Photo by Pixabay, from Pexels.com In my work, I come across aims, goals and objectives all the time. You would think by now that I would have figured out what these words actually mean. But alas, today I got mired in the mud and went down the rabbit hole, and decided that these words are … Continue reading Goals and Objectives: What Are We Aiming For?
Why I Love Editing: Brain Balance
Editing is a varied and dynamic process that is sometimes hard to define, and that is actually one of the things I love about it. It is a very personal process that will depend entirely on the context not only of the work itself but of both the creators and the audience. When anything is … Continue reading Why I Love Editing: Brain Balance
The Benefits of a Writing Coach
Are you a graduate student in the health or life sciences? Do you know what you want to say but find you have a hard time putting it into words? Does your supervisor or graduate committee express frustration over your apparent lack of writing skills? Are you certain that your scientific logic is sound but … Continue reading The Benefits of a Writing Coach
Values, Ideology and the Narrative: Making Sense of the Voice in my Head
Never before have I been more keenly aware of the effect of the narrative on my state of mind, my ability to relate to other people, and my ability to work. An unfortunate and unexpected outcome of the global pandemic for me has been heightened annoyance with my father, who is to date safe from … Continue reading Values, Ideology and the Narrative: Making Sense of the Voice in my Head
Editors beware: Scammers at large
Twice in the past few weeks, I have been contacted by someone looking for help with a document that raised the same series of red flags. I was alerted to the first of these email scams by my lovely Facebook community, because these scammers shamelessly and systematically target freelance editors. Thanks to my colleagues, then, … Continue reading Editors beware: Scammers at large
Zed or Zee? A crisis of Canadian identity
Recently, I have had several conversations with my children that would suggest I don’t feel as old as I think I may actually be. I am a child of the 70s. I grew up on Sesame Street, Mr Dressup, Mr Rogers and the Friendly Giant. I knew the difference between the CBC and PBS, and … Continue reading Zed or Zee? A crisis of Canadian identity
Consistency and Flexibility
One pitfall of being an editor is seeing things that I wish didn't bug me, but do. I don't want to be a critical or judgmental person, and I certainly don't want to be one of "those people" who thinks she knows better than anyone else. But here's a story of the (mis)application of style … Continue reading Consistency and Flexibility
Habits are costly
The title of this post could mean at least two things, depending on whether your perspective is from before or after the habit is formed. From the after perspective, the title infers a bad habit and an undesirable consequence. But what about good habits? Are they costly too? I am a Habitican. This means I … Continue reading Habits are costly
Scary “Scare Quotes”
It seems a topic only too appropriate for today: I ran across scare quotes today in a page proof. They were used inconsistently, so I dug into my trusty Chicago manual to see the scoop and what rules might apply. As usual, I never open that book without learning something. "Scare quotes," according to CMOS 17 … Continue reading Scary “Scare Quotes”
Serious Serial Comma Silliness
I am a fan of the Oxford comma (also called the series or serial comma): parsley, sage, rosemary[,?] and thyme. Or at least I thought I was. Recent conversations and reading have led me to think again about where I place my comma allegiances, and why. My go-to example in favour of the series comma … Continue reading Serious Serial Comma Silliness
The Asthma Adversary
I have asthma. When you learn this about me, what assumptions do you make? That I am fragile? Weak? That my parents and doctors failed me somehow? That I don’t (or didn’t) take good care of myself? That I can’t (or won’t) do the things healthy people do? That it can’t really be that bad, … Continue reading The Asthma Adversary