Joanna’s theme this month is breathing space, and in this crazy world, what could be more important? I’m sure I’m not the only one who is glued to her computer screen for hours (and hours) every day. Nor am I complaining about that. If I didn’t love writing, twittering, blogging,…
Internal Entertainment
Another thing I’ve been thinking about, about writing: It’s internally created entertainment. Now, of course, there can be a difference between the fun kinds of creative writing and the obligatory kinds of drier, business-types of writing. But still, I find that dredging words up out of my subconscious can be…
Why I Write
I’ve written in general terms about why writers write (to put food on the table, to be read, just because they love to, and so on), but have I told you why I, personally, like to write? Words First and foremost, I love words. Putting them together, mixing them up,…
Right to Write Right
I’ve seen a couple posts floating around the internet lately discussing whether the ability to write well is necessary, or even desirable, for someone who wants to write a blog. It should be obvious that I’m going to come down on the “Yes, it’s necessary” side of the fence. After…
Footnotes and Endnotes
This isn’t meant to be a formal discussion on the differences between these two forms of annotation, but just a topic something I’ve been thinking about. I just finished reading a biography of Franklin Delano Roosevelt. It was a good, interesting book about a complex man, but I had one…
Irony
I don’t want you to think that I don’t appreciate the irony. I’ve talked often about the importance of proof-reading. I stand by it, too. Sure, everybody makes mistakes. Some are more obvious than others, some stem from poor typing, or from rushing and being careless. Some come from ignorance…
Proof-Reading: A Favorite Theme
It’s a favorite theme, stressing the importance of proof-reading, and here’s another example: See this paper towel? All covered with kitchen-related words, all connected to cooking? Do you see something wrong? Look closer. Granted, the word “beet” describes a root vegetable that is often found in kitchens, but when it’s…
Numbers and Words
Here’s an interesting juxtapostion. Yesterday was a big deal in math circles, being called “Square Root Day” because it was March 3rd, 2009. (03×03=09) Today is not only National Grammar Day, but it’s the only day that qualifies as a full, declarative sentence: March Forth! (fourth) Right there, in a…
What IS an E-Book?
How do you define an ebook? I’ve been reading a lot about ebooks lately, and it’s made me realize that there are really two, entirely separate meanings to the word. Well, yes, either way, the “e” stands for electronic, as opposed to the “dead tree” edition of books that all…
Premio Dardos
Well, thanks Lillie! Lillie Ammann gave me a Premio Dardos Award. To quote, “Premio Dardos means ‘prize darts’ in Italian. It is given for recognition of cultural, ethical, literary, and personal values transmitted in the form of creative and original writing.” The rules are to (1) accept the award by…