Vanya Wryter Consulting Services

Category: Writing and Editing

  • What Emojis Do You Use to Express Yourself?

    What Emojis Do You Use to Express Yourself?

    Daily writing prompt
    What are your favorite emojis?
    View all responses

    So much of our communication happens online now—texting, emailing, messaging through apps. It’s convenient and quick and you can look back on the conversation if you can’t remember the details (like where and when you’re supposed to meet). But one of the biggest challenges with written messaging is tone. 

    You can’t always tell if someone is joking, being serious, or just confused. That’s where emojis come in handy for clarification. I love using the 🙂 happy face to share good news, 😢 sad face for not-so-great news, and 😂 the laugh emoji when something is very humorous.

    Especially in group chats where you don’t always know everyone well, emojis can clarify your tone of voice. Not everyone uses “LOL” or “hahaha” to show laughter and clarify that you’re in a good mood. In other cultures, people might write “jajaja,” “wwww,” or “hehehe” instead. Emojis are a universal way to show laughter or emotion without needing to explain ourselves as much.

    Even at work, emojis are making their way into our messages and emails. They help show intention, so there’s less room for misinterpretation. A 🙂 with a message adds a friendly tone. 🤔 shows you’re thinking or unsure. 😕 for disappointment or bad news. It makes digital messages feel more human.

    I like to try new emojis, but it depends on the tech. On some devices, scrolling through all the options takes longer. You can also call up an emoji just by typing the word. For example, type “cat”—and the 🐱 emoji pops up. Super convenient!

    Sometimes I wonder if it’s possible to speak in full emoji sentences. It could be faster to type, though that could get confusing fast. Something like: 😅📅⏰➡️☕💻👀🤯 could mean “Woke up today when the alarm went off, so I got coffee, went to work and saw my messages, and felt overwhelmed.” Or it could mean “So embarrassing I forgot to remind myself to go get more coffee. Got an email. Read the news. So shocked I’m awake now.”

    Some people are more advanced—they’re using memes and GIFs, not just emojis to express themselves. I have enough of a challenge just picking emojis that aren’t just faces. I’ll stick to emojis. They’re simple, fun, and expressive enough. 😊

  • Tips to Improve Your Mindset and Well-Being

    Tips to Improve Your Mindset and Well-Being

    Words have tremendous power and influence. Terse statements such as “I love you,” “I hate you,” “You’re hired,” and “You’re fired” can dramatically change a person’s life. But it isn’t just what we say to another person that can have a tremendous impact. The words we choose to say can change how other people perceive us, and change our own mindset. Here are some tips to create a positive way of thinking.

    Tip 1: Choose words that put you in a positive light.

    Compare the following statements. What does each pair of statements say about the speaker’s mindset? Which words are confident? Which words are apologetic?

    Sorry, I’m late.

    Thank you for waiting.

    The first expression is very common. However, you are starting off with an apology (nothing wrong with that). But by saying, “Thank you for waiting,” you are acknowledging the other person and speaking in a more positive way by not beginning with sorry.

    Tip 2: Say what you mean to avoid a possible misunderstanding.

    Giving an order with “Don’t” is quick and to the point. “Don’t step on the grass.” But using “don’t” also emphasizes the negative. Sometimes, what people hear is not “DON’T step on the grass” but “Step on the grass.” You can make the same point using positive wording: “Remember to avoid the new grass.” Or “Remember to log off before you leave the office.”

    Tip 3: Be careful with meaning and intent.

    I didn’t hear what you said. Could you say it again?

    Could you repeat what you said in a different way? 

    A slight change in wording changes your meaning and intent. In the first example, you’re admitting you weren’t paying attention and the speaker must remember what he or she said. In the second example, you’re implying you were listening (even if your mind drifted) and you want to make sure you understood what was said.

    Tip 4: Speak like you are being proactive, not reactive.

    How do I know if I can finish the task correctly?

    What if I make a mistake using the new software?

    These two examples have the same negative mindset in common. The speaker is focused on failure or possible failure. The speaker is leaving the outcome to chance and fate.

    What can I do to ensure I finish this task correctly? 

    What are some common mistakes and what can I do to avoid them?

    Compare the negative mindset examples to the sentences above. Notice the change to a positive mindset. The speaker is taking initiative and controlling the outcome. The speaker doesn’t know what to do, but is telling the listener that he or she wants to be prepared and will make sure the outcome will be the best possible one.

    Key Takeaways

    The words you choose to express an idea are part of your mindset. You can express an idea in a way that makes you appear negative and lacking in confidence. Or you can choose words that show initiative and positivity. Your words are a powerful extension of your personality and mindset.

    If you liked this post, subscribe so you don’t miss the next one!

  • Strategies To Help You Cope With Negative Feelings

    Strategies To Help You Cope With Negative Feelings

    Daily writing prompt
    What strategies do you use to cope with negative feelings?
    View all responses

    Negative feelings are a natural part of life, but managing them can make all the difference in our mental and emotional well-being. We need to make a conscious effort and employ the right strategies to prevent them from overwhelming us. Here are some unconventional yet effective ways to deal with negativity.

