In other words, I need clarity. That’s really what context is. Here’s how I view context as a writer — and also through the lens as a reader.

I have taught writing students how to apply context in their writing work. For the elementary school students I worked with, I would tell them to give me the main idea of a short story or book we happened to be reading. To get to the point of establishing the main idea, it’s important to be aware of the story’s time and place — the setting. Where is this happening and why? Next, who is it happening to and why? What makes the characters think, act or feel the way the do? What happened to drive the thinking and behavior? I apply this thinking to the pieces I produce.

There is nothing worse than reading an article that leaves you wondering what the heck the author was trying to say. Social media is full of content that lacks the context component. Much of the time that’s intentional to influence your thinking and generate likes, shares, retweets, etc.

I have been a content producer for years. I can easily identify gaps that would prompt me to dig a little deeper for more information. I hope I have helped you to do the same.

A very wise writing coach challenged me to think like a reader. When I sit down to write a piece, I still hear her voice asking me, “would you read this?” If that answer is no, I have some work to do to make the message clearer to readers. It’s what I strive to do each time I produce content.

I am so excited to introduce my new blog today. This is a space about writing and the writing process, specifically; and the creative process as a whole. I’ll also talk tools of the trade, as well as cover the joys and challenges of running a small business.

Right now, we’re all in a unique place. We are in the midst of dealing with a public health crisis, economic uncertainly and civil unrest. It’s an interesting time to be alive right now. While it can feels very stressful and overwhelming, creativity thrives in times like this and comes from unexpected places and sources. Our ever-changing modern technology tools, along with an assist from social media outlets allow for a vast amount of creative expression in a lot of different ways. There is literally something for everyone.

Even as I write this post, some teacher is working on a creative way to engage and educate their students from a distance. I can’t wait to see what these educators come up with. I’ve worked with educators over the years and they are some of the most creative and innovative people I know.

I have long felt that during challenging times, creatives produce some of their most inspiring work. And it’s a beautiful thing to see. I hope you agree.

Drop me a comment and let me know what you would like to see covered in this space. This is a non-political space. There are plenty of places for that content. This blog isn’t one of them, unless we’re speaking about it in the context of creativity. Thanks in advance.