Word count: 328 words Reading time: Just over 1 minute This is my weekly installment of “writing about writing,” in which I scan the world to find websites, books and articles to help writers. Today, I look at a piece about dictionaries. I once interviewed a man who owned hundreds […]
There is much more to know about a word… Read More »
Word count: 235 words Reading time: About 1 minute A great way to improve your writing skills is to emulate the work of others. That’s why, every week, I present a sentence that I’d happily imitate. Today’s comes from Ian Parker. I hadn’t heard of the American writer, director and
He has a long, square-chinned face… Read More »
Word count: 243 words Reading time: About 1 minute This is my weekly installment of “writing about writing,” in which I scan the world to find websites, books and articles to help writers. Today I give you a link to a story on the history of words, found in the
Uncovering news about the history of words Read More »
Word count: 254 words Reading time: About 1 minute A great way to improve your writing skills is to emulate the work of others. That’s why, every week, I present a sentence that I’d happily imitate. Today’s comes from American novelist Jennifer Egan. As soon as I heard the name
The scramble of her heartbeat… Read More »
Reading time: About 2 minutes I read widely, watch movies and listen to the radio. Here, catch an interesting piece of figurative language I’ve encountered recently. Today’s choice comes from the Obama 2012 speech that wrapped up the election. I had no vote in this week’s US presidential election. I’m
Obama 2012 speech delivers figurative language Read More »
Word count: 211 words Reading time: Less than 1 minute A great way to improve your writing skills is to emulate the work of others. Here is a sentence I read recently that I’d happily imitate. When I was a Girl Guide, back in the dark ages, one of
The very word gloaming reverberates… Read More »
Word count: 563 words Reading time: Just over 2 minutes The idea of copying another writer may seem distasteful to you, but, trust me, you can learn a lot from the practice… * I didn’t cheat on exams when I was in high school. I restricted myself to reading novels
Why you should copy (a modest proposal) Read More »
Word count: 550 words Reading time: About 2 minutes Even simple words, such as “exit” can convey a freight of meanings. Always ensure you’re using exactly the right words.… When I took my first ever ride on the Canada Line — Vancouver’s newish subway from downtown to the airport —
Are you finding exactly the right words? Read More »
Word count: 750 words Reading time: About 3 minutes Today I answer a question from a reader who is looking for a new style guide …. A reader named Michelle submitted the following question to the Publication Coach: I work in a request for proposal (RFP) department for a financial
Who wants a new style guide for Christmas? Read More »
Word count: 653 words Reading time: Less than 3 minutes Today I answer a question from a reader who wants to beef up her verbs. What do I suggest to help? Read on to learn more…. A reader named Linda submitted the following question to the Publication Coach: I subscribe
How to beef up your verbs Read More »