    1. Write a Letter You’ll Never Send

    Sometimes, we bottle up emotions because we feel unsafe expressing them. Writing a letter to someone (or even to yourself) without intending to send it can be a therapeutic way to release frustration, disappointment, or sadness. This process provides emotional clarity without the fear of judgment.

    2. Engage in Safe Destruction

    Find a safe, non-harmful way to release pent-up frustration. This could be throwing rocks in the water, smashing a piece of junk you planned to throw out anyway, or popping balloons. The physical release can be surprisingly satisfying and help channel emotions productively.

    3. Try Music or Singing

    Music has a profound impact on our emotions. Channeling your emotions into music or singing can change your mood, particularly if it’s loud music or angry song lyrics. These activities can release tension, change your focus, and instantly improve mood.

    4. Have a “Worst-Case Scenario” Brainstorming Session

    Instead of suppressing worries or replaying negative thoughts over and over, fully explore the worst-case scenario in a structured way. Write down what could go wrong, how you would handle it, and the most likely outcome. This method helps put things into perspective and often reduces anxiety.

    5. Create a “Letting Go” Ritual

    Develop a personal ritual that symbolizes releasing negative emotions. This could be writing worries on a piece of paper and setting the paper on fire (in a safe place) or taking a symbolic shower to “wash away” stress. Associating emotions with actions can make it easier to move on.

    6. Make Small Changes to Your Environment

    Our surroundings can influence our emotions. Instead of a drastic change, make a small shift—rearrange your furniture, remove objects you associate with bad memories, or change your routine by going to a different room. These subtle changes can refresh your mindset and break negative thought patterns.

    By incorporating these unique strategies, you can find creative and effective ways to manage negative feelings while maintaining a healthy emotional balance.

    Thanks for reading!

  • Why History Must Be Read in Many Languages

    Why History Must Be Read in Many Languages

    How do you know if you’re reading a good history book or a bad one?

    This video I watched stated that a thirty-second test will help you to determine the quality of the history book you’re reading. If the book is about a part of the world that you’re not from, then flip to the bibliography at the end.

    Do you see any sources in the language of the country that you’re reading about? If there aren’t any, the advice would be to toss the book. For example, to get a more authentic experience about the history of the Middle East, the sources should ideally be in four of the languages spoken in the area to get the best authentic experience. Don’t settle for a foreign translation of the history of the place you are reading about.

    Here is the video that makes this point about authentic history.

  • Strategies to Deal with Writer’s Block and Some Humor to Help You Feel Good

    Strategies to Deal with Writer’s Block and Some Humor to Help You Feel Good

    This is not just another blog post about writer’s block. Writer’s block is a common issue for writers and of course, there are lots of tips out there on how to deal with it. If you’re a writer, you’ve probably looked for every bit of advice under the sun to see if you can find the ideal solution to unblock that block, break through that creative barrier, and get the words flowing again. 

    Well, this post does have some strategies to help you when you can’t think of what to write, but the big bonus is it also has some relatable moments. (Because that’s what you’re really here for, right?)

    1. Freewriting

    Too often, we become our own freelance editor when we are trying to write. You write several sentences and then the censor police in your head kicks in and has the overwhelming urge to delete  improve what you just wrote. Instead of worrying about what to say, just start writing anything that comes to mind. Set a timer for ten or fifteen minutes and let your thoughts spill out onto the page without censoring them. This method is one way to get past the mental block. Often, freewriting leads to unexpected ideas or topics you can explore further. I’ve tried this method before, and it often results in me writing several paragraphs of garbage I remove with one click of the highlight and delete key, but I have ended up with some good ideas.

    2. Write What’s On Your Mind

    Regardless of whether you’re writing a memoir, a blog, or a work of fantasy, your own life can be a source of ideas. What’s going on in your life? What are you thinking about? Your reactions to current events, your thoughts about a moment in your personal life, or your take on how an overheard conversation should end could spark an idea.

    3. Change Your Environment

    If you’re stuck, sometimes a simple change to your environment can help. Many writers I know go to coffee shops and hang out with writing friends to exchange ideas and just talk about writing or reading. A change of scenery, such as moving to another room to write, or going for a walk to get some fresh air can sharpen your focus. Of course, be prepared if your new environment isn’t the perfect place. (Some writers bring headphones and listen to music when they find the noise levels at a cafe too loud and distracting.)

    4. Read, Watch, or Listen to Something New

    If you’re struggling with ideas, get inspiration from other content. Read a book from a favorite author, listen to a podcast, or watch a show that interests you. I’ve read books while analyzing the writing style to see what I can learn from it. I’ve listened to music to awaken my imagination. It’s also inspiring to watch a movie for ideas (what storylines to learn from if the movie is good, what storylines to avoid if the show is bad), or watch a documentary as part of your research into a topic). Just be mindful of your time – it’s incredibly easy to lose yourself in a movie or a novel for hours. (Because it’s easier to watch stuff than to write stuff.)

    Key Takeaways

    Writer’s block doesn’t have to be permanent. Simple strategies like writing something, anything to get yourself going can get you back into writing mode. Looking for inspiration from various sources or different places can also trigger more ideas. Writing is not a straightforward process from start to finish; sometimes, you just need a little break (or block) to start writing again.