Words that change their meaning
Listening to my kids talk to each other made me realise how rapidly the English language changes, even from one generation to the next. Awesome and epic both mean cool, of course, but to different...
View Articleactive and passive voice
One sign of weak, unclear writing is the overuse of the passive voice. If you want your work to radiate authority, be active and root out those passive sentences! Active sentences are clear, direct and...
View ArticleShould you only write what you know?
You’ve probably heard the old dictum: ‘Write only what you know’. The unspoken ending for this line is ‘… or run the risk of looking like an idiot.’ Okay, then. Let’s run the risk! When I first started...
View ArticleCliches – avoid them like the plague
Certain phrases have become a bone of contention for readers who like to call a spade a spade. At the risk of opening up a can of worms, I’m going to take the bull by the horns and cut to the chase....
View ArticleDeclutter your desk to improve your writing
Are you near your writing desk? Have a look at what’s lurking on it right now. Do you really need the [select from below] scented candle, outdated newsletters, empty drink bottle, chocolate wrapper,...
View ArticleWords that contradict themselves
Have you ever heard of auto antonyms? They are words that contradict themselves. Also known as contronyms, or words with contradictory meanings. No wonder non-native speakers complain that English is a...
View ArticleHow to write a great author bio
Many authors are comfortable writing about their characters, but cringe when it comes to writing about themselves. Yet it must be done! Part of selling your book is selling yourself … but this doesn’t...
View Article3 Ways to avoid writer’s burnout
Do you feel exhausted after working on your book day after day? Do you feel that nothing you write is good enough? Are you starting to resent writing and wish you were doing something else? It could be...
View ArticleNavigating the blogsphere: blog directories
The blogsphere is a very large place. It can also be a very intimidating one. There are so many blogs out there, how can anyone find their way around? And how can they possibly find little old me?...
View ArticlePaper Nations UK – Dare to Write!
I’m delighted to be involved with Dare to Write?, an online platform for writers. It was created by a professor at Bath Spa University in collaboration with Paper Nations UK, and is supported by the...
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