My Approach to Writing
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Writers who want to entice readers to journey into their content must write captivating leads and headlines. A great lead sentence or headline is like that first spoonful of a warm chocolate brownie smothered in melting vanilla ice cream drizzled with caramel sauce. It is pleasurable and promises more to come. The diner, like the reader, is hooked, believing that the rest of the brownie is going to be worth eating or the content worth reading.
Prior to approaching any writing project, I ask myself, “Who is my audience and how can I fill its needs?” Each audience has different needs, so I believe a successful writer asks probing questions and conducts research before writing the first word. Common audience needs include the desire to:
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My Personal Due Diligence Process
I approach research diligently and overturn stones to learn more about my subject and audience prior to writing. I continually edit and revise my work, asking the questions:
If I have done my job well, my readers will come to their own conclusion that my content has sufficiently met their desire or need.
- Am I answering my readers' questions or providing them with the appropriate information so they can make a decision?
- If communicating for a client, am I establishing their credibility in way that matters to their audience?
- Is my content compelling enough to keep them engaged?
- Is my content accurate?
- Have I made them feel an emotional connection to the subject matter?
- Have I inspired them to take action?
- Have I used best SEO practices to make my content easy for search engines to find?
If I have done my job well, my readers will come to their own conclusion that my content has sufficiently met their desire or need.
A Little About Me
I am a motivated professional who returned to school in 2012 after taking time off to raise a family. I earned a B.A. in Journalism and Technical Communication, graduating with a 4.0 GPA. Although I also have a B.A. in English, I knew I needed current, marketable skills if I wanted to be a successful copywriter and editor. I'm happy to say I went after what I want and here I am today!
Now I thrive on helping clients determine how they want to be known, who their target audience is and how to engage them.
I formed my freelance writing business, Ridley Creative Communication, LLC in 2017.
I enjoyed returning to school and learning new skills, and I continue to seek knowledge and grow. I’m a high-energy person (I work at a stand-up desk since it fuels my creativity better than sitting!). I thrive on being busy, and boy, I stay busy managing a freelance writing career — and a household with a husband, two kids, a Bernese mountain dog and a bearded dragon lizard.
A Few More Tidbits
I am an exercise devotee and run several times a week. Snowboarding, surfing, sailing, scuba diving, stand-up paddleboarding, biking, hiking and reading are my favorite activities. You might also come across me enjoying a craft beer at one of Colorado's numerous tap houses!
Causes I care about include:
- Protecting our environment
- Promoting equality for all regardless of race, gender, ethnicity or sexual orientation
- Improving the quality of public education
I'm also an information junkie and listen to Colorado Public Radio daily. I love that I learn things I never knew I wanted to know. I greatly admire and applaud the efforts of our journalists around the world who risk their lives to inform and provide perspective on global events.
I have served as a PTA office for my children's schools and I regularly substitute teach in area high schools. I thoroughly enjoy working with teens and embrace their quirks, humor and uniqueness.