Do you have trouble staying on-topic in your writing? Is it hard to let you be you? Do you find yourself bouncing all over the place, trying to please everyone, comparing yourself to others or trying to do what they do?
In order to keep your writing clear and focused, imagine a person in your head that is your ideal reader. Conjure up an image of them. What color is their hair? Their eyes? What's their name? You might even draw a picture and stick 'em on the wall above your computer.
Sometimes it's just easier to imagine yourself in conversation with someone specific too keep yourself on track.
Here at BloggingWithAmy you'll find tips, tools & tutorials about blogging and websites. In plain English. Want to 
Great advice! I actually have a picture I clipped from a magazine. I speak to "Janice" whenever I'm writing or recording audio or video.
Love it!
Thanks for such a great idea.
Oh, can't say I thought it up entirely by myself.
I've always kept my target audience in mind, but the naming your audience part I've read several times around the web. I have no idea who originated it. Maybe ProBlogger?? Probably him since he originates most of blogging as we know it. LOL!
Keep it coming Amy! Love your timely reminders!
I'm so curious what your person looks like =)
I am more of a one-on-one person so sometimes it is hard for me to write on the blog to the www, but I've never imagined a person. (smile). I do imagine that I am writing a personal email to a friend or a reader with a question that I want to help – I am much more conversational that way.
I've always written home to my parents and especially my three younger sisters, ever since I started college…13 years ago now! I'm still writing them…from China, Minnesota, Maryland, or California, and sharing the lessons I'm learning. They've always been my audience, and my biggest fans.
That's awesome!
Such great advice! I just wrote a post this morning about how my husband and I obtained bachelor's degrees for less than $3000, and then thought, "Why on earth would most of my readers want to read about that! They're mostly stay at home moms!"
I know this was a while ago, but a thought was that they might feel pressure to go back to work to save for their kids educations when it is not necessary. Love the name of your blog.
Awww… thanks so much Jody!
hi amy, I just did the review on amazon for your TYT ebook, for some reason it calls me Annie the Bag Addict – I don't know where Amazon gets that!! But it was a great tip to do the review in your ebook guide, as I notcied when I searched Time Management, you came up first with highest reviews. Excellent tip mate!
I always imagine I'm talking to my real life friend Amy and online friend Carrie. Imagining them helps me stay informal and conversational as I write.
I attempt to imagine the person I am talking to, however, once I see their picture it completely destroys my imagination on that matter, and I usually ask myself how it was possible that I could be so wrong.
That's true. Writing for the reader (and imagining ourselves in their position) is the toughest skill to acquire. The second toughest skill is editing our own 'perfect' works
I SO do this! Hahaha… Oh, if "they" only knew!!!
Great advice! And I learned a lot from the links you posted
Amy, I'm sorry, but I think I just posted three separate comments that all said basically the same thing! I kept thinking it wasn't working, so trying it again. If that's the case:
1. please just delete my last two and,
2. please forgive me!
Thanks so much, Kelly
No worries!
I understand what you're saying and I think I agree. I have to be careful, though, otherwise I tend to edit my writing too much (is that possible?) for the crowd I am imagining. I tend to do better if I can just write without worrying about how my audience will perceive it. I can be real and honest then. If I thought too much about who I was writing for, I don't think I ever would have written "Tea and Beer: or Mother of the Year Award Slips through Fingers." Maybe I'm just insecure. I'd love any input: (http://twyste.com/2012/01/09/tea-and-beer-or-mother-of-the-year-award-slips-through-fingers/).
Finally, I really appreciate the honest, clear voice you write with; it's very readable and personable. You're obviously helping a lot of us, so thanks!
I kind of forgot about this idea. Thanks for the gentle reminder! Also, on your social media share buttons, I noticed you don't have Google+. If you did, I would share it on there. You may want to look into that! Continue writing.
Ah yes, good point. Thank you!