Nancy Rudel
Author's posts
Jan 23
Matters of accuracy
“Accuracy of statement is one of the first elements of truth; inaccuracy is a near kin to falsehood.” -Tryon Edwards I’ve just moved to a new city and am reminded of the importance of accuracy. Readers often rely on the accuracy of information they find printed on maps, medicine bottles, or menus. Whether or not …
Jan 13
Your and You’re
David and I had dinner in Stephenville, Texas last week and saw this sign in the parking lot. Sometimes mistakes are so big that you literally must take a step back to see them! Use you’re only as a contraction of you are: you’re late for breakfast, you’re angry with Lucinda, you’re only as good …
Dec 14
Gift Ideas for Editors & Writers (Part II)
4. Business Card Case The typical wordsmith might not get away from the keyboard or pencil to socialize very often, but networking is a necessary chore that becomes a bit more fun with a stylish wooden card case. 3. Old-School Ink It may cost just a couple bucks, but a multi-color pen has nostalgic charm …
Dec 05
Gift Ideas for Editors & Writers (Part I)
10. Scrabble Board Coasters There are many creative re-uses of Scrabble tiles and boards available on Esty.com. These coasters are a winner for the word lover who requires rehydration. 9. Reasonable Goals The clever folks at Pretty Bitter can help the most ambitious soul set reasonable goals, using this fun One Thing sticky pad. 8. …
Nov 23
A reminder to writers
Nov 07
But if you don’t need directions, it’s x3845.
I’ve been noticing how often writers and speakers are sloppy with the word “if.” The example I caught myself typing this week: “If you need directions, my phone number is x3844.” How silly. My extension is 3844 whether or not you need directions. If you need directions, you can call x3844. Another example: “I’ll be …
Oct 23
Punctuation Pain
The tiny apostrophe can hurt like a splinter. There are several of these “Sunday’s Only” parking signs in downtown Charlottesville, Virginia. Spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors are common enough in casual use, but when they make their way into permanent, official signage the confusion and uncertainty among the masses are reinforced. Charlottesville takes pride in …