Writing Simplified

Flash Fiction Friday: “Hidden Shadows”

Published on 2012-01-31 11:30:00

Groundhog’s Day is coming up!  In celebration, Flash Fiction Friday’s prompt for this week asks for a story that takes place around February 2nd.  Just to keep things interesting, it also must include the word “salad.”  I couldn’t wait to start writing because Groundhog’s day, with its theme of creatures hiding from shadows, fits in nicely with a story I’m already working on.  In the scene I wrote, the tables are turned as it’s the shadow that is hiding from

Value in the Old Things: Save Your Writing

Published on 2012-01-29 12:29:00

On my way to a bookstore yesterday, I walked by a furniture store and decided to take a look inside.  The pieces it housed were almost all rustic, old, and handmade – furniture with a soul.  Running my fingers along the intricate yet imperfect carvings of some of the works reminded me of just how much value we place on work that wasn’t made in a factory, especially if its aged.  The imperfections lend a uniqueness that adds to the appeal. The same love people have for their

Why Spell Check Leaves Much to Be Desired

Published on 2012-01-02 11:27:00

There is a myth pervading America, sabotaging the efforts of students and professionals alike. That myth is the myth that spell check and grammar check work well.  People everywhere are relying on them as their sole source of editing, much to the detriment of their writing.  To understand just why this dependence is more a hindrance than a help, let’s look at how spell checkers and grammar checkers work.  This post will focus on spell check first because it’s more widely use