Author Envy or Inspiration #IWSG #writing #writinginspiration

  

The first Wednesday of every month is officially 

Insecure Writer's Support Group day.

The Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It's a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

IWSG Asks: Have you ever read a line in a novel or a clever plot twist that caused you to have author envy?

Of course, I have! There are so many books I've read where I think, "That's it. I'll never write as beautifully as that. That was amazing!" 

Surprisingly, instead of discouraging me to write my own books, these authors inspire me. The better the book, the more I feel the need to write, too. Not that I want to compete. Not that. And I don't feel exactly envious. That's too negative. I admire them. I want to be like them. I want my books to be on the same shelves as those outstanding authors.

When I started my writing journey, whenever I visited a bookstore, I would check the area where my books would be located, imagining one day being published and selling my books in brick-and-mortar stores. I'd trace my finger along the shelves, searching for where my name would fall alphabetically. When I'd find it, I'd wiggle open a small space between the books where mine should be. Then I'd check to see how close I was to my favorite authors.

A few books away? Right next to mine? Maybe a shelf under or above?

It was a game I'd played, and I've heard other authors played this game, too. It must be a writer thing. :)

But it was because of the words these authors wrote, the clever plot twists and the amazing characters they created, the stories they wrote that made me want to be an author, too.

I've read so many authors that have impressed me with their writing talent, but here are a few that come to mind immediately when it comes to particularly outstanding lines.

Georgette Heyer was incredibly talented at capturing the language of the Regency era. Her books truly pull readers into that world, so much they can lose themselves in her almost poetic writing. I'm always in awe of her character's wit, humor and perfectly turned phrases.

Maggie Shayne is another one that amazes me with her storytelling abilities. Her creativity, plot twists, and characters have made her one of my favorite authors. One that is on my auto-buy list!

And Julia Quinn. I've been raving about The Bridgertons since I first read an ARC of Romancing Mr. Bridgerton during my days working at Waldenbooks. I'm ecstatic that her stories have made it onto Netflix! A dream come true for any author! And now so many more people are enjoying her stories. Her writing style flows so smoothly, and there were several moments while reading her books when I found myself emotionally teary-eyed because of her writing.

 

Be sure to visit the other writers in the 

Insecure Writer's Support Group!

I write sensual paranormal, sci-fi and historical romances. Interested in learning more about my stories? Become a VIP Reader by signing up for my newsletter where you'll learn about my new book releases, updates on my works-in-progress, book reviews, contests, and other fun book-related info!

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Looking for a little escape? Check out these stories!

Life Beyond Writing #MFRWAuthor #writinglife

Blogging is an opportunity for authors to connect with readers. Despite being writers, blogging is an entirely different style of writing and often stumps us. To help our authors blog consistently, thoughtfully and with purpose, Marketing for Romance Writers is announcing the 2019 Blog Challenge. Each week, authors use our writing prompt to create a meaningful blog post. We'll be posting every Friday... join us as often as possible.

Week 32: "For an author, does life exist outside of writing?"

Writing is a reflection of life. And life is why I write. When I was a teenager, I turned to writing to sort through the trauma of losing my mother at a young age. Although I didn't realize it at the time, all of the heroines in my stories during those years lost their mothers, too. Many of the stories that I wrote dealt with those characters trying to find their way through life after such a life-altering experience.

Even as an adult, I find that many of my stories reflect certain issues that I might be dealing with at that certain moment in my life. Sometimes I don't even realize I'm writing it. My subconscious often weaves those things in without my notice. I usually don't see it until later.

Also, there are some characters, settings and details that are inspired by real life. In The Witch's Thief, the hero, Basil Merriweather, breaks into a wealthy estate to use the vast amount of ornate mirrors inside to cast a spell. That setting was inspired by the beautifully decorated castles and manor houses that I toured while on visiting Germany one year.

A Whisper from the Grave, that is due to be published this fall, takes place in New Orleans, Louisiana. Again, I was inspired by the sights of St. Jackson's Square to describe my characters and that setting.

In Cupid's Arrow, a short story included in A Wink and a Smile, the main characters meet at a wedding. This particular story was inspired by one of my Waldenbooks co-worker's wedding. As I sat at the round table, observing the guests with my writer's mind, the story started and evolved. I might not have even created these characters or this story if I hadn't gone to this wedding.

For me, life feeds my writing.

