Neil Gaiman on the antidote to rejection
In this video, best-selling author Neil Gaiman talks about rejection and how to handle it. Continue reading Neil Gaiman on the antidote to rejection
My problem with “was”
The word “was” is an easy fit when writing in the past tense. Along with “had” it is easy to use the word so hard and often that it becomes a distraction. While “was” is a good word and sometimes … Continue reading My problem with “was”
5 hard-won editing tips
Editing your writing can be a hard process. At least, it is for me. Here are five tips that I think might help your editing and have certainly helped mine. 1. Identify your overused words My overused words include “was” … Continue reading 5 hard-won editing tips
A conversation with a journaling coach
Recently I had a web-based conversation with a journaling coach. I was able to ask questions about journaling and learn more about the art. This is that conversation. What is journaling? Has it been around long? Journaling is the act … Continue reading A conversation with a journaling coach
25 words most writers should avoid
In the game of writing, not all words were created equal. Here are twenty-five weak words writers should avoid. I have included stronger alternatives. Remember that while these words may be commonly used, it’s not necessarily that they are always … Continue reading 25 words most writers should avoid
MixMatched Margate: A Spoken Word Night
MixMatched: Margate is an inclusive spoken word and performance night taking place this Saturday in Sundowners Bar Margate. They encourage all performers. Any topic and any genre. MixMatched aims to be neurodivergent+ (dyslexic, dyspraxic, ADHD, autistic, OCD, BPD, depressive/anxiety disorder … Continue reading MixMatched Margate: A Spoken Word Night
Word of the Week: Eldritch
Eldritch is a word meaning something otherworldly, weird, ghostly, or uncanny. Although a fairly old word, Eldritch has had something of a revival being strongly associated with Lovecraftian Horror, Dungeons and Dragons (since Eldritch Wizardry (published in 1976) was written … Continue reading Word of the Week: Eldritch
Word of the Week: Flabbergast
Flabbergast is an informal verb meaning to surprise someone greatly – to astonish them. Example use: I was flabbergasted when he offered to forgive my entire debt. Continue reading Word of the Week: Flabbergast
Word of the Week: Myriad
A myriad is a lot of something. Usually, myriad means more than you can count. Literally it means in measures of ten thousand. One myriad was what 10,000 was once called. For example, there is a myriad of reasons why … Continue reading Word of the Week: Myriad
Word of the Week: Anthropomorphize
When you anthropomorphize a thing you attribute human characteristics to it. Anthropomorphize is the word you would use when describing what Pixar did to get talking cars, talking toys, and playful lamps. Continue reading Word of the Week: Anthropomorphize
Word of the Week: Interlocutor
An Interlocutor is a person taking part in a conversation. If you are in a debate with other people you are debating your Interlocutors. See if you can find a way to naturally use “Interlocutor” in your writing. Continue reading Word of the Week: Interlocutor
Writing Challenge: Describe a villain using only praise
This week’s challenge is to describe a villain using only positive language and praise. Continue reading Writing Challenge: Describe a villain using only praise