on writing outside my comfort zone + introducing you to my new friend named Grammarly.

one of my goals for 2014 was to take writing to a whole other level, pushing myself out of my comfort zone - in other words, going beyond my blog with writing. it's funny because for a long time my blog was something out of my comfort zone. i used to freak out over the thought of people reading about my personal life and thoughts - and i also thought who would even want to read about my life?

and sure there are def days when blogging can still be uncomfortable - when i go beyond the outfit and currently and the random ramblings and strip down to my bare feelings and emotions...that can sometimes still be a little scary.

however, there are some writing projects on my bucket list that are left to be tackled. and this is where my new friend, Grammarly comes in. Grammarly is an online proof-reading site that goes beyond your typical Word spell-check. not only does check your spelling but it proof-reads full on paragraphs and sentences. it offers you suggestions and even allows you to refer your grammar questions to a community board. Grammarly (get this!) even detects plagiarism - talk about a whole other level!

i used Grammarly to proof-reading my support letter which is going out to a number of friends and family, asking for their support for an upcoming missions trip to Peru. i also used Grammarly for several writing projects that need a second pair of eyes. it's been the perfect tool! i am especially one of those writers who writes like she talks so i'm constantly in need of extra proof-reading.

and for the record, i always think of my college professor, Ms. Hecht when it comes to proof-reading of any kind. i took her editing class during my junior year - and not only were my papers red from my proof-reading marks, my proof-reading was proof-read with more red! all that to say editing was not my strong suit. so I use Grammarly for online proofreading because in a way it's my online version of my college professor, Ms. Hecht! (and if you are reading this, you know i love you, Ms. Hecht!)

in all seriousness, i highly recommend checking out Grammarly for yourself. if you don't believe me, be sure to check out the reviews by the Today Show, Forbes and About.com who give stellar reviews on it!

happy writing, friends!

much love. {happy friday, friend.}