Hello out there!

Hi everyone,
It's me and I'm back in the world of blogging. I'm feeling fresh and ready to write about ways to improve your writing and how proofreading and editing from a professional is critical. Remember that www.wordwriteforsuccess.com.au is the place to come to receive the help you need to make your writing perfect.
I'll be back soon!

Blumin Annoying!

I have just learnt that knowing how to spell can actually be detrimental rather than advantageous. Let me explain...

I have been trying to track down a dress to match a jacket I bought a while ago. Yesterday afternoon, I rang the distributer and she gave me the names of a number of stores to ring around to see if they had the dress in stock. One of the store names she gave me was 'Blooming Gorgeous' (at least that's what it sounded like!). She also told me that it was located in the Niecon Plaza at Broadbeach.

When I finished the phone call, I thought I'd do a google search for the phone numbers of the stores to try to source the much-desired dress. Well, this was where I hit a fairly large stumbling block. I typed 'Blooming Gorgeous' into google and was presented with 'about' 988 000 hits, all to flower related sites (although I must admit to not going further than the first page). Then, I thought I'd get clever and google 'Blooming Gorgeous Broadbeach' and clicked 'pages from Australia' before I hit the 'Search' button. Hey presto! The search narrowed to 809 hits, although was still mostly florists and some maternity sites. I noticed the search was also throwing up results with 'bloomin', so next I did a search for 'Bloomin Gorgeous Broadbeach'. Even though I got 375 hits, lower than both previous searches, the early indications from the first few pages were that I was on a wild goose chase. I was at my wits' end - surely it wasn't meant to be this difficult. A yellow pages search was equally frustrating - all I got were numbers for a florist and an escort.

Finally, after I recollected the phone call with the supplier, I remembered she mentioned that the store was in the Niecon Plaza, so, in desperation, I googled 'Niecon Plaza Broadbeach', which yielded the Niecon Plaza as top hit. With shaking hands (okay, not quite shaking), I clicked on the link and went to the Niecon Plaza home page. From there, I clicked on 'Shopping Directory', went to 'Fashion and Beauty', and there it was, third from the top, 'Blumingorgus'. I laughed out loud when I saw its spelling. It would have taken me years (actually, no it would not have, as I would not have persevered!) to have found the shop with a google search using this mispelling. I have to wonder what possessed someone to choose such an obscure spelling for a business name.

All I can say is that I hope they rely on passing trade, rather than on people guessing at the spelling. Spelling matters! By the way, when I phoned the store, they didn't even have the dress I was looking for. Can you believe it? I'm too exhausted now to even try finding the phone numbers for the other store names I was given!

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Use of the Possessive Apostrophe

Apostrophes are a very useful punctuation mark, when used CORRECTLY! When used incorrectly, however, they are plain annoying. I say, if you don't know where an apostrophe is required, it's worse to guess and place it incorrectly than it is to leave it out altogether.

The biggest error I see 'guessers' making is placing the apostrophe before the 's' rather than after the 's' when a plural occurs.

Here are some examples of incorrect usage of the possessive apostrophe:

1. When we checked the coop, all of our chickens eggs were ready for collecting.
1. When we checked the coop, all of our chicken's eggs were ready for collecting.

2. My brothers wives are both bringing a dish to lunch. (NB: Assume polygamy is not practised.)
2. My brother's wives are both bringing a dish to lunch.

3. The witches broomsticks were lined up against the hut's wall.
3. The witch's broomsticks were lined up against the hut's wall.

CORRECTED, they should read:

1. When we checked the coop, all of our chickens' eggs were ready for collecting.

2. My brothers' wives are both bringing a dish to lunch.

3. The witches' broomsticks were lined up against the hut's wall.

The tricky part is understanding that if the word is already in a plural which doesn't end in 's', adding an apostrophe before the 's' may be required.

eg. the children's hats, the people's wishes

For any clarification, just contact www.wordwriteforsuccess.com.au

What is the difference between a bibliography and a reference list?

Often, students confuse a bibliography as being the same as a reference list. However, there is a key difference between the two and it is easy (once you've heard it) to know how they are different.

Reference List:

A reference list is attached at the end of a document, providing specific details of all works from which in-text references within the document have been made.

Bibliography:

A bibliography also appears at the end of the document, after the reference list, and it lists specific details of all works consulted in the process of the compilation of a document, whether or not the work has been quoted from or referred to specifically within the document. It follows that all works which appeared in the reference list would also appear in the bibliography, but it is very likely that there would also be additional works listed in the bibliography, which may have been consulted in the research process without having been used for specific reference within the document.

