Write Away with Christopher Meeks: Shouldn't we ought to write better? Ahem, yes, we should, and Christopher Meeks, noted author, Hollywood screenwriter and teacher shows you how.

• More better writing. The first steps to better writing.
• More better writing, part II: Ten steps to better writing.
• Eight Ways To Style - Why is it that some books have you eagerly turning the pages after your bedtime and other books work like sleeping pills? Partly, it's style. Why is William Faulkner revered by many English majors and Mad magazine by other people? Style. What rhymes with Lyle and is as important as the Nile? Style. Here are eight simple ways to give your writing more style, so it's more interesting, more fun to read, and more persuasive.
• Writing and the web - How is the Internet affecting the English language? And how can the way you use English effect you?
• Seven steps to your second draft - "Writing about writing is like talking about sex" (or so columnist Chris Meeks pondered as he looked at his gorgeous blue screen). Doing it better is no easy feat—but here are seven steps you can take to help (your writing).
• Faster than a mosquito from Minnesota: (give your writing bite) Meeks and metaphors. Need I say more? OK, I'll say more. Chris explains how to add life to your writing using something specific and moist (a friend of mine always said that babies were constantly moist), impulsive (like that last parenthetical) and active (but not so active that you have to sweat and get moist—oh why not).
• Blank screens and how to fill them. Chris Meeks, our "Write Away" columnist almost handed in the words "I'm stuck," for his latest column. He faced what everyone faces sooner or later when they have to figure out something to write, the dreaded blank screen. But, being a pro, Chris figured out what to write. So read his latest column which helps you face that blank screen and fill it. "To bravely type what no man, woman or carbon-based-life-form has typed before."
• Feedback Loop: You asked for it, you got it, now what do you do with it? As much as we all would like to pretend we are perfect and never need any advice, we all do. Chris can tell you the most productive ways to give and take criticism. It's not always easy, but it can be extremely valuable. Learn how to give it effectively, and take it without having a hissy fit.
• Reading to write: I used to hear people say stuff like, "No one reads on the internet," and after wanting to smack them with a floppy disk, I'd think, "That's absurd—the internet is mostly stuff you read. And it's true. Chris explains how if you want to learn how to make your writing better, you have to read more. Not just web sites (though eFuse.com and the FuseLetter are, of course, a great place to start!), but also books, magazines, and things that are fun to read. Reading good writing helps you become a better writer.
• In search of the truth: Readers want truth. We read "how to" articles to learn things—not false things, but true things. We want to learn the truth about products and services—not some unbelievable marketing hype. If your text says things that are stupid or plain-outright implausible, we shout "Come on!" and go to another site. Christopher Meeks, Metaphor Master, explains how to tell the truth, the whole truth, and a little more than the truth.
• Finding your voice: A writer's "voice" is how what you read "sounds" in your head as you read it. You can sound like a tax form, or you can sound like you. Unless you're the tax man, it's probably better to sound like you. But how? Chris Meeks helps you find your voice.
• Persistence, patience and passion: I know, that sounds like the title of a Jane Austen novel about three sisters. But they're really the keys to good writing. Writing isn't easy, whether it's for a web site or a novel. Chris' literary pep-talk will help remind you what possessed you to "create content" in the first place.
• Why Write or Read Stories? Why look at the stars? Why make banana bread? Using the Web to buy and sell objects is one thing—and interesting, well-written text can certainly help commerce—but what's the big deal about stories? How does that help you get ahead? Chris Meeks explains.
• Structure: creating a framework for your words: Underneath all good writing is a strong structure. You may not see it, but it's there. I know, the word "structure"—to new writers especially—can sound like a quick way to make something dull. But in reality, a strong framework simply allows you to more effectively communicate what you want to say. It even makes writing easier because you have a path to follow as you write.
• A sense of poetic sound and imagery can make you more persuasive. I know, you think that your home page has to be no-nonsense business. "Just the facts ma'am." While facts are fine (and necessary), making your text more interesting *can* help you achieve your goals. Poetry packs so much into so little that when you start to understand it, you can use poetic devices to make your prose more persuasive.