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We’ve talked ideas , outlines , writing tips , and more in this writing series . But amid the technical tips, one very important component of writing can get overlooked: love of the craft. If you want to be a writer, you must enjoy writing! I mentioned earlier that this series is modeled after the writing process of Barbara Mertz a.k.a. Elizabeth Peters. I was able to research her creative process for my Master’s, and do you know what stuck with me more than anything else? Ho

While exciting, I’ll be the first to admit that writing is also uniquely daunting. It’s one thing to have an outline; it’s another thing...

Psst… you can read the new vocabulary-boosting short story I mention in the podcast here! As we wrap up our writing mini-series, I have...

The most important piece of creative writing advice you’ll ever receive? Show. Don’t. Tell. You might have heard it before, but it...

Well, hello! If you’re new to Vocabbett, I help students painlessly improve their vocabulary through stories; as such, I tend to do a...

Not every author uses an outline. In general, there are two camps in the writing community: Plotters and pantsers...

Have you ever loved a book so much that when you finished it, you just sat in stunned silence for a moment? How did the author get these ideas ? you ask. Maybe you turn to Google and find some witty but ultimately meaningless response from the author, or nothing at all. For aspiring writers, this can be maddening! If each book is an invention, ideas are the schematics and blueprints. I want to know how you built this! Most of the books I referenced above were written by Eliza

Aspiring writers are often told to “write what you know.” It’s valuable advice, no doubt, lending verisimilitude to an otherwise...

Isn’t it a shame that shows only seem to become cult classics once they’re over? That’s what seems to be happening with Schitt’s Creek, a...

Lately, I’ve been bombarded with ads for shows on NBC’s new streaming service, Peacock TV. And among their new shows, it seems, is Brave...

Let’s be honest: music is no good for reinforcing proper grammar habits, even if we all love it. However, I think for most songs, we kind...

If you’re like most people, you’ve got goals or dreams—you’re looking for something to make your life even better. I can’t promise that...

A perplexed looks steals across my face as I re-read my host sister’s enigmatic text message. “You go towards down,” she writes.

Discover the fascinating linguistic history of names turned insults, such as "Karen" and "Quisling." Explore the intriguing story behind the

Never thought you'd read that title, eh? No, The College Board has not implemented some kind of Hunger Games -style exit questionnaire,...

Would you believe me if I told you that the word “money,” something so valued and coveted, actually traces its roots back to a flock of...

There are two sides to the coin when it comes to using stories to improve your vocabulary. If you’re a seasoned Vocabbett listener,...

We’re all watching more TV than normal these days, but if you want to keep your edge and come out of quarantine smarter than ever, it’s...

With more schools announcing virtual-only learning for the fall, parents, students, and teachers alike are wondering what the long-term...

Well, hello! After a week off for the 4th of July, I returned to find that my local school district announced some big changes for the...