Dead words is a catch-all expression to describe words and phrases that are unnecessary, weak, or overused in writing. Every word has its place. But in writing, the words you choose should be in the right place and for the right reason. At the top of the list are hackneyed phrases such as, due to…
Zap These Dead Words To Make Your Writing Stronger Read More »
When a magician performs magic tricks, especially with cards, are the illusions a sleight of hand or a slight of hand? You could ask the same question about the skills of a nimble-fingered pickpocket. The correct form of the expression is sleight and not slight. However, if you were writing 200 years ago, slight was…
Sleight Of Hand Or Slight Of Hand Is A Tricky Choice Read More »
You’ve probably read hundreds of advice articles about grammar and writing rules. Hopefully, a few might have even been ones I wrote. While knowing the rules is always good, that doesn’t mean they are set in concrete. General rules are a good guide for correct grammar usage and effective writing. But they are not laws,…
When you are preparing to self-publish a new book, one important element to include is a disclaimer in your front matter. You’ve probably got a lot of other things on your mind as you get ready to publish. However, a disclaimer is a vital precaution that will offer you some degree of legal protection. You…
How To Write A Disclaimer For A Self-Published Book Read More »
Self-publishing doesn’t pose too many legal issues. However, if you are a new author, there are a few legal aspects of self-publishing that you need to consider. You should know how to protect your work, fulfill your tax obligations, and beware of contracts and agreements. You don’t need to be a legal expert. However, being…
The Legal Aspects Of Self-Publishing For New Authors Read More »
The quick answer is that straight-laced and strait-laced are now both generally accepted as correct. However, if you are a language purist, most dictionaries and style guides agree that strait-laced is the original and correct form. The meaning of both forms is the same: that someone is strict in manners, morals, or opinions or has old-fashioned and…
Straight-laced And Strait-laced – Which One Is Correct? Read More »
Grammar is one of my pet topics, and I never stop learning about it. But every now and then, I come across some weird grammar terms that make me scratch my head. Not so much because they are strange structures but because the terms to describe them are so difficult to remember, let alone pronounce…
Like it or not, we live in a writing world now where artificial intelligence (AI) is almost everywhere. That’s why using a few free AI tools, or tools to use with AI is useful and practical. I’m certainly not advocating publishing AI-generated text. However, nothing stands still, and that goes for writing too. So many…
If you’re almost ready to self-publish your first ebook or book, choosing between Draft2Digital or Amazon KDP will likely be one of your first decisions. Both publishing services have advantages, but you want to choose the one that’s right for you and your needs. With Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing), you can publish and sell…
Draft2Digital Or Amazon KDP For First Time Authors Read More »
Literary devices are vital tools that all writers should learn to use to bring their writing and stories to life. They can add depth, emotion, and subtle layers of meaning to even the simplest forms of writing, transforming words into vivid mental images. When you understand and start using a few basic devices, you can…
The Top 20 Literary Devices Every Writer Should Know Read More »
