Sometimes you just have to write about vomit, or at least the potential for it. The difference between nauseous and nauseated is something I should have learned in college. I remember my student editor being upset when we used it incorrectly. I guess it was her pet peeve. I'm still not sure that I don't mix up the words when I'm speaking … [Read more...]
Nerd Note: Hopefully Journalists Won’t Embrace This Change
It sometimes seems like the Associated Press is just trying to jack with writers. I can't think of any other reason the AP would change the style rule on starting sentences with the word hopefully. In case you missed it, the AP announced the stylebook change earlier this month during the annual copy editors' conference. Hopefully, you will … [Read more...]
Nerd Note: Gettin’ tech nerdy
I love the Associated Press Stylebook on a regular day. My students have called me the "AP Style Nazi," an offensive title that made me strangely proud. I smile and shake my head in pity when colleagues come to me and ask for AP Style advice. Bless their hearts. How could they not know? My heart nearly explodes with pride when I hear … [Read more...]
Four steps to make time for what’s important
I love to write. I know it's cliché, but writing always has been my creative outlet. It relaxes me, fulfills me and generally makes me happy. It's likely not coincidental that as I have less time for writing I feel more stressed and less accomplished at the end of the day. I'm not the only one who ends each day with a sense of constant … [Read more...]