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Bookclub 20th Year Celebrations

I know there are many, many bookclubs in existence these days, but I am going to go out on a limb and say that there are not too many bookclubs in the elite category which mine achieved yesterday. We celebrated 20 years of the "BBOTC - (Mothers are the) Backbone of the Community- Bookclub" yesterday with a beautiful day on Tamborine Mountain.

Of the current 12 members, 7 have been members since the bookclub's inaugural meeting 20 years ago. I think this is a pretty amazing effort. It shows a commitment to and passion for books, of course, but it goes far beyond this with the friendship, trust and support shared by members. We reflected a lot yesterday - on our favourite books, our memorable moments and the uniqueness of each member and what she brings to our bookclub. One of our members, Margaret, had gone to the trouble of compiling a folio for each of us which contained a listing of all books which have been read over the 20 years along with who had been discussion leader - a mammoth undertaking! My mother, Judy, gave a lovely report of the 20 years, just as she had done at the 5 and 10 year anniversaries. A tear or two were shed by most at various points of the report as she charted events in our lives which have impacted upon bookclub discussions, as well as remembering one special founding member in particular who passed away just before the 10 year anniversary.

We had a beautiful high tea at 'Tea and Niceties' at Tamborine Mountain, then moved onto Witches' Chase Cheese Factory for some tastings and purchases, followed by a leisurely stroll along Gallery Walk. It was a gorgeous day and one that we will all remember I'm sure. How lucky are we to be part of something so precious and how wonderful it is that books have played such a special role in our lives.

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Scooter Boy

My son is currently obsessed by all things scooter-related. He has my husband trawling the Gold Coast each weekend checking out skateparks and giving them a road-test. The result is that the whole family is becoming familiarised with a whole new world of terminology - half pipes, quarter pipes, sketchy drops, yak wheels and trolley bars - to name a few.

The latest angle to his obsession came in the form of a question he asked me earlier this evening. I was telling the kids about the family pet dog we had growing up. Her name was 'Half-pint' (because she was smaller than a pint of milk). Anyway, my son had to double-check with me that my memory wasn't 'sketchy' and that her name might have been 'Half Pipe' instead!
I think he secretly hoped that the family scooter fascination had kicked in a generation or two ago!

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Adverbs - what are they and how (and why) to use them

Adverbs are best described as a word which provides the reader with more information about the verb or adjective in a sentence. If we agree that a verb is the word in a sentence which describes what action is taking place, then the adverb is the word which can describes how, when, where and why the action is taking place.

Consider the following:

1. Jack talked about his day at school. (verb = talked)

2. Jack talked excitedly about his day at school.

3. Jack talked reluctantly about his day at school.

Sentence 1 provides some information, but it is a straight description of the what, whereas sentences 2 and 3 are much more useful in conveying meaning, all through the addition of an adverb.

Similarly, an adjective will provide a degree of description, but this can be enhanced by the insertion of an adverb.

Consider the following:

1. Grace is a slow runner. (slow = adjective)

2. Grace is a very slow runner.

The second sentence provides further information about Grace's speed as a runner.

Lastly, an adverb can be used in a sentence to add meaning to an existing adverb.

Consider this:

1. She ran too quickly for me to be able to keep up.

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Junky Junk Mail

If we had a set of scales, I would weigh the junk mail we have received since last weekend. Since we don't, I'll have to try to estimate the weight of it at around 5 kgs. Put it this way, I can't lift it all with one hand (then again, I am a bit of a weakling!).

Nevertheless, the point I'm making is that the volume of junk mail we are receiving is out-of-control. We are seeing an environmental disaster occur on a daily basis and before our very eyes. When the amount of paper, ink, printing and distributing is considered, this has a massive environmental impact. Add to this that the normal next stop for the junk mail after it has made its way into the home is the household bin (with perhaps a few detours around the house if a good breeze picks up unexpectedly). I, for one, hate the mess junk mail creates and can't wait to get it out of the house and into the bin. Of course, this then needs to be collected and disposed of by our councils. Fingers crossed that householders put their junk mail into the recycling bin when they are finished with it, at the very least! There's no denying, though, that junk mail is posing a serious environmental issue.

Secondly, in amongst today's junk mail, I found a particularly large and glossy flyer from a company offering me the opportunity to have my business's flyer produced and distributed by them, so there is a very active and quite convincing campaign to potentially increase the junk mail factor. Well, I'm not interested and I sincerely hope that there are many likeminded others. I have horror visions of households across Australia drowning in their junk mail.

