Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

In this engaging discussion, Wendy Dale, author of 'The Memoir Engineering System,' dives into the art of memoir writing. She distinguishes memoirs from autobiographies, emphasizing strong narrative structure. Wendy shares tips on crafting vivid scenes and how to create coherence in your story through outlining. She also tackles the emotional hurdles of writing about sensitive topics, advocating for honesty and care in storytelling. Whether you’re writing memoirs or fiction, her insights are invaluable for any writer.

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.

Ellen Jovin, author of "Rebel with a Clause" and creator of a unique grammar table project, shares her journey of connecting with people about language across the U.S. Brandt Johnson, her filmmaker husband, discusses the documentary inspired by this endeavor. They explore how grammar conversations can build emotional connections and recount heartwarming moments from their travels. The challenges and joys of filmmaking, especially during the pandemic, bring a relatable touch to their storytelling, making grammar feel both fun and essential.

Discover the fascinating world of capitonyms—words that change meaning when capitalized, enriching our understanding of language. Dive into the history behind the iconic phrase 'the State of the Union is strong' and uncover its evolution over time. Hear a delightful listener story about the family term 'Nee Nee', celebrating creativity during the holidays. This episode blends linguistics with personal anecdotes, making language both fun and relatable.

1046. Jennifer Lynn Barnes, author of the "Inheritance Games" books, discusses how writing from different points of view can help readers connect with characters in different ways. We also talked about her book recommendations, and how the "Grey's Anatomy" pilot surprised her by having almost all the elements she had identified as important for the success of novels.🔗 Share your familect recording in a WhatsApp chat.🔗 Watch my LinkedIn Learning writing courses.🔗 Subscribe to the newsletter.🔗 Take our advertising survey. 🔗 Get the edited transcript.🔗 Get Grammar Girl books. 🔗 Join Grammarpalooza. Get ad-free and bonus episodes at Apple Podcasts or Subtext. Learn more about the difference. | HOST: Mignon Fogarty| VOICEMAIL: 833-214-GIRL (833-214-4475).| Grammar Girl is part of the Quick and Dirty Tips podcast network.Audio Engineer: Dan FeierabendDirector of Podcast: Brannan GoetschiusAdvertising Operations Specialist: Morgan ChristiansonMarketing and Publicity Assistant: Davina TomlinDigital Operations Specialist: Holly HutchingsMarketing and Video: Nat Hoopes| Theme music by Catherine Rannus.| Grammar Girl Social Media Links: YouTube. TikTok. Facebook.Threads. Instagram. LinkedIn. Mastodon. Bluesky.

1045. A listener asked if the song "The Wizard and I" should actually be "The Wizard and Me," so we look at how you can tell. And then we look at interesting idioms about familiar places: "neck of the woods," "stomping grounds," and "haunts."The "neck of the woods" segment was written by Karen Lunde, a former Quick and Dirty Tips editor who has crafted hundreds of articles on the art of writing well. She was an online education pioneer, founding one of the first online writing workshops. These days, she provides writing tips and writing coach services at HelpMeWriteBetter.com.Find the  "Wicked" grammar quiz at the bottom of this page: https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/articles/wicked-movie-grammar-wizard-and-i/🔗 Share your familect recording in a WhatsApp chat.🔗 Watch my LinkedIn Learning writing courses.🔗 Subscribe to the newsletter.🔗 Take our advertising survey. 🔗 Get the edited transcript.🔗 Get Grammar Girl books. 🔗 Join Grammarpalooza. Get ad-free and bonus episodes at Apple Podcasts or Subtext. Learn more about the difference. | HOST: Mignon Fogarty| VOICEMAIL: 833-214-GIRL (833-214-4475).| Grammar Girl is part of the Quick and Dirty Tips podcast network.Audio Engineer: Dan FeierabendDirector of Podcast: Brannan GoetschiusAdvertising Operations Specialist: Morgan ChristiansonMarketing and Publicity Assistant: Davina TomlinDigital Operations Specialist: Holly HutchingsMarketing and Video: Nat Hoopes| Theme music by Catherine Rannus.| Grammar Girl Social Media Links: YouTube. TikTok. Facebook.Threads. Instagram. LinkedIn. Mastodon. Bluesky.

In this conversation with Natalie Schilling, a Professor emerita of linguistics at Georgetown and an expert forensic linguist, listeners dive into a compelling case of a missing girl. Schilling explores how her unique dialect played a crucial role in unraveling the mystery behind her disappearance. The discussion uncovers the complexities of language in criminal investigations and raises thought-provoking questions about identity and the influence of speech patterns. Additionally, insights into forensic linguistics as an educational tool add depth to the topic.

Join John Kelly, former vice president of editorial at Dictionary.com, as he dives into the intriguing world of 2024's words of the year. He discusses how cultural trends and social media shape language, with terms like 'skibidi' and 'inshittification' reflecting our evolving identities. John also reveals the challenges dictionaries face in choosing relevant words amidst rapid change and highlights the political nuances of terms like 'kakistocracy.' Get ready to think about your own guiding words for growth!

Ben Yagoda, author of "Gobsmacked: The British Invasion of American English," dives into the fascinating evolution of language. He highlights the intriguing origins of terms like "twee" and discusses the cultural implications of spelling variations like "gray" versus "grey." Yagoda also unpacks the historical roots of "football" versus "soccer" and the journey of the word "vet" from veterinary ties to modern usage. Discover why quirky words like "bumbershoot" add flavor to American English and how pop culture influences language adaptations.

Explore the deeper meaning of 'home,' extending beyond physical structures to emotional and historical ties. Discover the quirky world of 'false friends' in language that can lead to hilarious misunderstandings. Learn about the rich evolution of words like 'house' and 'mansion,' and how they reflect our cultural heritage. Plus, enjoy practical holiday gift ideas that promote meaningful connections. Delve into the history of English and unique family language traditions for a fun take on communication.