favourite things

Carol Dorman - Tuesday, January 12, 2010
I'm following on from a previous post in which I shared some tips on how to make writing a tad easier.

One particular tip was to use the right writing instrument. Over the past few weeks this has proven true time and again as I've discovered the gentle joy of using fountain pens.

Where previously I'd use a trusty pencil to 'set down my stuff' I now use one of the 3 nibbed beauties in my new (and hopefully growing) collection. Despite my 'doctor-worthy' handwriting style, I've always enjoyed the act of writing on paper. Using fountain pens makes me think of it now as the art of writing on paper and how the process of writing is as satisfying as the result.

It's funny but each pen seems to possess its own personality. This means I can match the instrument to the mood I'm in or, alternatively, the mood I want to be in. And, each pen adds its own little idiosyncratic tweak to my handwriting ... which can look quite amusing if I decide to switch pens mid-piece.

For example, my fine-nib dainty little purple Jinhao with the red crystal clip is Little Miss Perfect. Everything has to be 'just so' and 'High Tea' refined. Its black ink means this one really is perfect for filling out official paperwork and signing cheques.

Then there's the black Classic medium-nib with a flashy scroll of a clip and heavy barrel. This pen oozes bold creativity with a bit of a cheeky edge. The dusky purple colour of the ink adds fathoms to one's sense of adventure when writing with this pen.

Lastly, there's the lavender-coloured Mabie Todd Swallow with another medium nib. This pen radiates an understated elegance and inspires writing with 'finesse'.

So there you have it. A tiny glimpse inside my desk at some newfound friends.

What are some of your favourite tools of the trade and how do they inspire you?


Gotta love Technorati

Carol Dorman - Monday, December 21, 2009
R2SUHFGU296P

A few tips to help make writing easier

Carol Dorman - Friday, November 27, 2009
Do you often find yourself sitting in front of a blank screen, wondering where your inspiration went? Don't worry, the answer may be as simple as a little tweak to your writing technique.

The first thing to remember is that in order to write, you don't have to be chained to your computer. Hey, technology's wonderful and I'm the first to admit that without my computer I'd be really stuck. But when it comes to writing, taking a break from that electronic comrade may be just what you need to set your creativity free.

Make a decision to enjoy the experience of writing - of expressing yourself in text and then set yourself up so that it happens.

1. Get a notebook. Now, I'm not talking about your average office style notebook. I mean a really nice hard cover book that's a reflection of your personality. Perhaps it's conservative and faux leather, maybe it's loud and groovy; whatever it is, it should make you smile when you see it.

2. Choose the perfect writing instrument for you. A pen that glides effortlessly over the paper and is comfortable to hold. Perhaps, like me, you like to write with a pencil - freshly sharpened and not too fine. When you feel comfortable with the instrument, you'll notice your handwriting will seem neater and you'll find yourself enjoying the simple act of putting pen (or pencil) on paper.

3. Location, location, location! Take your notebook and pencil somewhere nice. By the fireplace on a cold day or out on the terrace in the sunshine with a plunger of coffee beside you. I've written business proposals in a park and a sales letter on a mountain. Let yourself be inspired!

4. Just write. When you have the first 3 steps in place just write. Even if it's off topic - you'll either get back on topic eventually or create something else that you can still use and be proud of.


Happy writing!

Using a good yarn to sell your stuff!

Carol Dorman - Tuesday, October 20, 2009
It's wacky, it's "out there" -- like REALLY "out there" and just a hoot. Don't know how much glue they sold but I'm sure it was worth the ride.


Why saying "Sorry" was the right thing to do

Carol Dorman - Thursday, August 13, 2009
This post has nothing to do with marketing or proofreading or editing
or any of the other stuff I do at Quill Writing Services. It’s just
something that really spoke to me ... I guess in that sense it has a
lot to do with communication … but I digress …

For years the Stolen Generations issue has been debated, argued over
and, in a way, divided Australians into various schools of thought. 

When on 13th February 2008, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd issued a formal
apology to the Stolen Generations on behalf of the Government, debate
still raged over whether it was the right thing to do.

It was. For a poignantly beautiful glimpse into the reasons why, just
watch and listen to this:


And in case you needed more reasons to proofread your stuff ...

Carol Dorman - Thursday, July 23, 2009
You may have seen this before - it's been 'doing the rounds' for a while now but certainly worth another look.
If you've not seen it before I must warn you it's a teeny bit "M" rated with some blushworthy language. Very funny though! 


In case you think proofreading is a waste of time ...

Carol Dorman - Monday, June 22, 2009

Life in the monastery

A young monk arrives at the monastery. He is assigned to helping the other monks in copying the old canons and laws of the church by hand.

He notices, however, that all of the monks are copying from copies, not from the original manuscript.

So, the new monk goes to the head abbot to question this, pointing out that if someone made even a small error in the first copy, it would never be picked up! In fact, that error would be continued in all of the subsequent copies.

The head monk says, "We have been copying from the copies for centuries, but you make a good point, my son."

He goes down into the dark caves underneath the monastery where the original manuscripts are held as archives in a locked vault that hasn't been opened for hundreds of years. Hours go by and nobody sees the old abbot.

So, the young monk gets worried and goes down to look for him. He sees him banging his head against the wall and wailing.

"We missed the R !  We missed the R ! We missed the R !"

His forehead is all bloody and bruised and he is crying uncontrollably.

The young monk asks the old abbot, "What's wrong, father?"

With a choking voice, the old abbot replies,

"The word was ... CELEBRATE!!!"

(Ya gotta wince)

Credit for this one goes to Brian from wideformatonline.com - the online magazine for users of wide format printers in Australia and New Zealand.


Yes, it is just a joke but illustrates the point methinks :D

Cheers,
Carol

 

Why clear communication is so important

Carol Dorman - Tuesday, June 09, 2009
I think this says it all. Enjoy :)



Billing scam (or "When good telemarketers turn bad")

Carol Dorman - Friday, June 05, 2009
WARNING! WARNING! DANGER! DANGER! BIG FAT SCAM ALERT! 

Okay, okay, enough with the dramatics. Still, I would like to warn you about a billing scam raising its ugly head again, trying to ensnare unsuspecting small business owners ...

In the past two days I've had calls supposedly from two separate non profit magazines, each letting me know my copy has been posted. One of them asked if I'd like to fix up the account via credit card there and then over the phone. When I brought up that I had no record of agreeing to any kind of sponsorship package they quoted dates from months ago that I supposedly spoke to them. (Mind you, on one of the dates I wasn't even in Sydney) When I asked to see emails that transpired between us as verification, one said she'd email (still waiting) and the other said not to worry about it.

The thing to watch out for though is that they quoted an ad back to me that I did place for another magazine and was legitimate, the account for which I had already paid.

Basically, don't ever just pay something unless you see the proof of your agreement in writing. I know that sounds like a no-brainer but when you're busy or perhaps placing a lot of ads, sometimes things can slip through the cracks.

For some additional info click here


Cheers,
Carol

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