Alexander M. Zoltai's Blog, page 122
August 22, 2015
Double passives, real grammar, and finding fault
Today’s Re-Blog poses some interesting issues of grammar yet it’s really flirting with you to come visit the Macmillan Dictionary Blog :-)
Originally posted on Sentence first:
At Macmillan Dictionary Blog I’ve been writing about double passives, beliefs about grammar, and usage criticism. Excerpts and links follow.
In The double passive is suggested to be avoided (sometimes), I look at a construction often criticised in writing manuals, reporting on why double passives are...
August 21, 2015
Libraries at the Literary Divide ~ Print & Digital
This post will make it34 articles I’ve written here about Libraries.
Image courtesy of http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Bouquin_%C3%A9lectronique_iLiad_sur_une_pile_de_livre_dehors_au_soleil.jpg
As far as I know, my novel (to the left in the side-bar…) is only in three libraries, so far; but then, I self-published.
More on that in a bit…
First, let’s look at some ideas from an article in The Washington Post—Readers win when libraries add e-books, but preserve print, as well(this article focu...
August 20, 2015
An Infinity of Stories
This Re-Blog could raise the spirits of discouraged Readers…
It could also purge Writers of any and all “blocks”…
Originally posted on Live to Write - Write to Live:
When you look into the space between the stars it may at first appear empty, just a void of darkness between bright points of light. But you keep staring, and you realize that the space is actually filled with a subtle, cosmic light that vibr...
August 19, 2015
Another Good Reason to Avoid Traditional Publishing
With this post, I’ve written 29 articles dealing with what’s called Traditional Publishing.
Printing Press Image courtesy of Tracy Olson ~ http://www.freeimages.com/photographer/designkryt-45681
For those who haven’t had to find out about different types of publishing, “traditional” involves finding an agent (who usually gets 15% of whatever you make) who shops your book to the publishing companies—when accepted by a publisher, an advance against possible royalties is given and the author is...
August 18, 2015
Self-editing masterclass snapshots: Too-Brief Drafts…
Are you a writer who can’t seem to write long enough drafts?
In today’s Re-Blog, Roz Morris gives advice on lengthening your writing—plus, she links to another post about turning a short story into a novel :-)
Originally posted on Nail Your Novel:
I’m running a series of the smartest questions from my recent Guardian self-editing masterclass for novelists. Last time I discussed how much extra material we might write that never makes the final wordcount. Today I’m looking at...
August 17, 2015
Author Interview ~ Jamie Marchant
Let’s add to the over-50 Author Interviews on this blog by introducing Jamie Marchant:
Jamie, let’s start with the question, when did you first consider yourself a writer?
I think I have always considered myself a writer even when I wasn’t presently writing. As a young child, I never remember wanting to be anything else. I started writing stories about the Man from Mars for my older sister when I was about six. I then wrote a fairy tale for her, starring her and her husband. Throughout my ado...
August 16, 2015
Why Our Ignorance Makes Us Overestimate How Much We Know
How can intelligent people support false theories?
Is it possible for creative writers to make readers believe nearly anything?
Do you think you know way more than you actually do?
Find possible answers to these questions (and many more) in today’s Re-Blog…
Originally posted on Longreads Blog:
Impostor syndrome has been covered extensively in recent years. Its inverse, known as the Dunning-Kruger effect, is at least as pervasive: our innate tendency to confidently claim exp...
August 15, 2015
Learning to Fish (and Write)
Is it fair to say the relationship between Reader and Writer is like the relationship between Fish and Those-Who-Fish?
Read on :-)
Originally posted on Live to Write - Write to Live:
I don’t know what I expected from the title, but I was hooked from the first sentence.
I’m learning to fish as part of a current writing project. The allure is two-fold: First, I’m exploring new ways to be in nature. Fishing – fly-casting, in particular – appeals to me for both its contemplat...
August 14, 2015
Writing Advice Can Often Be Toxic to Writers . . .
Image Courtesy of http://www.freeimages.com/photographer/Nicole_N-65914
I remember when “personal” computers were beginning to appear—when every kid on the block started to become an “expert”—when you could easily trash your shiny, new computer by listening to the wrong people…
I also remember when publishing books became easier for an individual—when every creative-type started to become a book-guru—when you could easily ruin your tender, longing hopes by listening to the wrong people…
Compu...
August 13, 2015
Pelted with Petals? Or Stoned to Death?
Today’s Re-Blog is a brilliant meditation on the apparent futility of using literature to improve our life situation…
And, brilliant irony, too—a poem is the vehicle…
Originally posted on INVOLUTION: Science and God: Reality Redefined:
Pelted with Petals? Or Stoned to Death?
Stings and Arrow of Outrageous Fortune
This may be the beginning of something. It is too soon to tell.
If you visit regularly you may have noticed a long silence. Truth is despair has bitten deep, not...
