Simon Rose's Blog, page 63

Perils of Poor Editing: Part Two

Writers should always check their work before publishing their novel, short story or article. This is equally important for journalists, especially those composing the attention-grabbing headlines for news stories.

Here’s a collection of newspaper headlines that could certainly have used a little more attention to detail prior to publication.

Cannabis Smuggling by Troops. Investigation by Joint Chiefs

These people would seem to be an ideal choice to handle the case.

Strip Club Shock – Magistrates May Act on Indecent Shows

This might certainly be a shock for the audience.

More Women Needed for Random Sampling

This initially appears to make sense, until you read it again.

Police Found Safe Under Blanket

Presumably the officers were working on a very dangerous case?

Monty Flies Back to Front

A report about a general returning to the front line in World War II takes on a whole new meaning here.

8th Army Push Bottles Up Germans

Another World War II headline. This sounds painful, to say the least.

Crack Found on Governor’s Daughter

I think we can safely assume that no one at all checked this one before publication.

Something Went Wrong in Jet Crash, Expert Says

I wonder what he or she is an expert in?

Police Begin Campaign to Run Down Jaywalkers

This seems rather extreme to become official policy.

Cold Wave Linked to Low Temperatures

Maybe this headline was composed by the same expert who commented on the jet crash?

So if you’re desperate to get your masterpiece finished and have your potential best-selling novel in the public eye, don’t forget the editing.

 

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Perils of Poor Editing: Part One

For writers, it’s vital to examine your work in detail many times before you submit your work to publishers or upload the text of your ebook to an online bookstore. Even if you’ve checked the text a hundred times, you might still find errors that need to be addressed. 

Good editing and revision is very important and yet many new writers often overlook these crucial steps in the creative writing process. However, even the most experienced writers and journalists can still make embarrassing mistakes.

Here are just a few classic examples that slipped through the net. 

He crossed one leg over the other and planted both feet firmly on the ground.

This could be an interesting maneuver to witness.

He put his hands on his knees and held his head in despair.

This person appears to have two pairs of arms.

She ran down the beach and cast her eyes out to sea.

Did the girl gaze out toward the horizon or throw her own eyes into the water?

We will not stand idly by and be murdered in our beds.

I’m not sure how many people could actually sleep standing up in bed in order to be murdered, but I guess it could be possible.

Last night’s result isn’t as good as it sounds on paper.

A reporter’s take on an unexpected outcome to a sporting event seems somewhat confusing.

There’s a huge question mark hanging over him after the last game.

A below par performance by a player prompted this remark.

It shows what a hot seat that number six shirt has been.

We know what this means, but it certainly sounds very odd.

If Beethoven were alive today, he’d be turning in his grave.

This headline appeared above an article about a rather substandard orchestral performance.

New Hospital in the Pipeline.

Here’s another newspaper headline, referring this time either to a very large pipeline or a very small hospital.

The soldiers were close enough to see their enemies eating their lunch through binoculars.

Initially this one seems to be okay, but is actually complete nonsense.

And finally, a classic ad from a local newspaper.

German Shepherd. Eats anything, fond of children.

So the next time you feel tempted to skip that final examination of your work, beware. It never hurts to do that one extra check.

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PlayWriting Camp in Calgary in July

PlayWriting Camp will take place once again this week with Calgary Musical Arts.

The 2018 PlayWriting camp takes place at St. Vladimir’s Cultural Centre, 404 Meredith Road NE (Near Memorial Drive and Edmonton Trail), Calgary, Alberta.

In a dramatic and fun-filled week of half day camps, children will learn how to write, rehearse and perform their own unique play in just five days. Children will create the plot, craft the script, write dialogue and hone their acting skills for their very own dramatic production, which will then be performed at the end of the week. Half days are from 9:00 am – 12:00 noon daily.

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Book Signing at Indigo Signal Hill, July 14

This Saturday, I’ll be at Indigo at Signal Hill in Calgary from 11.30 am to 5 pm.

I’ll be signing copies of The Alchemist’s Portrait, The Sorcerer’s Letterbox, The Clone Conspiracy, The Emerald Curse, The Heretic’s Tomb, The Doomsday Mask, The Time Camera, The Sphere of Septimus, Flashback, Twisted Fate, and Parallel Destiny.

