I frequently am asked about my favorite podcasts. I get this question more frequently now that podcasts seem to be making a comeback in popularity. I didn't listen to many podcast for a couple of years while I was completing two reading challenges. Not setting a reading challenge this year means I have more time to revisit my favorite … [Read more...]
Nerd Note: Compliment or Complement?
Every now and then I see people writing about a grammar peeve and I wonder if I'm making the mistake. That's how I felt about compliment vs. complement, so I thought it was worth addressing here. I'm pretty sure I know the difference in the words and have been using them correctly. But, just in case we're making mistakes, here's the … [Read more...]
5 Podcasts You Must Hear
While you're testing how amazing your voice sounds in the car or chatting on your cell phone, I'm learning. Podcasts are a great way to learn from expert sources while doing other routine tasks like driving, cleaning or exercising. For those who produce them, podcasts are a good way to reach an audience who may prefer to listen to information … [Read more...]
Nerd Note: The Punctuation Goes Where?
Sometimes it just feels like you have too much punctuation to place in a sentence. You know, when you have a regular punctuation point and you need to place quote marks around something. I bet you wonder if the punctuation mark goes inside or outside of the quote mark. I know I've considered this more than once. The answer—it depends on the … [Read more...]
Nerd Note: One Space, People!
This may be a bit dramatic, but I think you get the point. It's time to break that habit your computer (or, in my case, typing) teacher bred into you. We only use one space after punctuation, not two. A single space is used because, quite simply, it looks better. Two spaces create a painful looking gap in print, making the reader feel an abrupt … [Read more...]
10 Blogs Journalists Must Read
Most writers consider it fact that, in order to write well, you must read a lot. I encourage student journalists to read everything they can get their hands on. I figure the good writing they read will give them something to mirror. The bad writing serves as a warning and a great way to practice their editing skills. Journalists are mass … [Read more...]