Morgan Editing https://morganediting.com/ An editorial blog. Sun, 01 Dec 2024 15:57:01 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1 https://i0.wp.com/morganediting.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/cropped-1nS2ct-LogoMakr-favicon-3.png?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 Morgan Editing https://morganediting.com/ 32 32 194906956 How to Write Technical Documents Everyone Can Understand: 5 Tips https://morganediting.com/five-ways-to-make-technical-documents-inclusive/ https://morganediting.com/five-ways-to-make-technical-documents-inclusive/#respond Sat, 30 Nov 2024 07:07:28 +0000 https://morganediting.com/?p=1978 Creating a document that improves usability and is understood by everyone, including people with disabilities, makes it inclusive. Incorporating principles of inclusion reaches more of your audience and upgrades the user experience for all.

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Image of people with diverse abilities.

Introduction

Creating a document that improves usability and is understood by everyone, including people with disabilities, makes it inclusive. Incorporating principles of inclusion reaches more of your audience and upgrades the user experience for all.

Here are five ways to make your technical documents inclusive:

  1. Write in clear, simple sentences without jargon: This approach helps everyone understand, including non-native speakers, people with cognitive disabilities, and those with different reading skills. Use short, active sentences and avoid idioms or slang. Be specific and direct.

Tip: Cater to various reading levels by avoiding overly complex vocabulary.

  1. Provide alternative text for images and graphics: A written description of an image or graphic is crucial for making content understandable to users who rely on screen readers. Screen readers use alt text to describe images to visually impaired users. Also, if an image fails to load, alt text provides additional context for readers. 

Tip: Be concise but descriptive, e.g., “Line graph showing a 20% sales increase from Q1 to Q4.“

  1. Ensure Screen Reader Compatibility: Ensuring that technical documents are compatible with screen readers and other assistive technologies like voice recognition software, makes the content easy to understand for everyone. Accessibility laws, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Accessible Canada Act mandate screen-reader compatibility. 

Tip: Use specific text for hyperlinks, e.g., “Download the User Guide” instead of generic text like “Click here.” 

  1. Structure Content for Easy Navigation: Create clear headings, subheadings, and numbered or bulleted lists to make the information scannable. Organizing content into smaller, logical sections makes it easier to follow and enhances readability. Readers can find and understand information quickly.

Tip: Use consistent formatting for headings, fonts, and spacing; use hierarchical headings to organize content (e.g., H1 for main titles, H2 for subheadings).

  1. Offer Multiple Formats: Offer documents in various formats, such as PDFs with screen reader compatibility, audio versions, or braille options. This supports diverse user preferences such as visual learners preferring infographics or auditory learners relying on audio versions. 

Tip: Provide download links for each format in a central location. The same instruction manual should have identical headings and steps in each format.

Conclusion

Accessible documents demonstrate respect for diversity and empower all users to engage with the content fully. By following accessibility guidelines and using the right tools, writers can craft content that is both inclusive and enriching, improving the experience for every reader.✿

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]]> https://morganediting.com/five-ways-to-make-technical-documents-inclusive/feed/ 0 1978 7 Tips to Master the Craft of Freelance Writing https://morganediting.com/7-tips-to-master-the-craft-of-freelance-writing/ Sun, 13 Oct 2024 23:39:24 +0000 https://morganediting.com/?p=1890 Freelance writing can be a rewarding career, offering flexibility and creative freedom. However, success in this field often depends on developing and maintaining effective writing habits. If you’re new to freelancing or looking to elevate your writing career, adopting these habits can help you thrive in the competitive world of freelance writing.

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A typewriter on a desk with paper and a cup of coffee.

Introduction:

Freelance writing can be a rewarding career, offering flexibility and creative freedom. However, success in this field often depends on developing and maintaining effective writing habits. If you’re new to freelancing or looking to elevate your writing career, adopting these habits can help you thrive in the competitive world of freelance writing.

1. Create a Dedicated Workspace:

A desk and chair with a lamp and laptop on the desk.

Many successful writers have a specific area designated for their work, whether it’s a home office or a favorite spot in a local café. 

  • A dedicated workspace helps minimize distractions and signals to your brain that it’s time to focus on work.
  • Having a separate work area allows you to “leave” work at the end of the day, creating a clear boundary between professional and personal life.
  • If you can’t dedicate an entire room, even a specific corner of your living space can serve as your “office.” Make it comfortable and inspiring.

Tip for Novices: Eliminate distractions like social media by using website blockers like Freedom or StayFocusd during your writing sessions.

2. Set Clear Daily Goals:

Close-up of a colorful calendar.

Successful freelancers often start their day by outlining specific, achievable goals for their writing.

