Writing

An oxymoron and paradox are similar literary devices because contradictory terms often appear together. While they are alike, they differ in their construction. An oxymoron usually consists of only two or possibly three words. Examples include pretty ugly, original copy, and think out loud. A paradox, on the other hand, is a sentence that often…

Good writers never write a first sentence; they carefully create and craft one with a clear objective in mind. The opening sentence in any piece of writing needs to convince the reader that what follows is worth reading. Whether you are writing a novel, an essay, an article, a blog post, or a poem, your…

When it comes time for serious editing, the two most popular choices are the Grammarly or Prowritingaid desktop editor. These two apps are the top choices for a writing checker and grammar corrector for most writers. There’s no doubt that if you have a premium version of either one, you know how helpful it can…

The mistakes new writers can make often occur because of not being aware of a problem. All writers, including the experienced, make mistakes, errors, and typos. But the key to good writing is knowing how to fix a problem. If you are a new writer, don’t worry. Once you understand the basics, you can improve…

The skills a writer needs can make for a long list. It includes mastering grammar, syntax, tone, and style, to name a few. New writers find the process challenging but rewarding as they discover how to use these elements to craft their own unique voices. No writer is ever truly finished, as writing is a…

What’s the novelty effect for writers? It’s a way of looking at your writing in a fresh, new, or different way. Writers tend to be creatures of habit. We do everything the same almost all the time. But changing your writing tools or routines can give you a new perspective on your writing. Simply making…

New writers face a learning curve for the many facets they need to master to write well. It takes time to understand the writing craft and learn how to structure a story, an essay, an article, or a poem. But the more you write, the better you become as you come to grips with grammar,…

Hyphens in writing are an essential punctuation point. However, using hyphens can sometimes be a little confusing for new writers. But knowing when and how to use them correctly is not as challenging as it seems. There are many uses for hyphens. However, most difficulties arise with permanent and temporary compound adjectives. When you use…

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…

There are so many fantastic writing apps for iPad now. If you like to write on the move, it’s a winning combination. You don’t need to carry around your laptop because any iPad, even an old one, has more than enough power and memory for writing apps. It’s possible to write with the on-screen keyboard.…