As I browsed Amazon yesterday for a new pair of slippers (because as a writer/proofreader/stay-at-home mom, I go through slippers faster than shoes), a description for a pair of slippers with “rubber souls” caught my proofreader’s eye. In this context, the word soul was clearly misused; it should have been sole. Soul refers to a spiritual, life-giving essence. It may also mean a person or a fervent force. Examples: God […]
There’s no one size fits all when it comes to editing. So if you’re considering hiring an editor or proofreader but not really sure who or what you need (or what to expect), this excellent Writer’s Digest article clarifies the matter: 10 Things Your Freelance Editor Might Not Tell You—But Should. I recommend paying particular attention to the differences and degrees of editing versus proofreading. Like most professional proofreaders, I believe […]
Happy Valentine’s Day! And there’s your answer. For the reasoning behind it, keep reading—because there’s no better day than today to discuss the correct usage of this expression (a greeting you’ll hopefully be hearing plenty of). While we’re at it, we’ll also address that apostrophe. Valentine’s Day is the shortened version of Saint Valentine’s Day. February 14 is actually the Christian feast day of a holy man who lived and […]
I recently read an insightful article on ChristianWritingToday.com that, even though it was posted five years ago, is more relevant—and necessary—for today’s Christian writers than ever: Even Spirit-Led Authors Need an Editor. That’s right. Not everything a Christian writer produces is publishable—not in a first draft, anyway. Writing can be enjoyable and inspired—but it can also be hard work! In his article, Donald L. Hughes points out that “Many Christian authors […]
Do both words look correct to you? That’s because they are. It’ s all about correct word usage—knowing which word to use when. Don’t write payed when you mean paid, and vice versa. In most cases, paid will be the word you need. Payed has an extremely limited usage (and it doesn’t have anything to do with spending money). Paid is the past tense and past participle of pay and […]
Welcome to 2018! Most of us make New Year’s resolutions (clichéd as that may be), and I’m no exception. (Meanwhile, my husband happily makes no resolutions—that way, he doesn’t have to be concerned about breaking them.) I believe it’s true that the more resolutions we make, the less likely we’ll be able to keep them. It’s simple math. So I’m trying to keep things manageable. My list of resolutions (see below) […]
Bombarded by the hustle and bustle of the world, I know it’s easy to take our blessings for granted—particularly during this time of year. We may barely notice our blessings or even pause to whisper our thanks. Yet today, with the Twelve Days of Christmas upon us, what better time to consider our many blessings and to give genuine thanks to God? Even the most harried of us can take […]
Thank You, God, for all the blessings You’ve showered upon us. Help us remember that Your love surpasses all love. Help us share Your love in thought, word, and deed. Thank You for our homes, families, friends, and food. We pray for those who suffer and are lonely, frightened, or hungry. Be with them and lift them up with hope. Thank You for the precious time we had with our departed […]
I was recently reading a new self-published Christian novel, and I was impressed. After several pages, I hadn’t found one typo, misspelling, or misused apostrophe—not even a misplaced comma or modifier. Wow! The text read smoothly, cleanly—a refreshing change from many self-published novels. Then there it was, on the first page of chapter two: the young woman’s gate faltered. Her what? I pictured a small door shuddering and squeaking on […]
Please don’t be. While some people get anxious trying to figure out the proper way to use the word anxious, you don’t have to be one of them. First of all, don’t confuse the word anxious with eager. Despite what many believe, these two words are not interchangeable. Eager involves a happy feeling of anticipation as you look forward to something, whereas anxious involves a sense of nervous fear as […]