Happy Writing!

~Tricia

Be sure to visit the posts for the MFRW's Blog Challenge!

I write sensual paranormal and historical romances. Interested in learning more about my stories? Sign-up for my newsletter where you'll learn about my new book releases, updates on my works-in-progress, writing tips, book reviews, contests, and other fun book-related info!

You can Follow me on ...

BookBub | Amazon | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Pinterest 

Favorite TV Shows

Wednesday Weekly Blogging Challenge hosted by Long and Short Reviews.

Today's topic: Favorite TV Shows and Why

Oh, this is a fun one! I could talk for days about television shows. Not that I'm addicted, but I do love watching TV. And there are more great shows out there now than ever before!

As a writer, I don't watch television or movies for only the pleasure, but I study these shows to strengthen my writing craft. I watch how the actors portray the emotions their characters are experiencing, from a quizzically raised eyebrow to a simple hand gesture. I listen to the dialogue, how it is structured, how it is spoken and word choice. And I study the plots and character development from the beginning of a show or series to the end. There's a lot a writer can learn from watching TV.

Okay, so that's out of the way, let's get to the good stuff!

(in no particular order)

Dark Shadows
Gothic Soap Opera Drama airing from 1966 - 1971
6 Seasons
1,225 episodes

This is probably the show that influenced me the most in shaping my creative life. My mother was a fan during the original airing of the show back in the '60s. She, like many others, ran home from school everyday so she could watch it.

In the '80s, it was picked up for syndication and after supper my mom and my brother and I would sit in the living room to watch two episodes from 7-8pm.

I was so hooked on this show. The suspense was mind boggling for a little girl. I remember constantly asking my mother after each episode ended on a nail-biting cliffhanger, "What happens next?"

She would never tell me. I'd have to wait until the next day to find out. (These are days way before Netflix binging!)

Dark Shadows centered around the Collins family, a wealthy and eccentric family who lived in Collinsport, Maine. It began as a simple gothic show filled with suspense, but became hugely popular with the introduction of the nearly 200 year-old vampire, Barnabas Collins. The show featured many supernatural storylines including witches, werewolves, ghosts, zombies, warlocks, and time travel.


I had so many favorite characters on this show. Barnabas because he was a vampire, at first evil but soon he became the good guy. Quentin, first a ghost, and also we discovered he was cursed to become a werewolf when Barnabas went back in time to find out why he haunted Collinwood. Tom Jennings was a descendant of Quentin's and also cursed to become a werewolf. Angelique, the witch, who terrorized Barnabas and his family, all because she was madly in love. Maggie and Joe were my favorite couple. I loved them together.

So many great memories of this show, and I will admit, this has influenced my writing. I write about witches, vampires and werewolves. They're my favorite supernatural creatures!

Supernatural
Supernatural Drama airing from 2005 to present
14 Seasons (15 will be the last Season)
307 episodes (and counting)

Which leads me to my adulthood supernatural addiction. Oh, Dean! I mean, oh, my! Several years ago, many memes were circulating the internet about SuperWhoLock. I didn't understand what that meant, but eventually I discovered it was a mash-up word describing fans of Supernatural, Doctor Who and Sherlock. Well, I gave Doctor Who and Sherlock a try (as I'll explain later), so I figured I'd might as well check out this Supernatural show that everyone was talking about.

My little Dark Shadows heart was in supernatural Heaven by episode two. The first episode introduced the brothers, Sam and Dean Winchester and the search for their father who went missing on a "hunting" trip. As we discover, their mother was killed by a demon when Sam and Dean were children and their father, John Winchester, has been hunting the thing that killed her ever since.

And so begins an epic saga that has lasted for 14+ seasons. This show has everything a fan of the supernatural could dream of. Two extremely handsome and sexy brothers who are knee-deep in a world of blood, knives, guns, curses and death, filled with ghosts, demons, angels, vampires, werewolves, witches, zombies, Leviathans, evil clowns, a phoenix, the Four Horsemen, God and his sister, the Darkness as well as other Gods and Goddesses. And the list goes on!


Each episode alone is highly addicting, but the overall story arc and the development of these characters is what is really fascinating. It's a story about family and friendship and the lengths that two brothers and an angel will go through to save the world and each other.

I'll tell you that some of the episodes, especially in the first season were downright scary. And the cliffhanger at the end of Season 1! When that moment happened, while I was lounging on my sofa, I sat straight up and cried out in shock.