  • Clear goals provide direction and motivation, helping you stay focused and track your progress.
  • Accomplishing daily goals allows you to end your workday with a sense of achievement, reducing work-related stress during personal time.
  • Start with small, manageable goals. For example, aim to write 500 words or complete one section of an article each day.

Tip for Novices: Use project management tools like Trello or Asana to track your assignments.

3. Practice Regular Freewriting:

Close-up of a hand writing on a page.

Many accomplished writers engage in freewriting exercises to overcome writer’s block and generate new ideas.

  • Freewriting helps clear your mind, spark creativity, and can serve as a warm-up before tackling main projects.
  • This practice can be a form of mental self-care, reducing stress and improving overall well-being.
  • Set aside 10-15 minutes each day for freewriting. Write without stopping or editing, focusing on quantity over quality.

Tip for Novices: Use a freewriting tool like FocusWriter or OmmWriter to help you focus on your writing without interruptions.

4. Embrace the Pomodoro Technique:

A timer on a desk.

The Pomodoro Technique, which involves working in focused 25-minute intervals followed by short breaks, is popular among many successful writers.

  • This method helps maintain high levels of focus and prevents burnout during long writing sessions.
  • Regular breaks encourage you to step away from work, reducing eye strain and mental fatigue.
  • Try using a Pomodoro timer app to help you stick to this technique. Adjust the work/break intervals as needed to find what works best for you.

Tip for Novices: Schedule your day by tasks, prioritizing urgent assignments early to avoid last-minute stress.

5. Develop a Personal Editorial Process:

A colorful opened notebook.

Experienced writers often have a systematic approach to editing and polishing their work.

  • A structured editing process helps improve the quality of your work while saving time in the long run.
  • Confidence in your editing skills can reduce work-related stress and the need for extensive revisions.
  • Create a checklist for self-editing, including items like checking for clarity, eliminating redundancies, and proofreading for grammar and spelling.

Tip for Novices: Tools like Slick Write and Grammarly are great for self-editing.

6. Continually Educate Yourself:

A young man sitting at a desk in front of a laptop surrounded by books.

Successful freelance writers are often avid readers and lifelong learners in their niche areas.

  • Staying informed helps you write more authoritatively and efficiently on various topics.
  • Learning can be enjoyable and fulfilling, blurring the line between work and personal interest.
  • Dedicate time each week to read industry publications, take online courses, or attend webinars related to your writing niches.

Tip for Novices: You can also seek feedback from more experienced writers or clients to improve your writing style.

7. Network and Collaborate:

A smiling group of people in conversion.

Successful freelancers often maintain connections with other writers and industry professionals.

  • Networking can lead to new opportunities, collaborations, and valuable feedback on your work.
  • Building professional relationships can provide a sense of community in what can sometimes be an isolating career.
  • Join online writing groups, attend industry events, and reach out to other writers in your niche for virtual coffee chats.

Tip for Novices: Building relationships can help you learn about opportunities you may not have discovered on your own.

Conclusion:

Developing these habits takes time and persistence, but the payoff in terms of productivity and work-life balance is substantial. Adapt these habits to fit your unique style and circumstances. For novices, it’s all about starting small. Gradually incorporate these habits into your routine, and with time, they will become second nature, helping you grow into a successful freelance writer.✿

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]]> 1890 Helen Allingham, R.W.S. https://morganediting.com/helen-allingham-r-w-s/ Tue, 08 Oct 2024 02:19:21 +0000 https://morganediting.com/?p=1833 Watercolour art has a long history, and from the 18th century onward, it was dominated by the British.

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A black and white photo of Helen Allingham seated in a chair.
Photograph of Helen Allingham in 1903

Watercolour art has a long history, and from the 18th century onward, it was dominated by the British.

In 1890 Britain accepted its first female member to the Royal Watercolour Society, Helen Allingham (1848-1926).

Her encouragement came from her maternal grandmother and aunt,  artists in their time.

Helen Allingham (nee Paterson) was an influential watercolourist and illustrator who inspired the likes of Vincent van Gogh.  

 

Thanks to her contributions to The Graphic, a British weekly illustrated newspaper respected in the art community and circulated throughout the British Empire, her work was seen by up-and-coming artists and professionals alike.

In 1874, when she was 25, Allingham was commissioned to produce 12 illustrations for the novel Far from the Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy which appeared as a monthly serial in Cornhill Magazine.

Also at 25, she married 50-year-old William Allingham, an Irish poet and editor with whom she lived 15 years before he passed away in 1889. At 41, she was a widow with three young children to support which caused her to increase the production of her watercolour works.

What is Helen Allingham Known For?

The scenic countryside – cottages, gardens, and farmhouses. These are what people associate with the artist Helen Allingham. 

