Typewriter art

January 06, 2014 in Technology, The lighter side

Remember typewriters? One of the things I used to try and do was to make pictures by typing the letter “X” over and over again in all the right places. For example, one of the images it was possible to create in this way was a Christmas tree. OK, so it wasn’t the most exciting thing in the world, but at least it kept me off the streets.

Mind your language! Fork Handles

September 27, 2013 in Language, The lighter side, Video

This is a marvellous observation of what can happen when communication is not as clear as it might be.

Everyone wants to be an author

June 25, 2012 in Professional writer, The lighter side

Getting published is just the start of a long, hard process, as this cartoon strip makes clear!

A nightmare scenario

June 21, 2012 in The lighter side

Being offered a hefty advance on your book sales is great, except…

21st Century Writing

December 23, 2011 in The lighter side, Video

For anyone who thinks that writing with a computer is not that different from doing so with pen and paper, maybe this short video will change your mind – and put a smile on your face!

8 Rules for writers

October 30, 2011 in Handy hints, Professional writer, The lighter side

Here is a set of rules that I hope you will find useful. The way I see it, readers’ time is far too precious to waste. People are made to feel guilty, or have somehow been conditioned to feel guilty, if they don't read every possibly useful report. Or every relevant newspaper article. But as writers, or content producers, we have a responsibility too. Here are some rules which I am gradually starting to live by myself.

My blackberry isn’t working: technology and language

May 28, 2011 in The lighter side, Video

Here’s a video that is a nice, humorous illustration of how technology has influenced our language.

We don’t need no rules of grammar

December 18, 2010 in News & views, The lighter side, Useful websites

Back in April 2010 Steve Wheeler (@timbuckteeth) posted a useful article reminding students that when it comes to succeeding academically, accuracy in using the language still counts.He lists a set of rules which humorously make the point, such as "Avoid clichés like the plague." My question is: do the same rules apply to bloggers?

23 rules for writers

December 17, 2010 in The lighter side

We’ve all heard of “laws” such as Murphy’s Law (If anything can go wrong it will go wrong), but how about laws which are especially pertinent for writers? I’ve been doing a spot of research, and have come up with these timeless gems. I’ve included the references in case you wish to delve further into any of them.

Is randomness useful?

December 07, 2010 in The lighter side, Useful websites

Yesterday I thought I’d explore the web to see if I could find a random blog post generator. Why? Because I was interested to see (a) if such things existed and (b), if so, what they were like. Could you, for example look at a randomly generated post and not know that it was created in that way?

Paperback Writer

December 05, 2010 in The lighter side, Video

The lyrics of this song by The Beatles will strike a chord with many publishers, I think. Sung in the first person, it’s about someone who fancies himself as a best-selling author – of the worst kind!

Tech Support

November 13, 2010 in The lighter side

Have writers always needed technical support?

Clear Communication

October 12, 2010 in Bits & bobs, Handy hints, The lighter side

This classic sketch illustrates the importance of clear communication. Although it’s spoken, not written, there are interesting lessons to draw from it.