Said and Read
Words fascinate me. Their origins, their meanings, their evolution — all of that interests me, and has for as long as I can remember. Words are the building blocks of thought, and the pathway to other minds. They give us a way to externalize the complex and ephemeral thoughts and feelings that make each of us unique in the history and future of the world. In this blog, I’ll share my exploration of (and enthusiasm for) words, language, and communication. I’ll try for a good mix in trivia, tips, and observations.
Outlines, Maps, and Mistakes
The initial outline is like a marked map, and writing the first draft is like hiking. Sometimes it’s the detours that yield the best view.
Descriptive Powers: Similes, Metaphors, and Associations, Oh My!
Similes and metaphors are important tools for descriptive writing, and help writers add style to their prose.
Beyond the Dashboard—By the Numbers, By the Words
A “bestseller” isn’t the only successful book. There’s another definition of success, and it can’t be captured in numbers.
There’s a Word for That
Studies show it’s easier to perceive something when you have a word for it. That’s why building a robust vocabulary matters.
Beta Readers & the Junk Drawer
Giving a draft of a work in progress is a major milestone–and an awful lot like inviting someone to snoop around the house. It’s also magic.
Language Curmudgeon
Language evolves for lots of good reasons – but there are also good reasons why linguistic changes can make a person grumpy.
The Elements of Genre
A book’s genre is a clue about the balance between the main drivers of story – plot, character, or setting.
Important Books
Most books are not Important Books, no matter how excellent they are – but if a book makes you think, isn’t that what’s important?
Main Characters – An Airport Perspective
Perspective is the difference between being an extra and being the star of the show, and the difference between a layover and a destination.
The Choice of Literacy
More and more, it’s possible to get everything done without bothering with that pesky business of reading and writing. It’s a loss.
