I can’t believe it: I’ve started writing a novel. And has it ever given me insight into the writing process. Every writer has their methods, but I quickly discovered mine was to have a definite outline with the plot sorted out right from the beginning. Novel writing, er, writing a novel, rather, seems like an… Continue Reading
We all love to have a laugh over grammar and spelling mistakes on signs — especially when the results are hilarious — as Jay Leno and other late night show hosts can attest. Previously on this blog, I poked fun at some error-riddled signs around Toronto. Finding errors on signs was “like shootin’ fish in… Continue Reading
Self-publishing is growing by the minute. From Wattpad (check this out already!) to Amazon’s Create Space and Kindle Direct Publishing, content creators (authors seems so archaic) are finding places to share their talents, and readers are enjoying the fruits of those talents. Actually, readers themselves are agents in the creation of content, offering their praise,… Continue Reading
The End of Sex is a new book by Donna Freitas which details hook-up culture on college campuses. Freitas’s research is fascinating. She found that instead of being liberating — as is often touted — hook-up culture is leaving both young men and women feeling frustrated. Students feel forced to participate in hook-up culture because… Continue Reading
There may be many errors on local storefront signs, but these signs of spring in my Toronto neighbourhood are perfection. Happy Victoria Day weekend, everyone!
Well, this time the mistake isn’t mine. It’s hard to see with the glare, but what we’re missing here is a little thing known as parallel construction. “Men & Boys”; “Ladies & Girls.” Should be “Women & Girls” or “Gentlemen & Boys.” I know some people have an issue with ladies per se (here’s an… Continue Reading
Traditional publishing, like God, is dead — at least as an industry. Like Pluto, publishing has been demoted: It is now simply a “function” — among many others — of business. And all because of the digital revolution. We no longer access information the way we used to. Like the power of the Catholic Church… Continue Reading
Nothing strikes terror through the heart of an editor like the sudden bolt out of the blue when you realize, belatedly ‘natch, that you’ve made a mistake. This happened to me a few minutes ago. I’ve been sending out my cover letter and resumé via email. In the email message, I write, “My cover letter… Continue Reading
I’ve been searching for errors on storefront signs around the city. Today there was no shortage of offenders. The most common errors were as you might expect: An apostrophe s where none is needed (or vice versa): Are the materials for artists (no apostrophe), or do the materials belong to artists (apostrophe)? No apostrophe is… Continue Reading