Lastly, since so many are able to enjoy access to the internet and growing numbers are attaching a polite 'Australia Post Mail only' label to their letterboxes without seeming to be too deprived of crucial information to be able to function in their lives, why not let people make a choice to seek the service or good they need via the internet? If we don't like to be bothered by telemarketers or door-to-door salespeople, how is it that we are allowing so much other unsolicited material to make its way into our letterboxes and then into our home? If I want a product or service, I'm going to go looking for it and the first place I'm likely to do that is on the internet. A quick google search usually provides the information I'm seeking. It's saving the environment, it's neat and tidy and I find information I need rather than being besieged by information I have little (and usually no) interest in knowing.

Now that I've had my rant, I had better put my plan into action and get our letterbox its special message to future junk mail deliverers. While it feels like we've received junkmail for every possible service or product known to humankind, from tree lopping to beauty salons to tax return preparation (sound familiar?), I doubt there's ever been a single piece distributed offering 'Polite Letterbox Signage'!

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Planning Your Writing

It's okay to admit that when you have writing to do, you want it finished with as soon as is possible. This is the case for most of us. It's so very tempting to just launch straight into getting words down on the page (or the screen, as the case may be). When it comes to writing a document that you will be happy with though, I really can't stress enough the importance of planning. In fact, planning your writing will actually save you time when it comes to doing the writing.

There are three bonuses you will discover when you plan your writing:

1. Your document will make its point more obviously. If you don't plan, your ideas will stray from your intended purpose.

2. If you're writing to a word limit (which you will be if you are a student), planning ensures that you don't hit walls with your writing.

3. Lastly, planning helps you to organise your ideas into a clear order, which your reader will be able to follow easily.

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Wedding MC Jitters

This Saturday, my little brother is getting married to his lovely fiance. I'm sure they are both feeling a few pre-wedding jitters, which will increase as the day draws nearer. However, I would like everyone to spare a thought for me as we lead up to the wedding, as I've been asked to act as Master of Ceremonies for the reception. Am I nervous? The answer is 'yes'. Am I excited? Once again, 'yes'.

I have spent some time lately contemplating my approach to the MC role. This has included research via the internet, where I have learned the following - use some humour, keep it clean and classy, and don't write everything out word for word to avoid sounding very rehearsed and stilted. Fortunately, I am limited to about a 5 minute time frame for my introduction and, while I have threatened my family with dramatic skits, interpretive dance and a retelling of my own personal love journey, I feel like I have come up with a reasonable approach to the evening. At this stage, I can't divulge what that approach is - it will be a secret until the night - but I'll keep you posted with how it goes.

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It's Time!

It's time to get back into blogging. I've given myself a good talking to and know I need to become serious again. I remember reading a few months ago about Anna and her blog, 'Absolutely Beautiful Things' www.absolutelybeautifulthings.blogspot.com, and how she felt that it was taking too much of her time. Fortunately for all who follow her beautiful blog, she rode through that little patch and continues to provide beautiful visual 'food' for us all. I've been feeling a little bit that way myself. It's not that posting a blog takes a lot of time necessarily, although it can. It's more that I find myself becoming consumed and distracted by what the day's post is going to be about.

There are still endless possibilities of course. Proofreading and editing of documents provides constant 'material' for the blog. My proofreading eagle eye as I'm out and about spots plenty of errors in writing too. I'm wondering about what you, as reader, what like to know more about when it comes to preparing written documents. Let me know, either by posting a comment or direct email to info@wordwriteforsuccess.com.au.

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Need a Tutor?

Word Write for Success provides 'modern' tuition, particularly in assistance with the preparation and finishing touches of proofreading and editing of assignment work. We can't do the assignment for you, of course, but we can assist just as the old-fashioned tutor would have done, by working alongside you to explain, develop your ideas and refine assignment work.

The only difference (and it's a good one) is that we do it electronically - you email through your request, including your assignment topic or task purpose and we work from there. The beauty of this electronic tuition is that you seek support on a needs basis, rather than at a weekly set time when you might not necessarily have a specific project to complete. Of course, you don't have to leave the comfort of your home either or worry about someone coming into your home. Your precious time and money is therefore optimised. Our rate is $45 per hour which compares very favourably with face-to-face tuition. Lastly, and most importantly, tuition is provided by highly qualified and experienced educators, with many years of secondary teaching experience to offer.

We specialise in support for secondary and tertiary students, however, can also assist with support of primary students in the area of English/Mathematics.

Document types with which we can assist in proofreading, editing and improving are -

* assignments - essays, short stories, media articles
* presentations - speeches, seminars
* powerpoint presentations
* websites
* blog set-up, design and writing
* applications - eg. scholarship applications
* jobs - resumes, letters of application, curriculum vitae
* book chapters
* thesis proofreading (sorry, we can't help you write this one!)

See our website for how we have helped students already - http://www.wordwriteforsuccess.com.au/ and go to 'Testimonials'.

