This is a blog about language—word and phrase origins, grammar and punctuation, writing tips, language use, misuse and abuse, as well as words in general. Brought to you by an expatriate instructor of English. It is concerned with mainly English, as well as the way English interacts with other languages. http://www.smallpressexchange.com Thu, 04 Dec 2008 21:06:56 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.2 http://www.smallpressexchange.com/index.php?option=com_myblog&show=50-great-toolstutorials-to-improve-your-writing.html&Itemid=99999999 <p>Here&#39;s a fantastic selection of tools for writers of any style. This is a list of tips aimed at improving your writing skills that I cribbed from another site here. Before you start firing off submissions to publishers or you embark on that eBook writing project, do yourself a favor and review.</p>Writing Tool #1: Branch to the Right<br />Writing Tool #2: Use Strong Verbs<br />Writing Tool #3: Beware of Adverbs<br />Writing Tool #4: Period As a Stop Sign<br />Writing Tool #5: Observe Word [...] stevenl Writing exercises Writing Grammar Copyediting http://www.smallpressexchange.com/index.php?option=com_myblog&show=thirthy-three-names-of-things-you-never-knew-had-names.html&Itemid=99999999 &nbsp; Thirthy-three Names of Things You Never Knew had Names: AGLET-The plain or ornamental covering on the end of a shoelace.ARMSAYE-The armhole in clothing.CHANKING-Spat-out food, such as rinds or pits.COLUMELLA NASI-The bottom part of the nose between the nostrils.DRAG&Eacute;ES-Small beadlike pieces of candy, usually silver-coloured, used for decorating cookies, cakes and sundaes.FEAT-A dangling curl of hair.FERRULE-The metal band on a pencil that holds the eraser in place.HARP-The small me [...] stevenl Miscellaneous Language