Articles written by Stephanie Bryant

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About me - Stephanie Bryant

I've been a writer my whole life, and made my first submission (and received my first rejection!) when I was 16 years old. I started writing professionally in 1996, when I got my first technical writing job. I've been a tech writer ever since then, working

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Jobs & Careers > Job Interviews The importance of first impressions in getting a job: 4 of 19
Last year, I probably went on twenty-five job interviews. I got some of the jobs, and didn't get others, and there were a couple that didn't get me. The interview is an important part of the hiring process for me as a writer. It's where I show off my writing samples. It's also the best place for me to demonstrate to my pot... More..
Relationships & Family > Celebrations & Holidays (Other) Must-have party supplies: 3 of 11
Throwing a terrific party takes planning and a few key items. You'll often be tempted to throw a "theme" party, but even if you don't throw a "pirate party" or a "kitchen bridal shower," the reason for the party serves as a theme in itself. You'll need: * food, particularly finger food and appetizers * beverages, includi... More..
Computers & Technology > TV HDTV buying guide: 6 of 15
Planning to buy an HDTV? Slow down, make sure you get what you want without spending a fortune! In your typical home theater system, you have a few key pieces: * A receiver for getting antenna, cable, or satellite signals from the world outside into your TV * A device for recording shows (a digital video recorder, like a... More..
Business > Human Resources How to write a rejection letter: 1 of 2
There are three things to include in a rejection letter: Honesty, lies, and more lies. When someone applies for a position or sends an unsolicited proposal to your company, and they just don't make the cut, your rejection of their efforts does not need to be the brutally honest Simon Cowell style rejection, but it should incl... More..
Hobbies & Games > Yarn & Needle Crafts Sewing projects: How to make your own hair scrunchies: 1 of 1
"Hair scrunchies" are decorative ponytail holders which typically have a "scrunched" fabric appearance. They're practical, decorative, and no long-haired girl should be without one in her purse or pocket. Making a hair scrunchy is easy, and teaches you a basic technique that's also useful for sewing cuffs and waistbands in... More..
Jobs & Careers > Career Path & Goals What to consider when you are thinking about a career move: 11 of 17
Whether you're ready for a new career, or looking to change your role in your current career, your guiding motto should be: "Know thyself." Do you know yourself? Studies show that most people overestimate their abilities at any given task. And those who are least competent at a task tend to overestimate their abilities mor... More..
Pets & Animals > Aquarium Fish Euthanizing aquarium fish: 2 of 3
It's a sad fact of fishkeeping that sometimes, fish take a long time to let go of life. Watching a beloved fish struggle to breathe is tragic and helps no one, including the fish. In some cases, a fish may be carrying a contagious disease that needs to be ended as quickly as possible. Often, putting the poor thing out of its ... More..
Computers & Technology > Business & Office Software How to enhance your presentations with Microsoft PowerPoint: 12 of 16
When you are called on to give a presentation, consider very carefully your topic, your message, and your delivery. Few presenters use PowerPoint or other presentation software effectively, but you don't have to be one of them! First, know your topic so well, you could give a presentation on it without PowerPoint software.... More..
Hobbies & Games > Video Game Culture & Community How video games affect our lives: 23 of 27
How boring is your life, anyway? I recently set up an RSS reader to download all my friends' LiveJournal posts so I can read them offline. In hours and hours of reading, I found that only a few folks had really distinctive voices with something interesting to say. The rest of them are all playing video games. That's all th... More..
Pets & Animals > Cat Training Why cats are difficult to train: 8 of 9
Cats are wonderful animals who can make real companions to humans. Most humans, however, do not understand cat behavior well enough to train them, and often use dog training techniques, which work very poorly on all but the most "dog-like" cats. Humans (and dogs) are social animals- we prefer to exist in a group. We hunt in g... More..