The Passive Voice

The Journal, Saturday, October 12

In today’s Journal * Today is mostly * In other ridiculously stupid news * Topic: I Am Constantly Amazed (Amused?) * To give you at least something worthwhile * Of Interest * The Numbers Today is mostly an unbelievably ridicule-ous day. I hope you find the following as jaw dropping and have-to-laugh-to-keep-from-crying funny as I did. First, my apology for recommending the Glimmer Train link in “Of Interest” yesterday. Had I read it first (I didn’t) instead of simply trusting my source, I wouldn’t have posted it. There is more to the world than doom and gloom, and even if … Read more

The Journal, Friday, October 11

In today’s Journal * Hard to believe * Since I’ve gone on * Of Interest * The Numbers Hard to believe a third of October is already in the books. Now that my latest procedure is done (successfully) I plan to finish my WIP this month. Should be a piece of cake. For any long-time followers out there who might be wondering, this is the longest calendar time it’s ever taken me to write a novel (or novella). (I started my WIP on June 2.) It’s also the longest string of non–fiction-writing days I’ve had for the past six years. … Read more

The Journal, Thursday, October 10

In today’s Journal * Nothing * Of Interest * The Numbers Nothing today other than the “Of Interest” section below. It’s the only reason I posted today. (grin) I’ll be out much of the day, then watch the baseball game in the early evening. Talk with you again soon. Of Interest See “Some Things Made Clear” at https://www.deanwesleysmith.com/some-things-made-clear/. See “Publishing Your Book Is Changing on IngramSpark” at https://www.thebookdesigner.com/2019/10/publishing-your-book-is-changing-on-ingramspark/. See “Favorite MS Word Keyboard Shortcuts” at https://www.thepassivevoice.com/ms-word-keyboard-shortcuts/. See “Business Musings: Creating Content, Using Licenses, Making Something New (Rethinking The Writing Business Part 13)” at https://kriswrites.com/2019/10/09/business-musings-creating-content-using-licenses-making-something-new-rethinking-the-writing-business-part-13/. The Numbers Fiction words today…………………… 0 … Read more

The Journal, Wednesday, October 9

In today’s Journal * Quote of the Day * I’m very excited * Topic: Pro, Hobbyist, or …? * Today * Of Interest * The Numbers Quote of the Day Finn (Thanks, Finn!), a reader of this Journal, wrote, “How do I get better if I don’t allow myself to critique my own work?” For writers, how’s that for a quote of the day? First, it’s a really great question, one we all ask at least ourselves from time to time. My response was simple: That question itself comes from the critical mind. If you’re going back and critiquing (critical … Read more

The Journal, Tuesday, October 8

In today’s Journal * Silly Quote of the Day * Topic: Stick to Your Guns * Today * Of Interest * A couple of notes * The Numbers Silly Quote of the Day “No, you don’t need to outline, but you really need to stop and ask yourself questions before you write one word:” PJ Parrish in “What’s Your Point? Figuring Out What Goes Into Each Chapter” at https://killzoneblog.com/2019/10/whats-your-point-figuring-outwhat-goes-into-each-chapter.html. Really? “You don’t need to outline, but [you need to outline.]” Seriously? Committed much? (grin) Topic: Stick to Your Guns In my book Punctuation for Writers, there’s a whole section on … Read more

The Journal, Thursday, October 3

In today’s Journal * Yesterday * Of Interest * The Numbers Yesterday, our lady cat Hannah passed at around 9:30 a.m. Mona was at work. Hannah was her special girl, so I spent the balance of the day washing and putting away things, clearing the house of unnecessary reminders. Later, when my little girl cat began to roam around the house looking for Hannah, I sat down with her and explained that Hannah wouldn’t be around anymore. I know, many believe all she heard is “blah, blah, blah.” But I believe she understands every word I say. Thing is, if … Read more

The Journal, Wednesday, October 2

In today’s Journal * Two days ago * Of Interest * The Numbers Well, two days ago I got through about half of my novel or novella without recognizing an ending. So yesterday I continued to read off and on as more pressing personal events permitted. I got a little farther. Today will be much the same, still dependent on those more pressing matters. I’m posting today mostly to get the info in “Of Interest” out to you. Talk with you again soon. Of Interest For something every writer needs to learn, see “Just Bloom” at https://prowriterswriting.com/just-bloom/. See “Amazon is … Read more

The Journal, Tuesday, September 24

In today’s Journal * Quotes of the Day * Today’s Journal is mostly * Topic: Have Faith * Still mostly on hiatus * The numbers Quotes of the Day Via The Passive Voice, “It all began with Adam. He was the first man to tell a joke–or a lie. How lucky Adam was. He knew when he said a good thing, nobody had said it before. Adam was not alone in the Garden of Eden, however, and does not deserve all the credit; much is due to Eve, the first woman, and Satan, the first consultant.” Mark Twain “The cure … Read more

The Journal, Friday, September 20

In today’s Journal * A few words of advice * I recommend * The numbers A few words of advice for those who are sticking to their guns re traditional publishing — I recommend you subscribe to the Authors Publish Magazine newsletter. It’s free, and at least once each week they do a write-up on markets that are open to submissions in various genres, both literary and commercial. I had toyed with the idea of sending one of my novels the tradpub route. However,I have learned how to do everything myself; as a result I retain all net royalties plus … Read more

The Journal, Monday, September 16

In today’s Journal * Quote of the Day * Topic: I’m Finally Convinced * Yesterday * In my reading this morning * The numbers Quote of the Day Via The Passive Voice, “There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that receives it.” Edith Wharton Which coined this thought in my mind: Most writers won’t risk the benefit of light. They blow out the candle and huddle safely in the corner of the room, secure in doing the same worn-out things in the same worn-out ways, then wonder why they aren’t successful. Topic: I’m … Read more