By Peter Lyle DeHaan, PhD As businesses ponder future economic conditions and how it will affect sales and their bottom line, there are three ways to respond: The first response is a quick path to disaster. The second option, while a viable consideration, may not be the best one. It’s the third possibility, however, that holds […]
Last week we talked about words that are confusing because they have opposite definitions. Today we will cover some words with often-misunderstood definitions. Consider: Penultimate does not mean more than ultimate but means second to last.Confusing usage: “It is the penultimate lap of the race.”Is it the most exciting lap or simply the lap before the final […]
By Peter Lyle DeHaan, PhD “You need a hobby,” my wife once exclaimed in exasperation. I don’t recall the circumstances, but it is safe to assume that I was doing something she deemed a nuisance. Regardless of the cause of her frustration, her impromptu advice gave me pause. Yes, a pastime, a relaxing diversion, would […]
Peter DeHaan and Jerry Barrett have started a writers critique group, Kalamazoo Christian Writers (KCW), based in Kalamazoo Michigan. The first meeting was held on July 11 at The Point, a non-profit community center located on the west side of Kalamazoo. KCW materials passed out at the inaugural meeting state, “Though this is a Christian […]
In “Check Your Writing” I noted that, as writers, we only need to scrutinize two things: our facts and our words. Sometimes words can have opposite meanings and we need to use them with grave caution – or avoid them altogether. Consider: Oversight: 1) An unintentional mistake; 2) watchful care. Confusing usage: “His oversight of the […]
By Peter Lyle DeHaan, Ph.D. As a magazine publisher, I receive frequent pitches from publicists wanting me to read their clients’ book in hopes I will publish a favorable review. They’re happy to send me a free copy – and sometimes the books just show up unannounced. Although tempting, I already have a stack of […]
Consider these traits that separate a rookie and professional writer. When you submit your writing, do you come across as a rookie or a professional? Consider these rookie traits to avoid and these professional characteristics to pursue. Rookie or Professional:You May Be a Rookie Writer If You… Rookie or Professional:You Are a Professional Writer If […]
I read of a published author who advises writers on how to snag a book deal through blogging. Another says social media, specifically Facebook, is the key, while a third advocate the aggressive use of Twitter. Then there’s the countervailing strategy to not waste time online. Others say give your work away, either for a […]
Among the many things writers can produce, one item is a press release. But there’s an art to penning a compelling one. Although the intent of the press release is a promotion it should not appear so. A press release is foremost a news item, a noteworthy occurrence. A good press release will focus on […]
By Peter Lyle DeHaan, PhD A few years ago I bought a new car. Although it wasn’t my practice to take my car to the dealer for maintenance, a new car changed that habit. After all, there was warranty work to be considered and their coupons for low cost oil changes were enticing. About the time […]