Writing and publishing articles by author Peter Lyle DeHaan, PhD
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
I don’t actually have trolls under the bridge or for that matter a bridge, but what I do have is rabbits — rabbits under the deck. It’s a good habitat for them. The deck floor provides somewhat of a roof and the lattice surrounding it serves as a means to keep larger animals out, while […]
The 2012 Breathe Christian Writers Conference will be held on October 12 and 13, featuring keynote speaker Terry Whalin. This year the location is being moved to Dutton Michigan, just a couple miles from the Grand Rapids airport (the Gerald R. Ford International Airport). I’ve been to the last two Breathe conferences and highly recommend […]
Unleash the Writer Within The Essential Writers’ Companion By Cecil Murphey (reviewed by Peter DeHaan) Unleash the Writer Within is an introspective exposé of what it takes to be an effective writer. This book is not about the technical side of writing but instead the psychological aspects behind being a writer. Penned by prolific and […]
River Jordan’s book The Messenger on Magnolia Street (which I highly recommend) is not a book about writing, but one of the secondary characters does flirt with the idea. Regarding this person, River writes, “She had once thought about writing a book and naming it … To the Pacific and Back Again. But she didn’t. […]
In his book Unleash the Writer Within Cecil Murphey opens by asking the question, “Why do you write?” What he’s not looking for is the safe answer, the politically correct response, a blast of bravado, or an eloquent, but meaningless marketing statement. He desires the real answer, the truth—and as writers, we owe it to […]