Thank Chuck for Netflix Binge Watching! I don't think I would've have been able to cope waiting so many month to watch the next season.

Doctor Who
Science Fiction airing from 1963-1989
A film in 1996
Continued airing from 2005-Present
37 Seasons
851 Episodes

My uncle was a Doctor Who fan and I remember watching a few episodes with Tom Baker with him when he came home to visit during his days enlisted in the Army. I remember distinctly Tom Baker's ridiculously long scarf and wondered when I was a kid, how did he not trip constantly over that thing?

I didn't get hooked on this show until it's new incarnation in 2005. It was actually a little later that I began watching. Matt Smith was already the Doctor, but I started with Christopher Eccleston's first episode, Rose.

I first thought it was cheesy. It was weird. I didn't quite understand why everyone was crazy about this show. But, I was curious enough to watch the second episode. It wasn't until the third episode that I was hooked. When Rose and the Doctor went back in time and met Charles Dickens and the ghosts who turned out to be an alien species, I was in total love! This was what I wanted to see!

The man could time travel! And not just to the future or distant worlds like I had thought from my memories of Tom Baker. He could travel back in time, too. Oh, yeah. Now we're talking. I would love to travel back in time and the Doctor soon became my hero.

The Doctor is a Time Lord from the planet Gallifrey. He travels through time and space in the TARDIS (Time And Relative Dimension In Space) a spaceship he stole and has been running every since. He typically travels with companions which fuels his joy in experiencing new adventures. It's filled with timey-wimey wibbly-wobbly stuff. It's a fun, exciting show that ignites the imagination of the viewer. And it's a family show, made with children in mind, although some of the episodes are downright terrifying!

Are you my mummy? 

I am completely addicted to this alien and his constantly evolving storyline. Oh, yeah. Another thing. He's kinda immortal. He has this thing that happens when he's close to dying.

He regenerates.

That's a neat trick that the writers came up with during the First Doctor's reign. William Hartnell, who played the First Doctor, was having health issues, so instead of cancelling the show or replacing him outright with another actor, they devised the regeneration so they could recast the Doctor as many times as they wanted. This kept the show going for decades.

Sherlock
Crime Drama airing from 2010-2017
4 Seasons
13 Episodes

 Once I got caught up with Doctor Who, I moved onto Sherlock. I was a little doubtful that I'd enjoy this version of my favorite mystery detective. I had read several Sherlock novels and short stories in my early 20s. I became addicted to reading the stories, so I eventually bought the entire collection by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

I'd watch several different versions of Sherlock such as the movies starring Basil Rathbone and the newer ones with Robert Downey, Jr. and Jude Law. When I was a teenager, my favorite Sherlock movie came in the version of the Young Sherlock Holmes which I thought was very enjoyable.

I knew nothing about Benedict Cumberbatch or Martin Freeman. Also, this version of Sherlock was set in present-day London, which I had trouble envisioning.

Oh, how wrong I was to doubt the creative genius of Stephen Moffat and Mark Gatiss! Each episode is really like a mini-movie. From the very first, A Study in Pink, I was enthralled. These were characters I fell instantly in love with and the storyline was engaging and mysterious. I was solving the mystery along with Sherlock and Watson, trying to figure out who did it. It was entertaining and fun!

And, again, we had these amazing and shock inducing cliffhangers at the end of each series! The kind that left you crying for days and days. I was lucky to binge watch, but eventually I got caught up and had to wait.

And I'm waiting again. Stephen Moffat and Mark Gatiss have both said they have not said good-bye to Sherlock and Watson. They foresee more mysteries for them to solve in the future. It's just a matter of when.

Farscape
Science Fiction airing from 1999-2003
4 Seasons
88 Episodes

I've talked about Farscape on my blog before, so you can check out that post about naming my baby girl. It's an amazing science fiction show about how an astronaut/scientist, John Crichton, takes an experimental spacecraft into orbit and inadvertantly creates a wormhole in which he is sucked into, shooting him across the universe to a place where he encounters aliens of all types and shapes and he must learn to survive and find a way back home. It's a compelling drama with interesting characters and storylines. It's really a fantastic show that ended way too early.

Firefly
Space Western Drama aired in 2002
1 Season
14 Episodes

Sorry! I'm so sorry!

