Do you love writing? Do you hate writing? Do you think writing is kind of okay, but you would like to do it better? Does the English language make you roll your eyes in amusement? If you answered yes to any of these questions, this blog is for you. And it's not just about writing. It's also a blog about speaking, listening, and anything having to do with language.
Welcome to Wordsplash -- a blog for amateur writers, professional writers, aspiring writers, good writers, bad writers, enthusiastic writers, reluctant writers, and penguins. (Why penguins? Because penguins are cool.) It's a blog for anyone who likes to splash words around and see what happens.
Wordsplash is a blog about the English language -- and occasionally other languages and how they relate to English. We'll explore ways to make your writing crisper and more powerful, look at English's quirks, examine common mistakes, learn how to say more in fewer words, giggle at bloopers and typos, soak up some cool linguistic trivia, and even dive into the psychology of writing -- topics such as writer's block, staying motivated, and coping with distractions. I'll review my favorite books about writing, and when time allows, answer questions from readers.
Is there something about the English language that confuses you? A sentence or paragraph that isn't quite expressing what you are really trying to say? A short excerpt of your writing you'd like critiqued? E-mail me at wordsplash (~at~) davethefox.com and I'll do my best to answer your question in my blog.
(Ye olde fyne print: Please note that I cannot respond to all questions. If I don't answer yours, please don't take it personally, and please don't come after me with a chainsaw. If you send samples of your writing to this e-mail address for comments or critiques, you are granting me permission to use it as an example in my articles about writing -- on this blog or elsewhere. You will be identified by first name and city unless you request otherwise. Please understand that as an overworked, underpaid freelance writer, I do not have time to give out free, private writing advice, so please resist the urge to swamp me with questions if you don't want me to discuss them on this blog. I am available for private "word coaching" -- via e-mail or Skype, or in person in Seattle -- but hey, it's part of the way I pay my bills. If you'd like more info, drop me an e-mail and I'll fill you in on my rates.)
I'm also looking for examples you find of other people's language that seems improper. Have you heard a quote that tries to say one thing but means something else? Found a sentence in print or online that doesn't make sense the way it's worded. Spotted a sign with a funny mistake? Send me your photos, web links, scanned articles, or anything else you have to offer, and we'll talk about them online. Or maybe you have a pet peeve -- something you read or hear on a regular basis that's incorrect.
Becoming a better writer is a never-ending process. We all make mistakes, no matter how experienced we are. (Blogging about good and bad writing is scary. I goof things up myself sometimes when I'm in a hurry.) So when I use other people's writing and point out their goof-ups, please know I do so with respect for the writer, as a tool for all of us to become better writers.
This blog is interactive too. The "right way" to say something isn't always clear. In the "comments" section underneath each post, we'll share our thoughts and debate what we read. (No scratching or biting, please.)
About me: I'm a professional freelance writer with more than 15 years of experience. I've written in a wide range of genres: Print and broadcast journalism, marketing, humor, travel, children's educational literature, brochures, medical and tech writing, and more. I've critiqued other writers' work in a wide variety of genres -- everything from college term papers to short fiction, from travel articles to (::blush::) erotica.
My first book, Getting Lost: Mishaps of an Accidental Nomad, is a collection of humor essays about things that have gone wrong in my international travels. My second book, about how to write more exciting travel journals (and still have time to enjoy your trip) is scheduled for publication in the summer of 2008 by Inkwater Press. You'll find lots of my travel journaling tips over at another one of my websites, traveljournaling.com.
I write original material, edit other people's work, teach classes, and offer one-on-one consulting to help people improve or adapt their writing styles. I can work with you in person in Seattle, or online, and I offer a discount for students with a valid ID. If you're interested in hiring me or chatting more about the services I offer, e-mail me and let me know how I can help.
My ideas for this blog have been percolating for a long time. I'll try to post new material at least a couple of times a week.
Recent Comments