Kathy McIntosh's Blog, page 9

Grammar Dilemmas for the Holidays … Plus Scones!

Christmas Past

Now that we’re deep into the holiday season, we’re faced with that age-old dilemma: “What should I bring to the neighbors’ party?” I’d suggest better grammar! The question should be, “What should I take to the party?” Take is used when something is being moved away from the speaker and bring when something is being moved toward the speaker.

Dr. Seuss got it right. Remember what the Grinch told little Cindy-Lou Who when she asked him why he was taking their Christmas tree? “There’...

A Writer’s Eye Needs Different Perspectives

The Eyes Have It

Caught of snap of this coyote as I drove out of our subdivision today. And met up with this javelina outside a local hospital.

These recent sightings reminded me of a webinar I took from Jeff Herring on article writing and marketing a few years ago.

Jeff suggested we look at the world with “article eyes,” alert to everything that might turn into article topics.

Shortly after, I saw something sad that got me thinking about the different kinds of eyes and how they might see the s...

What to Say When Readers’ To-Read Lists Need Some Help

If someone said “Nothing against women writers, but all of my favorite crime fiction authors happen to be men,” how would you respond?

My first response would be to deck the sexist annoyance! However, if I’m able to restrain myself, I might try a gentler approach.

Even before responding, however, I’d consider whether or not it is worth the effort to convince someone to try something new. I have a friend who always orders turkey sandwiches when we go out for lunch. She does not welcome my sugges...

Boise’s Xtravagantly Gifted and My Food Gift

Saturday night my husband and I joined around 750 other souls at Boise’s historic and beautifully preservedEgyptian Theatre to be part of the 8th Annual Xtreme Christmas Xtravaganza, a fundraiser for the Interfaith Sanctuary. What a great way to celebrate solstice and welcome longer days!

It was an incredible, joyous Xperience. The evening is hosted by Curtis Stigers, a Boiseanwho’s made it big in the world of music. He sings, he composes, he plays the saxophone, the drums and even the gourd!...

Boise’s Xtravagantly Gifted and My Food Gift

Saturday night my husband and I joined around 750 other souls at Boise’s historic and beautifully preserved Egyptian Theatre to be part of the 8th Annual Xtreme Christmas Xtravaganza, a fundraiser for the Interfaith Sanctuary. What a great way to celebrate solstice and welcome longer days!

Ristra from Santa Fe, New Mexico

It was an incredible, joyous Xperience. The evening is hosted by Curtis Stigers, a Boisean who’s made it big in the world of music. He sings, he composes, he plays the saxopho...

Narrowing the Focus: Writing, Speaking, Editing Choices

Last week I had a day that represented my life well. In the morning, I worked on an article for the Idaho Statesman’sBusiness Insider. My biweekly column is called Words at Work, and I have been given great latitude in topics. Sometimes I talk about common errors in business writing, sometimes about grammar, sometimes about interesting words and their etymology.

Later that morning I met with a new friend who is writing short anecdotes of his time with the Peace Corps in Mexico. He is new to th...

Narrowing the Focus: Writing, Speaking, Editing Choices

Last week I had a day that represented my life well. In the morning, I worked on an article for the Idaho Statesman’s Business Insider. My biweekly column is called Words at Work, and I have been given great latitude in topics. Sometimes I talk about common errors in business writing, sometimes about grammar, sometimes about interesting words and their etymology.

Later that morning I met with a new friend who is writing short anecdotes of his time with the Peace Corps in Mexico. He is new to t...

Thank You, Veterans. I Remember

Oak Knoll Naval Hospital, just before demolition

When I graduated from college in 1968, I had few job choices. A woman with a major in English literature was expected to go into teaching, something I didn’t relish.

Neither could I imagine becoming a weapons inspector, one opportunity that came up when I tested to be a federal employee. I would be checking out the armament the U.S. was using to conduct war.

I landed at Oak Knoll Naval Hospital, in Oakland, California, working in the public relati...

Why Critique Groups Trump Beta Readers

Earlier this week my critique partner pointed out a major flaw in my novel. I had a haughty, wealthy, expensively-clad woman mucking out the hog poop in her Leombruni ballet flats. My partner asked why she hadn’t run into town (a short trip) and picked up appropriate hog mucking attire. After all, she had an outfit for every occasion.

Coming at this point in the book, it was an easy fix. I was going for the humorous contrast and forgetting reality. I soon figured out another way to embarrass m...

Expand Your Mind with Fiction

Last fall I attended The World Mystery Convention, commonly referred to as Bouchercon. Bouchercon was named in honor of Anthony Boucher, writer, reviewer and editor. The conference brings together the creators and the devotees of mystery and crime fiction. I was exhilarated to be among so many who love a good murder.

On the plane ride home I chatted with a pleasant young man, a recent college graduate who works in sports management who suggested I write a non-fictional biographic novel about a...