Another show that ended way too soon was Firefly. This show was about a diverse cast of characters trying to survive in a space after a horrible Civil War. They live on a ship called Serenity. The dynamic between these characters keeps the drama and suspense at the addiction level. Each episode, you learn something new about one of them, their backstory and history and their goals for the future. It was a great show that should have been allowed to continue telling stories.

The Walking Dead
Horror Drama airing from 2010-Present
9 Seasons
131 Episodes (and counting)

My husband introduced me to this terrifying television series. I was never a huge fan of zombies. I mean, I watched the Romero movies, but I was more interested in vampires and such. The dead coming back to life? Not my thing.

This show doesn't focus so much on the zombies, but on the survivors. I was well and truly terrified by watching it. I seriously couldn't believe they let this kind of show on TV! The make-up and special effects were amazing. And no one is safe on this show. Anyone can die and any time. And they did! I've watched in tears as some of my favorite characters were killed off and then had to watch The Talking Dead to mourn them.

I'm so grateful for The Talking Dead. It's therapy after watching all that terror, fear, agony and heartbreak. Chris Hardwick, the host, walks viewers through the events of each Walking Dead episode and there are interviews with the actors as well as cool information about the creation of the show and special effects.

I wish some other shows had a therapy show afterward.









Honorable Mentions:

Star Trek
Star Trek: Next Generation
Lost
Penny Dreadful
Game of Thrones
True Blood
Law & Order

Reality TV

I'm not a huge fan of Reality TV, but there are, of course, some shows that are compelling to watch. These are some of my favorites.

Ghost Hunters
Paranormal Reality Series airing from 2004-2016
11 Seasons
217 Episodes
13 Specials

I went to a Romance Writer's Conference in Connecticut one year and was excited to see they had a workshop with two paranormal investigators. As you might understand by now, ghosts thrilled me and I was eager to hear what these guys had to say. Two men who were employed as plumbers during the day and investigated haunted houses at night. It was interesting to listen as they explained what they did and the things they experienced. Not much frightens me, but I'll admit that some of the stuff they talked about, some of the events they investigated were scary. The talk of demon and ghost possession was spooky. I believed and experienced hauntings myself, but demons?

Anyway, I checked under my bed at the hotel room that night.

A few months (years?) later, as I was watching (probably Farscape) on the Syfy channel, I saw a commercial advertising a new show called Ghost Hunters. To my surprise, I recognized the two lead investigators on the show.

Jason Hawes and Grant Wilson. The same two men who I met at the conference! Remembering their discussion about ghosts and paranormal activity, I knew I just had to watch the show and sure enough, I loved it. I watched every single episode as well as the eventual spin-off, Ghost Hunters International.

Anything with Josh Gates

We all have our celebrity crushes, right? Well, aside from Jensen Ackles and Gerard Butler, Josh Gates is mine. He is handsome, comical, adventurous and loves to travel. And he wears a Fedora! A killer combination. What more could a girl ask for in a guy?

I've watched Destination Truth and Expedition Unknown in which he hunts monsters and supernatural creatures.

There's a theme in my life, right?


Honorable Mentions:

Passport to Europe
Ghost Adventures
Dirty Jobs
Deadliest Catch 


Wow! This list ended up being way longer than I intended, but there are just so many great shows out there. I hope you found something that might entertain you!

Until next time!

 Happy Reading!

~Tricia

Check out the other Wednesday Weekly Blogging Challenge!

I write sensual paranormal and historical romances. Interested in learning more about my stories? Sign-up for my newsletter where you'll learn about my new book releases, updates on my works-in-progress, writing tips, book reviews, contests, and other fun book-related info!

You can Follow me on ...

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When Writers Have Wishes #IWSG #writing

The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. 

The Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds! 

IWSG Asks: If you could use a wish to help you write just one scene/chapter of your book, which one would it be? 

If authors had access to a genie in a magic lamp, the wish would be for the next big idea that will sell millions. Something along the lines of selling books as popular as Harry Potter.

This question is more challenging. Help with just one scene or one chapter?

The method I use to write is part panster, part plotter. I have an idea and I write everything I know about it. Whether that includes characters, setting, plot, goals, action pieces, love scenes, whatever. It's always different with each book. Usually, I'll have most of the parts to the story together before I begin. Those missing bits will work out while I write the story. That's the fun of writing and it's also the hardest because inevitably there's always a part when I have to ask the question I absolutely dread...

