Category: Blog

By Matthew Boock

A common mistake among many writers is considering the editing stage as the proofreading stage. While they often do go hand in hand with each other, editing is important to guarantee that the piece stays on topic, keeps the tone and voice consistent, and keeps the larger elements of the work understandable to the audience. Proofreading is a very important step as it focuses on the overlooked details that influence the professionalism of your work.  

Once the editing stage is complete, a writer must proofread their work and pay attention to details such as their grammar, punctuation, and formatting to be certain that the virtuosity of the work is evident. There is an abundance of methods that writers use when they begin to proofread.  

Here are two main methods a writer may consider when taking on the proofreading process: 

The first technique, while simple, is very effective. Reading your work aloud as if you were reading to an audience allows you to hear mistakes that may be easily missed. As you begin to read out loud, start by scanning slowly. Being slow and clear throughout the entire piece will benefit your ability to judge the sentence structure in each paragraph. Now, since you will be speaking audibly, in the voice that you intended on expressing, run-on sentences or awkward phrases will stand out much more than if you were silently reading. Be sure to take notes on mistakes as you analyze the document! 

Another great way to proofread your work is to get a second opinion. This could be a friend, tutor, teacher, or anyone else. It is an educated decision to choose somebody with reading or writing experience as you want them to be able to give you well processed feedback rather than something like, “Yeah, it was good”. You should also give your work to a person whose When you give your chosen peer, make sure to give them any necessary context that is important to your work. You may give them a few specific aspects to look out for, such as clarity or grammar. Once you have received their feedback, you should make the said changes and have your peer review your work once more to make sure the changes are appropriate.  

There are a plethora of ways to proofread your work and assure that it is ready for submission, some as simple as reading aloud or as intricate as having multiple opinions on your work. However, no matter how you choose to do it, your tone, message, and professionalism will drastically improve when you learn how to correctly proofread your composition.

by Moriah Beyer

Poetry is a powerful force of writing that thrives on emotion. For poets like you and me, exploring emotions can be everything that makes a poem, even if it seems hard to encapsulate such things. Vulnerability in poetry is not a weakness, rather, it is a strength. It breathes life into the words and makes the work resonate with readers. By considering personal experiences and emotions, we can create works that are not only deeply personal but also raw and relatable. This is a perfect approach for each piece of poetry to remain unique, reflecting special perspectives.

Writing from personal experiences will ultimately help you as a poet be able to create with purpose. Our lives have so many emotional moments, whether joyful, painful, stressful, or anything in between, and all of them can be used to inspire. When poets channel these experiences into their writing, they by default merge their work with authenticity and originality. This not only enhances the emotional depth of their poetry but also sets it apart from more on-the-surface works. Readers can sense when a poem is written from the heart, and this connection can make the difference between a simple poem versus a deep, heartfelt one.

Furthermore, the process of writing poetry can be rewarding and therapeutic. It allows us as poets to process and make sense of our emotions. By putting our feelings into words, we can gain a clearer understanding of our own experiences. This type of introspection not only benefits poets but also enhances the work. Poems that are rooted in genuine emotional connections often carry a significance that resonates deeply with readers.

Emotional vulnerability in poetry also creates a sense of authenticity that readers can connect with. It can offer readers a glimpse into the poet’s soul, creating more of a connection than a typical written essay or non-emotional piece would. This connection is what makes poetry so impactful because it allows readers to see themselves in the poet’s experiences and emotions, which also adds empathy and understanding.

To continue, embracing one’s emotions in poetry empowers poets to be their own source of inspiration. By acknowledging that our feelings and experiences matter, us as poets can take pride in our work and feel a profound sense of connection to it. When poets everywhere allow themselves to be open and honest in their writing, they not only create more compelling work but also foster a deeper bond with their readers. In doing so, we can celebrate the beauty of our own emotional states and invite others to do the same.

Ultimately, the act of infusing poetry with emotion is a beautiful thing. It requires poets to confront their innermost feelings and lay them bare for the world to see. However, this bravery is rewarded with vibrant, heartfelt, and deeply powerful poetry. By valuing our emotions and experiences, we as poets can create works that are not only pretty on paper but also profoundly impactful. In the end, this exact emotional vulnerability gives poetry its power and makes it a significant form of art.

By Myli-Ann Goodine

Writing is a journey. It takes many steps from planning, getting ideas, fleshing out characters and plot, and more. Writing, in some capacity, includes a bit of the writer, whether it’s an experience from their own life, something they’ve observed in nature, or even experiences they’ve heard from other people. All of these ideas and experiences can be written down and saved for later use, creating a personal idea book for your writing in a journal. Journals are great sources to store your creativity without the need or worry for perfection.

