~Words Matter~

Every writer I know has to overcome some bad habits. I tend to use too many commas and need to question every one.When to use or not use commas with an appositive is a good example.  Reading the piece out loud helps. So does reviewing the rules. By the way, usage rules change. It's important to stay current. Punctuation can be tricky.

Besides commas, I have to watch out for certain pet words. Words like 'so' and 'just' that denote degree and time creep in much too often. The delete button saves me from these.

It's just that they say so much.

Comments (0)     

A lot of people are shaking their heads over the phenomenal popularity of Masterpiece Theatre's mini-series, "Downtown Abbey." Granted, it would be fair to brand it as a high class soap opera,. It is that, but  much more. Why does it work so well that millions of viewers arrange their schedules so as not to miss a signle episode?

May I suggest the answer lies in one word - Excellence.

From the genius of the multi-facted script to the perfect casting, the photography, the settings, the costumes, every detail reflects attention to craft. With style and grace the characters struggle with the changing world around them, reveal their own flaws and sometimes achieve nobility, whether above or below stairs.

What's not to like?

Comments (0)     

A thought-provoking quote from Alice Walker says, "Expect nothing. Live frugally on surprises."

I think I understand her meaning, but it bothers me. Perhaps she's warning us not to set ourselves up for disappointment. Writing is no job for the timid, though. It takes courage to put one's work out to be judged, dissected and possibly scorned. How could we do that if we didn't expect that something we write might be helpful or strike a chord with someone who reads it?

As for surprises, why not live extravagantly on them? Why not allow the pleasure of an idea that comes out of nowhere? A reader's heart-warming response? Go ahead and enjoy.

Comments (0)     

The gratefulness.org website recently carried this by John Keats: "Nothing ever becomes real till it is experienced - even a proverb is not a proverb until your life has illustrated it."

Or, as I often remind my family, a dream remains a dream until it becomes a goal. Don't pine away for a dream if you haven't set some goals and gone after them.

You hear people say, "I've always wanted to write." Sometimes it's the variation, "I know I could write better than _____." To which I want to respond, "So write, already. You'll never know till you try."

Happy New Year. Make all your dreams come true.

Comments (1)     

The German Information web page reports that a Handelsblatt poll shows that 64% of the German people want a printed newspaper.

I'm glad I'm not the only hold-out. With my breakfast and second cup of coffee, especially on a leisurely Sunday, I don't want to log onto a screen; I want to turn the big, soft pages of a newspaper.

In case you're wondering, I recycle it afterwards.

Comments (1)