What happens next?

I don't know.

I'm only the author. I'm simply writing down the images and dialogue taking place in my head. It's not like I'm deciding on what happens. I'm just a conduit that the Universe or characters or whoever is using to tell stories. They pop into my head and I record them to the best of my ability.

I don't make any decisions about what happens. That's out of my control. The characters are telling these stories, not me.

Unfortunately, I've set aside quite a few stories because I didn't know the answer to...what happens next?

Not forever.

Otherwise, I'd never have anything published! But I set them aside to cook a little. I need time for the Universe to send my brain the answer. Eventually, something pops in there. I might be cutting the grass, shoveling snow, taking a walk, taking a shower or even wandering the isles at the grocery store when suddenly an image or a thought or a line of dialogue will shock me into standing still and gasping aloud, "That's it!"

I've probably startled many customers into thinking I'm a bit looney tunes.

And each story is different.

Typically, I often get stuck on endings. I have brilliant beginnings and the characters have it tough throughout the story until the bitter end. How will they get out of the pickle they've found themselves in? How will they end up happily-ever-after. (I write romances, in case you're new here.)

Hell, if I know.

Sometimes it's a character's viewpoint where I get stuck. I have a WIP that is sitting on the shelf because I don't know what the heroine's brother is going to do. He's involved in the plot. I don't know what or how he does it, but he needs to end up at that exact moment, at that exact spot to save his sister. The book is completely written except for that one single scene.

I have a shapeshifter story that is waiting for an ending. Those poor lovers are torn apart at the moment and I haven't a clue as how they're getting back together.

In The Wolf's Bride, the story included in the upcoming Guardian: A Limited Edition Collection of Wolf Shifters, the heroine's occupation troubled me. I couldn't figure out why Madeline was doing the things that she did until I realized that, no, she wasn't a simple governess after all, but something so much more. I had the whole story figured out except for that piece.

In The Witch and the Vampire, the beginning was too similar to what happened in the prequel, The Witch and the Wolf, with both heroine's struggling through a blizzard to get to the hero's houses. Suddenly, in a flash of inspiration, I realized Melora Merriweather's carriage overturned from the icy roads and the hero had to save her, not meet her calmly at the door to his house.

And how to break Marianne's curse in The Witch's Kiss? Well, it took me two books to figure that one out.

If I could have help with those scenes where I don't know what happens next, that would be brilliant! I'd love to be able to write stories faster. I love writing and I hope readers enjoy my books, too. But I want the stories to be the best they can be and if I have to wait a little for the answer to work its way into my brain, then that's what I'll do.

Until I find that magic lamp.

Be sure to visit the other writers in the 

Insecure Writer's Support Group!

I write sensual paranormal and historical romances. Interested in learning more about my stories? Become a VIP Reader by signing-up for my newsletter where you'll learn about my new book releases, updates on my works-in-progress, writing tips, book reviews, contests, and other fun book-related info!

Happy Writing!
~ Tricia 

Great Books for Writers #25daysofbooks

This year I’m counting down the days ‘til Christmas with books and other fun things readers enjoy! I love the Holiday Season so I’m sharing ideas for you to fill your holiday stocking!

 I've read nearly 100 books about the writing craft and the world of publishing. Each one has given me valuable information. But these are some of my favorites that I reread again and again. I recommend these to other writers and to those who are looking to buy something for the writer on their Christmas list.

On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by StephenKing 

"Long live the King," hailed "Entertainment Weekly" upon the publication of Stephen King's "On Writing." Part memoir, part master class by one of the bestselling authors of all time, this superb volume is a revealing and practical view of the writer's craft, comprising the basic tools of the trade every writer must have. King's advice is grounded in his vivid memories from childhood through his emergence as a writer, from his struggling early career to his widely reported, near-fatal accident in 1999 -- and how the inextricable link between writing and living spurred his recovery. Brilliantly structured, friendly and inspiring, "On Writing" will empower and entertain everyone who reads it -- fans, writers, and anyone who loves a great story well told.

