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The recent fuss generated by Lynne Truss’s book, “Eats Shoots & Leaves: the zero tolerance approach to punctuation,” has brought this topic into focus. From the way everyone was talking when the book came out, you’d think punctuation was a whole new, previously unappreciated art form that could light up all our lives.

In the cold light of the business day, though, punctuation is not much more than a set of tools we use to fine tune our writing -– nothing more romantic than that.

You’ve probably noticed that it tends to split into two separate categories:

1. Punctuation that affects the meaning of what you write (so it’s worth getting right)

2. Punctuation that doesn’t really affect the meaning of what you write (but irritates some people if you get it wrong)

Beyond that, also there are variations in punctuation rules from one English language culture to the next. Most of those, I would say, fall into category #2.

So let’s take a look at the topic from the non-literary, business-only viewpoint. Please note these are my opinions only and I’m no English graduate – only a realist - so feel free to disagree!

Read on ...

As a professional copywriter, not only do I do a lot of writing but I also look at a lot of writing. One of the things I've noticed that sets the good/great writers from the so so is rhythm.

What I mean by rhythm is how the writing sounds. The rhythm of the words and sentences. It's a subtle aspect of writing, one not normally talked about, but that doesn't lessen its importance.

Unfortunately, rhythm is also tough to teach (which is probably why it isn't talked about very much). It's something felt deep inside, like it is with music. It isn't as straight forward as pointing out a grammar error. What makes it tougher is that everyone has their own style and own unique rhythm. However, these three tips should get you started thinking about your own writing rhythm and how to improve it.

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 ... a dictionary and thesaurus with an intuitive interface that encourages exploration and learning. The Visual Thesaurus is a marvelous way to improve your vocabulary and your understanding of the English language.

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Free Excerpt From The Book (requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)

Review from Writers Weekly:

Want to be a well-paid writer but don't know how?

In Portable Writing you'll find step-by-step instructions for 25 profitable writing projects. Included are creative ideas that aren't found in any other book on writing, yet are so simple any writer can profit from them. The book also provides directions for finding people who want and need your services and features anecdotal examples and illustrations throughout the book. Writers can earn income anywhere, whether they live in Muleshoe, Texas or Humptulips, Washington, or while traveling. A bonus section features information on RVing and finding writing opportunities on the road. Projects covered in the book include: an overview of writing for publication, including books and magazine articles; instructions for six types of newsletters, including the unique concept of joint newsletters for clients; news releases; ghostwritten books; ghostwritten articles for business owners and corporate executives for trade and industry magazines; organizational histories; family histories and recipe books; cookbooks; how-to and inspirational books; and weekly columns for business owners and professionals. Also included are instructions for brochures and seven smaller, but profitable projects. There are no educational requirements or geographical limits for a successful writing career. Recent graduates will learn how to find creative freedom as a writer. Military and corporate spouses will learn a new, portable career that will travel with them no matter where they're transferred. Retirees will learn how to make their retirement more fulfilling. Those who want to learn how to write will find their launching pad to success in Portable Writing. This is the only book that provides writers with both their survival guide and their ticket to freedom!

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