The WriteAtHome Blog

Words We Confuse that Spellcheckers Miss, Part F

Brian Wasko — Thu, 17 May 2012 11:00:31 +0000

Moving on to homophones that start with f. I hope these continue to be helpful. It's amazing how many of these confused spelling words you can find when you start looking for them.

Teachers Prank Students Dance Video

Brian Wasko — Wed, 16 May 2012 11:00:01 +0000

I can't help it. I know this blog is supposed to be about writing and language, but sometimes I just can't help sharing very loosely related stuff that amuses me. This is on of those posts.

Do Good Readers Make Good Writers?

Brian Wasko — Tue, 15 May 2012 15:56:21 +0000

I have always found that strong writers tend to be avid readers. It was certainly my experience.

Learning Is the Thing for You

Brian Wasko — Tue, 15 May 2012 11:46:27 +0000

The best thing for being sad," replied Merlyn, beginning to puff and blow, "is to learn something. That is the only thing that never fails...

Mark Twain’s Criticism of James Fenimore Cooper

Brian Wasko — Mon, 14 May 2012 13:53:44 +0000

Since my first encounter with Tom Sawyer, I have been a fan of Mark Twain. You'd be hard pressed to find an author with a sharper wit and keener insight into human nature. His Adventures of Huckleberry Finn certainly ranks among the greatest of American novels. What you may not know is that Twain was also a scathing literary critic.

Ten Lovely Thoughts for Mothers

Brian Wasko — Sun, 13 May 2012 11:00:04 +0000

"I am sure that if the mothers of various nations could meet, there would be no more wars." ~E.M. Forster

Favorite Words

Brian Wasko — Sat, 12 May 2012 11:00:31 +0000

When they were little, my kids loved to ask dinner guests about their favorite things: books, movies, meals, colors, etc. People have favorite everythings: numbers, body parts, time of day. Lots of people have favorite words. It may be the meaning of the word that is most endearing, but often folks like words for their sound.

Wake, Waken, Awaken? Maybe I’ll Just Stay in Bed

Brian Wasko — Fri, 11 May 2012 11:00:24 +0000

English verbs cause trouble, but some are more troublesome than others; take the various ways we can refer to starting a new day: wake, wake up, waken, awake, or awaken. Then there are the various forms: woke, woken, woken up, waked, waked up, waking, waking up, waken, awoke, awoken, awaking, awakened, awakening. Which of these is correct and when? ...

Writing Prompt: Random Short Story

Brian Wasko — Thu, 10 May 2012 11:00:11 +0000

Have you ever tried to write an original short story? They are fun, but can be quite a challenge even for motivated and creative writers. Crafting a good short story is difficult, so follow the guidelines below carefully.

Monkey-Bacon-Cyborg-Unicorn- Space-Shuttle Cake

Brian Wasko — Wed, 09 May 2012 11:00:26 +0000

“You’re more awesome than a monkey wearing a tuxedo made out bacon riding a cyborg unicorn with a light saber for the horn on the tip of a space shuttle closing in on Mars while engulfed in flames.”