I applied for a writing job today and they asked for a 300 word sample. It took me more time than I'd like to admit because I've gotten into such a nice flow of writing for myself this past two weeks that I had to remember to follow the guidelines. I think I started over completely twice. Which in retrospect isn't that bad, it's just not something I run into very often with blogging. But it was fun to feel the pressure again. There is something deep within me that changes when I have a time constraint. I could say it forces me to find the right words, but it's more of a pulling feeling. A lack of control, yet total control at the same time.
As I mentioned earlier, it doesn't always get done in one go (there's something wrong with you if you don't review your own work and tear it to shreds a few times) but when the words finally fall into place, you can feel it.
Don't get too excited, it's just 300 words on coffee :)
Here were the guidelines:
Topic: How to make your favorite coffee/tea
Audience: Someone looking for a new kind of coffee/tea
Key points to cover: What is your favorite coffee/tea, how to choose, how to make it, pros/cons of this approach. Length: 300 words.
Voice and tone guidelines:
- Honest: Sensitive but not sappy, responsive but not alarmist.
- Direct: To the point. Strive for clarity and directness by not adding complexity or unnecessary commentary (i.e. fluff).
- Confident: Professional but not formal. Never sarcastic. Speak with authority, but be open to other opinions.
- Accessible: Conversational but not intimate. Use plain language, but don’t erase technical language completely or talk down--we educate instead.
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Sizzling hot or ice cold, it doesn’t matter what season it is, one thing remains true: Americans love coffee. According to a recent study by the National Coffee Association we drink over 382 million cups a day!
So how do you take your coffee?
Chances are you’re looking to switch things up. You’re aware of the many amazing health benefits coffee provides, but you also realize that popular drinks like the Caramel Mocha Frappuccino can contain upwards of 600 calories per serving. For those of you looking for a new way to take your coffee, I have a radical new suggestion: black.
Not only is it the simplest and quickest way to take your coffee, it’s the healthiest. A new study called the “2015 dietary guidelines” released by the FDA states that 3-5 cups of coffee a day are okay, as long as you don’t add cream, milk, or sugar.
If you don’t like the taste of black coffee making the switch could be difficult, it’s an acquired taste. I would suggest starting off with iced coffee. Not only is it drinkable year round, you can have your barista add a half an ounce of nonfat milk and toss in a few Splenda’s for flavoring. Just be sure you don’t go overboard, the whole point is to slowly but surely ween yourself off of all the artificial sweeteners and calorie dense milk. For those of you that shudder at the thought of iced coffee, attempt to engage your sense of smell when sipping your morning Joe. Slow sips and careful appreciation for the smell of the roasted beans will make each sip go down easier as you feel the caffeine hit your system in a way that only black coffee can.
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300 words on coffee. Delicious.
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