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.

Avatar for Derek Haines
How To Describe Smells In Writing Your Readers Will Sense

How To Describe Smells In Writing Readers Can Sense

When you want to describe smells in writing, it’s easy to feel lost for words. You can skip over it by saying something smelled good or bad, but shortcuts like that won’t connect with readers. Imagine describing arriving rain after a period of drought. It’s a delicate, sweet, earthy scent. Fortunately, there’s a word for…

How To Describe Smells In Writing Readers Can Sense Read More »

Don’t Stress Out Over Comma Usage Rules

Painful Comma Usage Rules Don’t Have To Stress You Out

You’re not alone if comma usage rules drive you up the wall. It seems like there are more rules and disagreements for this tiny little punctuation mark than for any other part of grammar and writing. I’m sure you know the basic comma rules. But worrying about them when you write is an unnecessary distraction.…

Painful Comma Usage Rules Don’t Have To Stress You Out Read More »

How Gen Z Writers Discover Writing Advice

Why Gen Z Writers Are Reading Old-School Writing Advice

I was very surprised to discover that Gen Z writers are reading my writing and publishing advice articles. Not only that, but they also represent the largest percentage of my readers. When I started writing, typewriters, notebooks, and pencils were the only writing tools, and telephones were rotary dial. Dial-up Internet modems came a long…

Why Gen Z Writers Are Reading Old-School Writing Advice Read More »

How To Safely Use AI-Generated Images In Ebooks Or Blogs

How To Use AI-Generated Images Safely In Ebooks Or Blogs

Using AI-generated images in your ebook or blog is a logical consideration because they can quickly add unique visual appeal. However, issues regarding copyright and ethics have made the use of these images far from straightforward. As is the case with most advances in technology, laws and legislation are extremely slow to react and enact.…

How To Use AI-Generated Images Safely In Ebooks Or Blogs Read More »

Scroll to Top