Essays on language & writing The importance of catchy lines Lovely phrases and lines are like lollies or cupcakes we come across as we savour or endure a story. They provide bursts of pleasure that take a book or blog from good to great or relieve the tedium of an informative piece we must get through. As […]
How to Write Killer Sentences that are Unforgettable! 7 Tips. Read More »
Mind your language I love English, with its myriad influences and ability to express many shades of meaning (although other languages are no slouches in that, e.g., Urdu and French that I know of). Metaphors give power, similes add a dash of colour, and colloquialisms provide infinite variety and interest. Abbreviations and mnemonics must be tolerated
Twelve Examples of Office Jargon that Make Me Cringe! Read More »
For the love of English I’ve been into English since my school days. In recent years I’ve studied the art and craft of writing as I’ve written blogs, essays and books. It has to do as much with the right words as good sentences. And etymology, the origin of words, has been an abiding interest.
I Find These Ten Words Beautiful. How about you? Read More »
From one writer to another One of my friends remarked, ‘It’s awesome how you keep up your writing with work and everything else you do. How do you find the time?’ Not that I am a prolific writer, but I understood the question from a non-writer’s point of view. I had many thoughts at once
Our Writing May Be Getting Better, But What Makes It Fast or Slow? Read More »
Part of your wisdom portfolio I don’t curse, cuss, swear, use expletives, profane, or utter obscenities. I have often wondered why I am so and thought I would share my ‘stream-of-thought’ with you. It may entertain you, and in this big world, there may be some like me who’ll tell me so. Is it my
No Apologies — I Don’t Swear, and There Are No Swear Words In My Writing Read More »
When should we use what? Once upon a time, not so long ago, I was a writer who didn’t think much about alternatives for conveying my thoughts and ideas. That I’d come to think of myself as a writer, and some people agreed, was satisfaction enough. I studied the skill and art in those days of
Choosing the Best Form to Make Our Writing Attractive Read More »
Please forgive a rant by a lover and protector of the language No, no, no! ‘Improvise’ does not mean ‘improve’. It may sometimes achieve that, but it’s not its intention. Improvise means to think on the spot, get out of a sticky situation adroitly, spontaneously save the day and such. Don’t believe me? Incredulous? Incredible? Fine
Are you Improvising or Improving? Or Neither? Read More »
4 essential and 15 optional aspects to balance the authentic and the elegant in your stories. Some of you may have read my story on the dangers of boredom in too many blogs being written by formula. This post has the mitigation I promised in it. I had the idea to separate the vital core that
This is All You Need for Unique and Delightful Writing Read More »
Incessant devices are too much of a good thing. As a writer, I let myself be bombarded every day, often multiple times in a day, with ‘How To’s and Listicles teaching me new tricks to grab eyeballs, retain reader attention and inveigle SEO engines. Sure, I want my article to be successful. And I certainly don’t want
Writing by Formula May Ruin the Pleasure Of Something Unique Read More »