She started painting her surroundings in southeastern England, specifically, Surrey and Sussex. Her landscape locations were further expanded to include other parts of England and Italy.

A woman walks by a cottage on a country road with three geese ahead.
Irish Cottage

Irish Cottage, By the Cottage Gate, The Saucer of Milk, and A Cottage with Sunflowers at Peaslake are but a few of her notable works, in addition to her many illustrations.

She remained active in the art world until her death in 1926.✿

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]]> 1833 Leave the Job, Find the Calling – Vincent van Gogh https://morganediting.com/leave-the-job-find-the-calling-vincent-van-gogh/ Mon, 16 Sep 2024 22:52:49 +0000 https://morganediting.com/?p=1736 “Failure is the key to success; each mistake teaches us something.”
― Morihei Ueshiba

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“Failure is the key to success; each mistake teaches us something.”

― Morihei Ueshiba

self portrait vincent van gogh 1877
Vincent van Gogh, Self-portrait, 1877

Art dealer, educator, bookseller, and lay preacher – all professions Vincent Willem van Gogh (1853-1890) attempted before finding his true calling.

By definition, an art dealer works for collectors, galleries, and institutions, to buy and sell works of art. The ability to negotiate and build a network of contacts is necessary, as the dealer becomes the connection between buyer and seller.

Self-contained and quiet, as van Gogh was often described, wouldn’t seem like a personality fit for an art dealer.

But at 16, with the help of his uncle, van Gogh became an apprentice art dealer at Goupil & Cie. He showed promise and continued in that profession.

After completing his apprenticeship, van Gogh was transferred from Paris to the London branch. Despite his enthusiastic start, he found the work of an art dealer tiresome. Though he appreciated the art, he wasn’t fond of the business.

Sadly, his personal life would fare no better than his professional. In London, he took a romantic interest in his landlady’s daughter but that interest was not returned. This would become a pattern in his short life – unrequited love. As he became more withdrawn, his religious zeal grew.

The Road to Success

At 23, van Gogh parted ways with Goupil & Cie and tried his hand at teaching. 

He took an unpaid teaching job in exchange for room and board before landing a second teaching job which paid a small wage. His second employment also allowed him to preach a few sermons under the guidance of Reverend Slade-Jones. When he didn’t find fulfillment in teaching, he left that vocation to become a bookseller. 

It was during that time as a bookseller he felt the resurgent call to be a preacher. However, unable to fulfill the educational requirements of seminary, he eventually took on a missionary role.

At each juncture, van Gogh found success amid the defeat. His takeaways shaped his ultimate calling.

As an art dealer, van Gogh learned about art through much reading. He was exposed to the business of art, and visited famous galleries that housed works he admired.

He later painted Noon: Rest from Work in 1890, inspired by Jean-François Millet who often painted peasants.  

As an educator, van Gogh was tasked with teaching young boys everything from math and language to Bible study and ensuring their attendance at church. He lived in Ramsgate and Isleworth, places which were later featured in his sketches.

At the urging of his father, van Gogh became a bookseller. He worked in Dordrecht, a place he also sketched in Windmills near Dordrecht (1881). After a few months as a bookseller, it was clear it wasn’t for him. 

He neither knew the book trade nor was he interested in learning it. Instead of his duties, he translated Bible passages from Dutch to German, French, and English. He still had hopes of becoming a preacher, like his father. 

Getting the credentials to become an ordained minister proved difficult. After failing the university entrance exam, he took a missionary course but failed that as well. In a last-ditch effort not to disappoint his parents, he found work as a lay preacher, this time, in the Borinage, a coal-mining region in Belgium. 

But his congregation wasn’t receptive to him, nor was he to them. Van Gogh, dismissed from his post and again unemployed, went home. His later paintings would capture the theme of religion in such works as Still Life with Bible (1885) and The Church at Auvers (1890).

The Calling

On the advice of this brother, Theo, Vincent stepped into his calling. After leaving the Borinage, Vincent threw himself into his art. He drew images of the locals, sketched the deprivation he had seen, tapped into the sadness and depression he felt from unrequited love, and resolved to bring comfort to humanity through his art.

Van Gogh’s failures in vocation and love contributed to his one-year stint at a mental institution. Years earlier in a letter to his friend, he wrote, “I want to paint what I feel and feel what I paint.”

During his stay at the Saint-Paul Asylum in southern France he created iconic paintings such as Starry Night (1889), Lilac Bush (1889), and Irises (1889). He spoke through the brush strokes, through the colors.

His artistic career spanned 10 years (1880-1890) and produced more than 2,000 works of art – over 300 paintings in his final two years. During his lifetime, van Gogh didn’t sell many of his paintings. In death, his works became legendary.  

