Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

Quotation marks in 1906. Starting stories in the middle. Road trip words.

Jan 21, 2025

Dive into the quirky history of quotation marks, revealing their unexpected origins and humorous evolution. Discover the art of starting stories in the middle with the engaging 'in medias res' technique that hooks readers right from the action. Explore the unique family vocabulary created during a memorable road trip, inviting listeners to share their own special words. This lively discussion connects grammar, storytelling, and shared experiences in a delightful exploration of language.

17:26

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Quick takeaways

Quotation marks should be used judiciously, as excessive usage can clutter writing and confuse readers about context.

Starting a narrative in medias res captures immediate attention, enhancing engagement by immersing readers directly into pivotal moments of the story.

Deep dives

Understanding Pronunciation Variations

The distinction between capitalized and lowercase forms of the word 'August' is examined in detail, clarifying their different meanings and pronunciations. While the uppercase August refers to the eighth month of the year and is commonly pronounced in a specific way, the lowercase version signifies being inspiring and can have multiple pronunciations, as noted in various dictionaries. The historical background of both forms is traced back to Latin, revealing their connection to Augustus Caesar, which adds depth to the vocabulary discussion. The exploration emphasizes how pronunciation may vary regionally and highlights the importance of clarity in communication.

Intro

2min

The Quirky History of Quotation Marks

7min

Exploring 'Bailiwick' and Narrative Techniques

5min

The Art of Starting Stories in the Middle

5min

Creating Family Words: A Road Trip Tale

3min

1049. I came across a hilarious entry about quotation marks in an old usage guide and had to share it. Then, we look at a technique that can work for both fiction and nonfiction writing — starting a story in the middle.

The "in medias res" segment is by Karen Lunde, a former Quick & Dirty Tips editor and digital pioneer who's been spinning words into gold since before cat videos ruled the internet. She created one of the first online writing workshops, and she's published thousands of articles on the art of writing. These days, she leads personal narrative writing retreats and helps writers find their voice. Visit her at ChanterelleStoryStudio.com.

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