Carrying around a journal, small or big, everywhere you go can help you capture ideas, find inspiration wherever you go. Even if it’s small, every idea is worth writing down for the future. It can spur new stories, or help you get out of a writer’s block. Multiple successful writers such as Virginia Woolf or Sylvia Plath kept journals. A quote from Woolf’s journal, “But what is more to the point is my belief that the habit of writing thus for my own eye only is good practice. It loosens the ligaments. Never mind the misses and the stumbles,” (A Writer’s Diary, Woolf, entry April 20th 1919) shows that journals are a good place to practice and get ideas down, without the troubles of mistakes you might focus on when writing.

Journaling also holds a lot of memories, and holds our past selves, which in themselves can create a story. For example, Anne Frank’s diary has become a staple in our history, and proves that diaries and journals can become stories, word for word, or not. They remind you of your ideas and what can become of them. Journals also remind us about how important memory is to our personalities. “I am made of memories,” a quote from The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller, encompasses this idea. Our memories make us, and they can be stored in a journal, which we can look back at for inspiration. 

It is always a good idea to keep your ideas in one place. A journal can become a writer’s, artists, or journalist’s home for inspiration, your ideas, observations, anything that might help you in the future. It becomes a reservoir. It can make the smallest details or ideas look big and important, especially if you go back and reread those ideas in the future. There are no grammar, structure, or no rules in general when keeping a journal, which is why everyone should have to, to get your thoughts written down, even if they don’t seem relevant. Every small idea is important to your journey.

By: Roxy Gatchell

“The new generation of ____ is doomed.”  

You’ve probably heard something along those lines before. The new generation of teachers, students, writers, readers, and publishers – is doomed because of technological advancements that we hesitate to see as progress. Some say the Internet is destroying our reading comprehension and ability to think critically about media, while others worry about the declining use of published paper products.  

Amidst this digital panic, we focus on the repercussions of the online writing world rather than the benefits it brings to us. The Internet was created to be a toolset, not an obstacle. It is time we recognize the online space for what it is: a gift of adaptation to a new era of writing and publishing by providing accessibility, interaction, and creativity to its users.  

Accessibility 

The Internet provides a great deal of accessibility. It allows us to publish from the comfort of our homes, alleviating social anxiety and making editing easier. Anyone can make a blog post, submit work to a digital literary magazine or post on social media. We live in an era of convenience! Additionally, audio clips, videos, and closed captions allow one to interpret work despite disabilities or illnesses that can prevent them from visiting talent exhibitions.  

Interaction 

A commonly utilized gift of the Internet is interaction among readers and writers. The Internet boosts fandom interactions through fanfiction writing and participation in character and plot discussions. Drafting this article would not be possible without the opportunity to participate in Internet discourse, which allows us to critically analyze media alongside our peers. Online writing forums can be found anywhere, from published magazines to apps like Instagram, Tumblr, Reddit, Coursera, Wattpad or Archive of Our Own. If you’re a writer, there’s a space on the Internet for you.  

Creativity 

Lastly, the Internet fosters creativity as it changes conventions and invents new mediums for self-expression. Video essays are a notable example of this; they require a polished script, performance, and editing skills. Additionally, interactive online magazines combine the knowledge of website creation with traditional writing and editing. The Internet also helps to eliminate writer’s block by executing challenging ways to incentivize writers, such as The Most Dangerous Writing App, an extension that encourages freewriting by deleting one’s content if one stops to think for too long. If you want to exercise your brain, there is no shortage of online resources. 

The Internet is daunting to many, but it certainly is not killing writing. Although the web will never be without its critics voicing their concerns about the state of literature, it is important to remember that every tool can be beneficial in moderation. With its ability to boost accessibility, interaction, and creativity, the Internet offers us a plethora of opportunities. Don’t be afraid to utilize online writing spaces and resources, for they only serve to elevate the skills you already have.

By: Heather Pope

Have you ever wondered why some books captivate you from the first page while others leave you stumbling over errors? The answer lies in the art of proofreading. After all, a single typo or grammar mistake can disrupt the flow of a narrative or undermine an author’s credibility. However, there is no need to worry! We will dive deep into the art of proofreading, exploring its significance and equipping you with practical tips to elevate your writing game.  

Now that we have looked into the critical role of proofreading in creating compelling narratives and maintaining author credibility let’s dive deeper into understanding how effective proofreading can transform your writing. Making a proofreading checklist specific to your writing style and common mistakes is one helpful suggestion. This checklist can contain reminders to check for grammar and punctuation consistency, ensure clarity and coherence in your writing, and verify the accuracy of facts or references. Alternating your writing and proofreading sessions with short breaks might also give you a new perspective and improve your ability to spot mistakes. Additionally, you might find awkward phrasing or missing words by reading your manuscript aloud or utilizing text-to-speech software.  