How I write: Secrets of a Bestselling Author by Janet Evanovich

 


How many people would kill to be a bestselling novelist? Especially one like Janet Evanovich.Writers want to know how a bestselling author thinks, writes, plans, and dreams her books. And they are primed for a book from Janet Evanovich that tells, in a witty Q&A format:
- How she comes up with such remarkable characters
- How she nails the perfect name every time
- How she finds out insider details
- Just how she sets up those masterful plots
- What the life of a full-time writer is really like
- What she'd tell an aspiring author about the publishing industry
- And much, much more!
This book details the elements of writing and publishing a novel, and addresses all categories of fiction-from mystery/thriller/action titles to romance; from stand-alone narratives to series. It offers practical and inspiring advice on such subjects as structuring a plot and handling rejection. And it combines one of today's most successful fiction writers with a published non-fiction writer who teaches creative fiction. HOW I WRITE is the perfect reference for anyone looking to improve their writing, and for those fans who are hungry to find out more about just how Janet Evanovich ticks.

Complete Writer’s Guide to Heroes &Heroines: Sixteen Master Archetypes by Tami D. Cowden, Caro LaFever, Sue Viders

 


All fiction writers want to write stories with great heroes and heroines - characters who leap off the page and capture the reader's imagination. Heroic characters can be broken down into sixteen archetypes. By following the guidelines of the archetypes presented in this comprehensive reference work, writers can create extraordinarily memorable characters and elevate their writing to a higher level. Throughout the book, the authors give examples of well-known heroes and heroines from television and film so the reader can picture the archetype in his or her mind.

At the very core of a character, every hero can be traced back to one of eight major archetypes, as can every heroine. The core archetype tells the writer the most basic instincts of heroes or heroines - how they think and feel, what drives them and how they reach their goals. Whether you are a seasoned professional or a novice, The Complete Writer's Guide to Heroes & Heroines will help you improve your own writing and help you create truly unforgettable characters. 

GMC: Goal, Motivation, Conflict by Debra Dixon

Goal, motivation, and conflict are the foundation of everything that happens in the story world. Using charts, examples, and movies, the author breaks these key elements down into understandable components and walks the reader through the process of laying this foundation in his or her own work.

Learn what causes sagging middles and how to fix them, which goals are important, which aren’t and why, how to get your characters to do what they need for your plot in a believable manner, and how to use conflict to create a good story. GMC can be used not only in plotting, but in character development, sharpening scenes, pitching ideas to an editor, and evaluating whether an idea will work.

Be confident your ideas will work before you write 200 pages.

Plan a road map to keep your story on track.

Discovery why your scenes aren’t working and what to do about it.

Create characters that editors and readers will care about.

The Writer’s Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers by Christopher Vogler

 

See why this book has become an international best seller, and a true classic. First published in 1992, The Writer's Journey explores the powerful relationship between mythology and storytelling in a clear, concise style that's made it required reading for movie executives, screenwriters, scholars, and lovers of pop culture all over the world. Writers of both fiction and non-fiction will discover a set of useful myth-inspired storytelling paradigms (ie. The Hero's Journey) and step-by-step guidelines to plot and character development. Based on the work of Joseph Campbell, The Writer's Journey is a must for writers of all kinds interested in further developing their craft. The updated and revised second edition provides new insights and observations from Vogler's ongoing work on mythology's influence on stories, movies, and man himself.

Grammar Girl’s Quick and Dirty Tips for BetterWriting by Mignon Fogarty

Online sensation Grammar Girl makes grammar fun and easy in this New York Times bestseller

Are you stumped by split infinitives? Terrified of using "who" when a "whom" is called for? Do you avoid the words "affect" and "effect" altogether?

Grammar Girl is here to help!

Mignon Fogarty, a.k.a. Grammar Girl, is determined to wipe out bad grammar—but she's also determined to make the process as painless as possible. A couple of years ago, she created a weekly podcast to tackle some of the most common mistakes people make while communicating. The podcasts have now been downloaded more than twenty million times, and Mignon has dispensed grammar tips on Oprah and appeared on the pages of The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and USA Today.

Written with the wit, warmth, and accessibility that the podcasts are known for, Grammar Girl's Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing covers the grammar rules and word-choice guidelines that can confound even the best writers. From "between vs. among" and "although vs. while" to comma splices and misplaced modifiers, Mignon offers memory tricks and clear explanations that will help readers recall and apply those troublesome grammar rules. Chock-full of tips on style, business writing, and effective e-mailing, Grammar Girl's print debut deserves a spot on every communicator's desk.

Happy Holidays!

~Tricia