Best Picks Archives

What’s Another Word for . . . ?

Like writers of fiction, journalism, and poetry, business writers often want to find fresh words to replace the ones they use again and again. I often look for synonyms for important, effective, and information. In my search for the right synonyms to replace the word… continue reading

“Chicago” Goes Electronic

It is no longer necessary to have the three-pound Bible of publishing on your bookshelf. The Chicago Manual of Style has just gone online. According to today’s announcement, an introductory one-year subscription is $25 if you subscribe by September 30, 2007–$30 after that date. Thirty-day… continue reading

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Legal Writing Resources

Yesterday I had the opportunity of leading a writing workshop for the Puget Sound chapter of the Association of Legal Administrators. What an intelligent, enthusiastic, precise group! Participants had several questions specifically pertaining to their profession. Here are two: In a business letter, is it… continue reading

Legal Writing Resources

I have just been introduced to an excellent resource on legal writing, a blog called the (new) legal writer. Its tagline is “A collection of resources for lawyers, who write.” That is exactly what it is. Did you notice the punctuation in the subtitle? I… continue reading

Errors, Erors Everywhere!

Many visitors to this site have been searching for everyday examples of mistakes in grammar, punctuation, and spelling. I have a Best Pick blog to recommend to you: Grammar Hell. In the spirit of Eats, Shoots & Leaves author Lynne Truss, Grammar Hell’s creator, Jack,… continue reading

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Life’s Treasures

People across the United States are celebrating Thanksgiving this week. Among the traditions of this national holiday are eating feasts, watching grand parades, contributing time and money to those who are less fortunate among us, and thinking about all we are grateful for. We think… continue reading

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Best Reference Book for Writers

Last week in our Grammar and Punctuation for Professionals class at a Seattle firm, participants raised a lot of nitty gritty questions, as usual: Question: Does 1990s have an apostrophe in it? Answer: No, not anymore. Question: If you use a dash between dollar amounts… continue reading

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Best Business Writing Book

Despite its off-putting title, Why Business People Speak Like Idiots: A Bullfighter’s Guide is the best book on business writing of this century. I’m not exaggerating. While other good books on business writing focus carefully on the message, the audience, and the right methods, this… continue reading

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Writer’s Block? Be Awestruck.

One great way to break through writer’s block is to stop trying to write, and instead do something completely different. Take the focus off yourself. Be awestruck. I recommend a visit to the photo blog of my web designer, Diane Varner. Depending on all their… continue reading