Additionally, it’s critical to use proofreading tools wisely. Though they can be helpful, automated grammar and spell checkers are not perfect. Use manual proofreading in addition to these techniques to find contextual errors that automated systems might overlook. For example, distinguishing between terms that are frequently confused, such as “their” and “there” or “its” and “it’s.” Getting a second set of eyes to review your work can also be highly beneficial. Seek the assistance of experienced editors, critique partners, or beta readers to proofread your work before publishing. Their fresh perspective could reveal mistakes or inconsistencies you might have missed, ensuring a polished result that appeals to readers. Finally, remember to keep improving your proofreading skills. See proofreading as a continuous learning process and regularly consult resources like grammar books and style guides. By incorporating these strategies into your proofreading process, you’ll be better equipped to polish your prose and improve the quality of your writing.  

In today’s competitive publishing world, mastering the skill of proofreading is crucial to creating compelling narratives and preserving author credibility. You may improve as a writer and ensure your work gets noticed by applying the helpful advice and techniques covered in this piece. Remember to create a customized proofreading checklist, take breaks between writing and proofreading assignments, use proofreading tools carefully, ask for input from others, and always try to get better at proofreading. You will be well-equipped to write polished writing that pulls readers in and keeps them reading through to the end with a little commitment and practice!

In the realm of creativity, possibly the most persistent question artists ask themselves is what will become of their legacy – what will it be that people see in the work they leave behind? The real reason anyone gets anything done is a question as timeless as art itself. It’s a query that delves beyond the overdone narrative of overachievements and success stories. The real reason is far more profound; it’s rooted in the very essence of why we create.

Speaking as a guest lecturer on video games at Aalto University, Davey Wreden talks about the innate contract within all of us — he describes it as “this contract inside you that tells you why you’re really making whatever it is that you’re making. Just as it was praise and validation for me, perhaps for you, it’s the need to prove yourself to someone who thinks you won’t make it. Or a self judgment that the only people that are valuable in this world are the people who are churning creative content all the time”. In an era where it might seem like nothing gets done anymore, the exploration of one’s legacy becomes not just a reflection on personal achievements, but a beacon guiding us through the intricacies of the creative process. Wreden continues to impart on the matter that “even though you didn’t get to decide whether to get this contract, you can decide how you get to respond to it if u keep asking yourself [questions]”.

As we navigate the vast landscape of artistic expression, we often find ourselves looking up to the enduring legacies left behind by iconic figures. Whether it’s the elegance of a songwriter, the enduring beauty of a painter’s eye, or the timelessness of a photographer, each artist’s body of work tells a unique story about their beliefs, philosophies, and the common motifs that shaped their creative journey.

In the world of music, Taylor Swift, for example, has taught young women to embrace girlhood and all the nuances of growing up through her incredible knack for storytelling. Paul Simon’s body of work reflects a musical chameleon who constantly ventured into unknown territories, re-energizing himself with new sounds and ideas constantly and bearing the fruits of a long prosperous career as a result. The music of Joni Mitchell reveals a toughness, resilience and an almost frightening show of vulnerability that had Kris Kristofferson famously advising her, “Save something for yourself, Joni!”. In the world of visual art, Van Gogh’s vibrant colors and swirling brushstrokes leads its audience to reflect on the tumultuous mental landscape of the painter, while Rembrandt’s mastery of light and shadow reveals a profound understanding of the human condition. The photography of Vivian Maier, a name almost entirely unknown in her time, captures the life of ordinary citizens of 1950s and 60s Chicago and New York in extravagant and unique ways. What is especially intriguing about Maier’s legacy is that she was almost completely unknown in her time — her body of work was discovered in 2007 by a historian who acquired a box for her negatives in an auction. She was never able to see the fruits of her labor — she was simply creating and capturing life for its own sake.

Their legacies transcend time, inspiring artists to explore the depths of their own creativity. Delving into a musical body of work is to step into their shoes and see life through their given lens — the intricacies of human relationships, a connection to nature, a search for identity and many other themes that may be communicated. Consider critically reflecting on your favorite artists and what concepts, ideas and messages can you take away from their body of work? Think about how each album or photograph or painting plays into the narrative of the larger picture. How can you look to these artists for inspiration with, not just your own art, but demeanor? What beliefs, philosophies, and common motifs do you see run through, again not just in your creative outlets, but in your way of life?