Regarded among the greatest and most influential painters in Western art, his paintings are replicated in prints, tapestries, and various formats as unique gifts.

“Failure is a bend in the road, not the end of the road. Learn from failure and keep moving forward.”

― Roy T. Bennett

(Sources: Van Gogh: The Life by Steven Naifeh and Gregory White Smith; Wikipedia.)✿

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]]> 1736 William Morris & His Designs https://morganediting.com/william-morris-his-designs/ Thu, 22 Aug 2024 06:04:48 +0000 https://morganediting.com/?p=1433 William Morris (1834-1896) is known the world over as an iconic designer of fabrics, wallpapers, stained glass, and more. He championed the idea of handmade furniture, tapestries, and patterns in the face of the industrial trend. Morris was also an artist, poet, writer, and social activist.

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portrait of William Morris
Portrait of William Morris by George Frederic Watts, 1870

William Morris (1834-1896) is known the world over as an iconic designer of fabrics, wallpapers, stained glass, and more. He championed the idea of handmade furniture, tapestries, and patterns in the face of the industrial trend. Morris was also an artist, poet, writer, and social activist.

As a main contributor to the Art Nouveau Arts & Crafts Movement, he aimed to transform Victorian taste from a perceived decline and reclaim the quality of medieval artistry.

Morris had a preference for the Italian art of the 1400s. He appreciated the complexities, details, and intense colors the style embraced. In 1862, he created his first design called ‘Trellis’ while he lived at Upton, Bexley in the Red House.

Morris based his patterns on plants and animals and took inspiration from the indigenous British countryside. As he tended his garden, he observed the natural design and feel of the flora and drew creativity for his designs. By the 1870s, his designs matured, giving birth to some of Morris’ most famous works.

Designers today use many of Morris’ patterns when creating blankets, mugs, and other items. Among Morris’ notable designs are:

  • Marigold (1875)
  • Honeysuckle (1876)
  • Brer Rabbit (1882)
  • Strawberry Thief (1883)

Strawberry Thief is Morris’ depiction of birds stealing fruit from his garden in West Oxfordshire. The printing method used for this pattern was complex and was the first successful use of discharge printing in Morris’ design. This motif was high-priced because of the complexities involved; however, his customers willingly paid for the quality they desired.  

A collage of some of Morris’ patterns is set to music in the following video.✿

William Morris design for Trellis wallpaper 1862
Trellis wallpaper design by William Morris, 1862

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]]> 1433 Let’s Talk Horses https://morganediting.com/lets-talk-horses/ Thu, 22 Aug 2024 05:57:14 +0000 https://morganediting.com/?p=1423 The word “horse” comes from the Old English word “hors”. We know it as the domesticated, hoofed mammal portrayed in novels like Black Beauty (1877) and Seabiscuit (1999), painted by numerous artists including Leonardo da Vinci and Pablo Picasso, and photographed immensely throughout the years. Horses have had many uses since being domesticated (circa 2200 […]

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The word “horse” comes from the Old English word “hors”. We know it as the domesticated, hoofed mammal portrayed in novels like Black Beauty (1877) and Seabiscuit (1999), painted by numerous artists including Leonardo da Vinci and Pablo Picasso, and photographed immensely throughout the years.

Horses have had many uses since being domesticated (circa 2200 BC) and bred for transportation, warfare, labor, sports, therapy, and as pets. They come in various sizes and temperaments. The world’s smallest horse on record, a dwarf miniature from Missouri, USA named Thumbelina, was 17 inches (43 cm) high. Thumbelina died in 2018. At the other end of the spectrum was a Shire gelding from Bedfordshire, England born in 1846 named Sampson (renamed Mammoth). He was the tallest horse at 7 feet (219 cm) high, and the heaviest at 3360 lbs (1524 kg).

Horses are grouped according to their traits and used accordingly. For example, the Akhal-Teke is classified as hot-blooded because of its endurance, speed, and reactive temperament. There are breeds of horses that have become extinct for two main reasons. One, they have died out. Or, two, they have been integrated into another breed. The Akhal-Teke falls into the second category. According to the Akhal-Teke Foundation, there are 300 registered purebreds in North America.

side-view-of-golden-stallion-in-the-fields-in-summer
Golden palomino Akhal-Teke stallion

If you’ve ever considered owning a horse, the Akhal-Teke will set you back $8,000 for a foal, and that’s the cost-effective option. After that, prices range from $13,000 to $135,000, increasing with the horse’s age.

You can still appreciate the beauty of the Akhal-Teke at a fraction of the cost, in the form of pictures. Here’s the bonus – they make great gifts for any occasion.✿

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