James Thurber is quoted as saying “Don’t get it right, just get it written.” But then what? Nobody, not even experienced writers get it right first time and so the next step after “just get it written”, is to go back,
How an everyday object can inspire you to write (or 101 uses for ….)
If you are a new or inexperienced writer and struggling to find something to write about, discover how an everyday object can inspire you to write. There are numerous books and websites (serious and not so serious) which suggest multiple
Create an oral history to capture the stories people have to tell
Before written communication evolved the only way history could be passed down was through the spoken word. But even when written communication became possible the oral tradition continued and so many stories were passed down through generations and communities by word of mouth. Although
Words that sound or look alike
In my blog Frequently misused words – damp squid and other blunders I talked about words that are frequently used incorrectly and so I thought I would continue on a similar theme but this time with words that sound or look alike
Are hyphens really necessary?
There is some controversy over the use of hyphens (even are hyphens really necessary) and no doubt the debate will go on. But what are hyphens and why do some of us think they are an important part of the English language? Hyphens
Frequently misused words – damp squib and other blunders
This blog is all about frequently misused words so let’s start with Damp squib which I have used in the title. The correct phrase is Damp squib (when something is less impressive than expected) but it is often incorrectly written and pronounced as Damp squid. Now you
The use of apostrophes – banana’s 70p a kilo
Can you spot what is wrong with banana’s 70p a kilo in the title to this blog post? No? Then probably like many other people you are confused about where and when to use apostrophes (‘). In English, there are just
Writing for the nostalgia market – in print and online
If you have some nostalgic memories you would like to share, then read on to find what opportunities there are in writing for the nostalgia market. Nostalgia isn’t just about war-time experiences You can be nostalgic about any period –
Company, family business and club histories
Do you run a company that has a significant anniversary coming up? Do you own a family business that has a story to tell? Have you been asked to write the history of your organisation, association or club? We can
Creative nonfiction – a brief introduction
From autobiography, memoir, personal essays, family history and local history to travel writing, business writing, self-help, food writing, health and fitness, these all come under the heading of nonfiction. And, because of their diversity, they are the widest category in literature –