Reading time: About 1.5 minutes Personal pronouns can be tricky. Here’s a primer on when to use I and when to use me. As I write this post I am eagerly anticipating National Grammar Day, March 4, 2014. Yes, I realize this is a US holiday, but there’s no good reason […]
When to use I and when to use me… Read More »
Reading time: Less than 1 minute I like to share interesting pieces of figurative language I encounter in my reading. I write today about a metaphor from poet and novelist Jane Urquhart. I admire the writing of Jane Urquhart, even though I don’t like it very much. I’ve read three
The figurative language of Jane Urquhart… Read More »
Reading time: About 1 minute Increase your vocabulary and you’ll make your writing much more precise. That’s why I provide a word of the week. Today’s word: turgid. I have a daughter with a genetic disorder. She’s done really well, but the nature of her condition (neuro-fibrom-atosis) means that something
A twenty-four-hour state of turgid alarm Read More »
Reading time: About 3 minutes We all let our writing productivity wane from time to time. Perhaps we’re frightened. Or tired. Or overwhelmed. Don’t let this happen to you! Is your writing as productive as it needs to be? Here’s a checklist that will help you figure that out… Do
13 ways to improve your writing productivity Read More »
Reading time: About 3 minutes If you were give five extra minutes, what would you do with them? Say, could you spend them writing? Sometimes I catch myself wasting time, especially when I’m doing something I don’t like (such as working on my accounts for my bookkeeper. Yuck!) If you’re
9 productive ways to spend 5 minutes instead of checking your email (again) Read More »
Reading time: 1.5 minutes This is my weekly installment of “writing about writing,” in which I scan the world to find websites, books and articles to help other writers. Today I discuss an article published in the Guardian by pianist James Rhodes… I rushed to pick up groceries last Thursday and
Find what you love… Read More »
Reading time: Less than 1 minute I like to share interesting pieces of figurative language I encounter in my reading. I write today about a simile from Rebecca Mead. Unlike many women, I have little interest in shoes except as vehicles that allow me to travel from one place to
The figurative language of Rebecca Mead… Read More »
Reading time: About 2.5 minutes Are you a writer who wishes you were more creative? Maybe you’re wishing for the wrong thing…. People often have the totally wrong idea that they need to have been born creative in order to write. While being born certain ways can help your writing
Why you shouldn’t fret about the creativity thing… Read More »
Reading time: About 1 minute I like to share interesting pieces of figurative language I encounter in my reading. I write today about a simile from Garth Stein. I can’t remember who recommended the book The Art of Racing in the Rain to me. I knew it was about a dog
The figurative language of Garth Stein… Read More »
Reading time: About 1.5 minutes Increase your vocabulary and you’ll make your writing much more precise. That’s why I provide a word of the week. Today’s words: trochee and spondee. When I was in university, I was invited to join the honours program in English and Political Science. The trouble
What do trochee and spondee mean? Read More »
