by Gail Kerzner | Jun 14, 2023 | Author Advice, General Writing, Grammar, Language Trends, Tips and Tricks
As writers, we have all experienced the dreaded phenomenon: the block. Even some of the world’s most renown authors have been through it—and overcome. Here are eight ways they did it, and you can too. You know the drill: you find yourself staring at the blank screen...
by Gail Kerzner | Sep 10, 2021 | Author Advice, Fresh Ink, General Writing, Language Trends
Years ago, when I was a kid, I didn’t know I was using ableist language when I exclaimed, “You want me to get a A on that test? Are you nuts?” and “You’re so crazy, you’re acting like an idiot. You belong in the state hospital!” Or as an adult, when I have said,...
by Gail Kerzner | Jun 18, 2021 | Author Advice, General Writing, Grammar, Language Trends, Tips and Tricks
June 2021: It’s PRIDE Month, 30 days to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and the impact on local, national, and international news—especially the struggle against discrimination and ostracism. Specifically, PRIDE month commemorates the June 1969 Stonewall Uprising in...
by Gail Kerzner | Apr 8, 2021 | Author Advice, General Writing, Grammar, Language Trends, Tips and Tricks
For years, the debate has raged regarding the use of the singular “they” pronoun. With style guides like MLA, CMOS, and APA setting the standard and holding firm that “they” should only be used as a plural pronoun, it seemed unlikely those in favor of its singular use...
by Gail Kerzner | Mar 23, 2021 | Author Advice, College Admissions Essays, General Writing, Grammar, Language Trends, Tips and Tricks
Language evolves—especially in the United States—especially when it comes to terms referring to race. One of the most significant questions 2020 raised regarding race revolves around the capitalization of “Black” and “White.” Here’s a dive into the evolving...
by Gail Kerzner | Mar 11, 2021 | Author Advice, College Admissions Essays, General Writing, Grammar, Language Trends, OOPSS, Tips and Tricks
The debate over the Oxford comma continues to rage. Who really cares? Most writers and editors are locked in a heated, intellectual battle over a tiny, little blob of ink. Sometimes, they calmly and respectfully discuss the punctuation mark’s merits. Other times,...
