Derek Haines

English teacher, writer, and author. Passionate about grammar, creative writing, and self-publishing. Always exploring new tools and tech to help writers succeed.

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How To Improve An Online Article

15 Ways To Improve An Online Article For Better Search Rankings

If you want to improve an online article, you first have to understand why it isn’t performing. Is it getting impressions but no clicks? Or are readers landing on your page but leaving within a few seconds? Mobile-first reading and AI summaries have changed the game, and a good article isn’t enough any longer. A…

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The Pros And Cons Of Blogging For Authors

Blogging For Authors: Is It Still Worth It? What Works Now

Is blogging for authors still worth it today? From my experience running a writing and publishing blog for many years, the answer isn’t a simple yes or no. What works now is very different from just a few years ago, mainly because of the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in writing and search. If you’d…

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Publish A Book Written By Your Child

Yes, You Can Self-Publish A Book Written By Your Child

It’s very easy to self-publish a book written by your child. There are many online services available to self-publish your child’s book in either an ebook or print book. Children are often blessed with a fantastic imagination. If you are the parent of a budding storyteller, you have plenty of options. I’m sure that you will…

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Vent Your Spleen

Vent Your Spleen: Is This Odd Anger Idiom Factually Wrong?

The origin of the idiom to vent your spleen dates back to Hippocrates in 400 BC. The belief endured until the nineteenth century that four bodily fluids controlled physical and mental qualities. Blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile were called humours. The word humour, or humor in US spelling, derives from Latin, meaning liquid…

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comma before because

Comma Before Because? You Don’t Need One (Except in One Case)

In most cases, you don’t need a comma before because. The only exception is when a comma helps avoid ambiguity or changes the meaning of the sentence. In simple terms, the rule is easy: when because introduces a reason, leave the comma out. When because connects two parts of a sentence, the meaning is usually…

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Writing Apps For iPad

The Best Writing Apps For iPad To Write Anywhere Anytime

The best writing apps for iPad are often the ones you already have installed, or free apps that help you sync with your laptop or desktop. For most writers and authors, you’re not going to replace your computer with your iPad. However, it’s a very handy backup solution when you’re traveling, on vacation, or even…

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Amazon Book Promotion Tools

Amazon Book Promotion Tools On The KDP Dashboard

It’s easy to overlook all the Amazon book promotion tools when you are busy self-publishing your new book. Even if you have already published your book, there are sometimes changes and new tools added by Amazon. Any book promotion is worthwhile, so you should always look at every means available. Social media, your author’s website,…

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