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“Advice? I don’t have advice.

Stop aspiring and start writing.

If you’re writing, you’re a writer.

Write like you’re a goddamn death row inmate and the governor is out of the country and there’s no chance for a pardon.

Write like you’re clinging to the edge of a cliff, white knuckles, on your last breath, and you’ve got just one last thing to say, like you’re a bird flying over us and you can see everything, and please, for God’s sake, tell us something that will save us from ourselves.

Take a deep breath and tell us your deepest, darkest secret, so we can wipe our brow and know that we’re not alone.

Write like you have a message from the king. Or don’t. Who knows, maybe you’re one of the lucky ones who doesn’t have to.”

Alan Watts (1915 – 1973)

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Common Misspelled Words that begin with E

Here’s another list of the most common misused or misspelled words:

elicit vs. illicit

  • Elicit is a verb which means to bring out or draw forth.
  • Illicit is an adjective which means illegal or unlawful.
  • For example:
    Her illicit behavior elicited dirty looks from women everywhere.

eminent vs. imminent

  • Eminent means renowned or distinguished.
  • Imminent means impending or likely to happen without delay.
  • For example:
    The eminent scientist eagerly anticipated his imminent return to his homeland.

enormity vs. enormousness

  • Enormity means excessive wickedness.
  • Enormousness refers to size.
  • For example:
    The enormity of his behavior was surpassed only by the enormousness of his ego.

everyday vs. every day

  • Everyday means daily and is usually an adjective.
  • Every day means each day.
  • For example:
    Every day that he wore jeans, his casual attire became less and less unusual until it eventually became an everyday occurrence.

Other Lists:

  • Words that begin with A are here.
  • Words that begin with B are here.
  • Words that begin with C and D are here.

I’m Going To Be a Writer

I learned about this hilarious video So You Want to Write a Novel on Twitter.

What’s interesting is I’ve heard similar comments from non-fiction authors. It doesn’t matter what genre, most people who are writing their first book, or thinking about writing their first book, have visions of grandeur.

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Speaking of grandeur—One new author asked me to not charge him upfront because “My book will sell millions and make us both millionaires.” Another gentleman asked if I would discount my fees, “Because I have 2000+ FaceBook friends that I could promote your services to.”

The reality for non-fiction, which is my focus, is:

  • Your first book is your new business card.
  • It gives you the credibility of being the expert on your topic.
  • The bulk of your money will be made by using the book to expand your business: speaking, coaching, new clients, etc.
  • If your first book makes money, be grateful!

If you write fiction, do so because you want to write fiction, not because it’s your business plan. If you happen to make money, look at it as a great bonus.

So what are you going to write?

Common Misused Words that begin with C and D

This is the third of several lists of the most common misused or misspelled words. The first list has words that begin with A. Words that begin with B are here.

Remember, one of the easiest ways to save money when you publish your book is to make sure you use the correct word for the context. Continue Reading…

Word Power: Better Punctuation

oatmealAs a writer, do you ever wish you could easily remember how to correctly use an apostrophe, a semicolon, and i.e. in a sentence?

What about those words you really do need to spell correctly? I still sometimes confuse effect vs affect even though I’ve written about it here… aack.

I’m at the time in my life where if it’s fun, I’ll do it. If not, most likely not.

And I’ve discovered, via Twitter, a website with fun posters to help with these potentially narly grammer topics.

You can see each of the posters and order them one at a time:

Or there is a grammer pack where you receive all four and save money. Great addition for your office or classroom.

Enjoy!

PS – These are not affiliate links – just wanted to share some fun info.

Common Misused Words that begin with B

This is the second of several lists of the most common misused or misspelled words. The first list has words that begin with A.

Remember, one of the easiest ways to save on editing monies when publishing your book is to make sure you use the correct word for the context. Continue Reading…

Common Misused Words that begin with A

One of the easiest ways to save on editing monies when publishing your book is to make sure you use the correct word for the context.

This is the first of several lists of the most common misused or misspelled words. Obviously not all words are included. The operative word is “common.”

When I read a long list, my eyes glaze over and I have minimal retention. So I chose to organize these lists in a way which would be easy for me to learn.

Enjoy!

Continue Reading…

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