Indigo is located at 5570 Signal Hill Centre SW in Calgary. Hope to see you there.

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Trico’s Got Talent – July 9 to 13

This week I’ll be working as an instructor at the Trico’s Got Talent performing arts camp in Calgary, where children will experience their very own theatre production.

In a dramatic and fun-filled week , children will learn how to write, rehearse and perform their own unique play in just five days. Children will create the plot, craft the script, write dialogue and hone their acting skills for their very own dramatic production, which will then be performed at the end of the week on the final day of camp.

Learn more at the Trico Centre website.

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Book Signing at Chapters Crowfoot, June 23

This Saturday, I’ll be at Chapters Crowfoot in Calgary from 11.30 am to 5 pm.

I’ll be signing copies of The Alchemist’s Portrait, The Sorcerer’s Letterbox, The Clone Conspiracy, The Emerald Curse, The Heretic’s Tomb, The Doomsday Mask, The Time Camera and The Sphere of Septimus, Flashback, Future Imperfect, and Twisted Fate.

Chapters is located at 66 Crowfoot Terrace NW in Calgary. Hope to see you there.

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Book Signing at Indigo Signal Hill, June 16

This Saturday, I’ll be at Indigo at Signal Hill in Calgary from 11.30 am to 5 pm.

I’ll be signing copies of The Alchemist’s Portrait, The Sorcerer’s Letterbox, The Clone Conspiracy, The Emerald Curse, The Heretic’s Tomb, The Doomsday Mask, The Time Camera, The Sphere of Septimus, Flashback, Future Imperfect, and Twisted Fate

Indigo is located at 5570 Signal Hill Centre SW in Calgary. Hope to see you there.

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PlayWriting Camp in Calgary in July

PlayWriting Camp will take place once again with the Calgary Arts Summer School Association this July.

The 2018 PlayWriting camp will take place from July 16 to 20 at St. Vladimir’s Cultural Centre, 404 Meredith Road NE (Near Memorial Drive and Edmonton Trail), Calgary, Alberta.

In a dramatic and fun-filled week of half day camps, children will learn how to write, rehearse and perform their own unique play in just five days. Children will create the plot, craft the script, write dialogue and hone their acting skills for their very own dramatic production, which will then be performed at the end of the week. Half days are from 9:00 am – 12:00 noon and/or 1:00 – 4:00 pm daily.

Details of fees and registration forms are available on the CASSA website.

The post PlayWriting Camp in Calgary in July appeared first on Simon Rose.

PlayWriting Camp in Calgary in July

PlayWriting Camp will take place once again with the Calgary Arts Summer School Association this July.

The 2018 PlayWriting camp will take place from July 16 to 20 at St. Vladimir’s Cultural Centre, 404 Meredith Road NE (Near Memorial Drive and Edmonton Trail), Calgary, Alberta.

In a dramatic and fun-filled week of half day camps, children will learn how to write, rehearse and perform their own unique play in just five days. Children will create the plot, craft the script, write dialogue and hone their acting skills for their very own dramatic production, which will then be performed at the end of the week. Half days are from 9:00 am – 12:00 noon and/or 1:00 – 4:00 pm daily.

Details of fees and registration forms are available on the CASSA website.

The post PlayWriting Camp in Calgary in July appeared first on Simon Rose.

Writing Historical Fiction – Mount Royal University, June 9 and 10

The Writing Historical Fiction classes take place at Mount Royal University on June 9 and 10 from 9.00 to 4.00 pm.

Historical fiction combines the events of the past with characters and stories from the writer’s imagination.

These classes examine the art of writing of historical fiction and the need to fully immerse yourself in a particular time period to make your storytelling more believable. Learn how to write effective, authentic and appealing historical fiction and how to turn your ideas into compelling stories. Understand what defines historical fiction and different historical time periods, create believable settings and plausible characters and learn how research plays a crucial role in the creation of your novel.

The classes involve assignments, discussions, and writing exercises, and also deals with aspects of the writing process. The classes also examine ways to research publishing houses where you can submit your work, cover letters, synopses and sample chapters.

Registration

Registration is available here on the Mount Royal University website.

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