Desolie – your writing sharpener
Choosing your editor, be it for your book, thesis or business blog, takes thought. Consider: qualificationsIt's been easy for someone to say 'I was good at English at school, I'll be a good editor'. Things have changed since then: common usage, readers' expectations and new ways of communicating over-ride so many of the 'old rules'.Ask … Continue reading Who should edit my book?
Writing and editing are intertwined. Tips to help you understand how.
My answers to 'You tell me I need to edit my work. But what do I need to check?'
Editing is the final process before sending your writing into the big, wide world. 'But, why? And how?' you ask. Read on for my tips.
Using headings in your nonfiction writing helps both the writing and the reading processes.
So beautifully explained by Australian author, Amanda Curtin, this tutorial will help you on your quest for clear, sharp writing.
This especially quick tutorial is to clarify a single apostrophe usage that often confuses writers.
In manuscripts—and even in print—I frequently see the following:
Let’s go to the Molloy’s house.
Grammatically, this means:
Let’s go to the house of the Molloy.
Now, perhaps there is a big burly guy out there who is referred to as ‘the Molloy’, as in ‘Give that burrito to the Molloy before he chews someone’s arm.’ In that case, the above would be correct. But what the writer usually means is:
Let’s go to the Molloys’ house.
meaning:
Let’s go to the house of the Molloys. [a couple, or a family, or the three banjo-playing Molloy sisters]
If, on the other hand, the writer is referring to a particular Molloy:
Let’s go to the house of Molloy. [e.g. Joe Molloy]
then it would be:
Let’s go to Molloy’s house. [singular Molloy; no definite article]
Again…
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I prefer 'show and tell' rather than giving wordy explanations. Enjoy these examples (with very brief comments) of simple ways you can sharpen your writing - and that will please your readers.
Fiction writers work hard to develop their voice. And it's just as important for business writers.
Learn how a style guide for your business will help keep your writing consistent, clear, engaging and sharp.
Misplaced words and phrases can give the wrong message.
Enjoy this collection of 'danglers'.
Keep your writing tight and sharp by being aware of tautologies - and eliminating them (except when you can't find another way to make your point).
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