A Secret Place...

First of all, my apologies for my blog black hole of late. I've been away taking a little break. We went camping to a very special place where there is no electricity or mobile phone coverage, hence a place of great relaxation. I can't tell you where though as it's so quiet and unspoiled that I don't want to share it. Sorry for being so selfish.

Here are some clues though:
* we stopped for supplies at Beaudesert
* it was cold
* it took less than 90 mins to reach from our home on the Gold Coast
* we were surrounded by cattle paddocks
* the nearest town was only 8 kms away

If you guess correctly, I'll tell you. If not, it will remain my secret camping spot for a while longer.

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Proofreading Perfection

Time to go back to basics. I've said it before and I'll say it again - proofreading is critical to any written text. As stated on my website for 'Word Write for Success', we provide proofreading and editing for document excellence. Some might ask why a document's excellence is important. Since we're in the throes of considering house renovations, I'll use a parallel.

As we renovate, we could have a bash at doing some of the work ourselves. We've watched a few home renovation shows on television - the Lifestyle Channel makes it all look quite easy. However, in our hearts we know that a room painted by a professional painter or a bathroom finished by a professional tiler is going to have a finish that we could never achieve, despite our best efforts. The assurance a professional offers will save us loads of time, stress, mess and worry. It will also save us from being in the expensive and frustrating situation of doing a botched job of the renos ourselves, only to have to call the professional in at the end of it all to fix the mistakes we've made.

Proofreading is a professional skill. Just as a painter, electrician or plumber possess a specific skill set which they bring to a job, so the proofreader will approach a proofreading job with the ultimate goal of providing an excellent finished product - your perfect document. So, the next time you have a document which you care about getting right, seek a professional's advice.

As an end of financial year special, we are offering all new customers 25% discount on your first document proofread by us. Contact 'Word Write for Success' at info@wordwriteforsuccess.com.au or go to our website - www.wordwriteforsuccess.com.au

Burn the Floor!

This afternoon, my daughter and I went to see the amazing dance show by Jason Gilkerson, 'Burn the Floor', on at the Gold Coast Arts Centre at present. It was awesome, incredible, energetic and captivating. Each couple had been chosen from around the world, with countries represented including Russia, New Zealand and England, to name a few. A special surprise was seeing Henry from 'So You Think You Can Dance - Season 1' representing Australia. He is something else! Not only were the dancers fabulous, but they were accompanied by the two most skilled drummers I have ever seen - I can still feel the beat pumping! Then, there were the two singers, who were, once again, just wonderful.

I think you can gather that we were both blown away and so glad we were able to see the show. The only disappointment of the afternoon was that the theatre was not booked out. The performers deserved a full audience and testament to this was the resounding standing ovation they received at the finale. Talk about passion! The floor was on fire!

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Mean Girls Quiz Answers

Here are the answers to the quiz from yesterday's post:

1. How old is the main character, Cady? 16 years old
2. What colour t-shirt is she wearing on her first day at school? red
3. What is the date on the day that Aaron asks her to tell him the date? October 3rd
4. What will occur if Cady joins the Mathletes? Social suicide
5. Name three of the groups identified during the film. Plastics, Hot Asians, Asian Nerds, Preps, JV Jocks, Sexually Active Band Geeks, Burnouts
6. What colour is Damien's suit at the Christmas concert? white
7. Complete the phrase, 'Seeing a teacher outside school is like'..... 'seeing a dog walk on its hind legs
8. How has Gretchen's father made his fortune? Toaster Strudel
9. What is the name of the book Regina has compiled? The Burn Book
10.What is the answer to the sudden death question at the Mathletes championship? The limit does not exist

How did you go?

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Are you a 'mean' girl?

Today I've watched 'Mean Girls' for what must be the fourth or fifth time. It's an excellent film for all teenagers, girls and boys alike. Based on the book, 'Queen Bees and Wannabes', by Rosalind Wiseman, the film explores the adolescent world of cliques, gossip, peer pressure and boyfriends.

If you have already seen it, here are some questions for you to check how closely you were paying attention as you watched (and if you haven't seen it, you should - then trying answering the following):

1. How old is the main character, Cady?
2. What colour t-shirt is she wearing on her first day at school?
3. What is the date on the day that Aaron asks her to tell him the date?
4. What will occur if Cady joins the Mathletes?
5. Name three of the groups identified during the film.
6. What colour is Damien's suit at the Christmas concert?
7. Complete the phrase, 'Seeing a teacher outside school is like.....'
8. How has Gretchen's father made his fortune?
9. What is the name of the book Regina has compiled?
10. What is the answer to the sudden death question at the Mathletes championship?

Check tomorrow's post for the answers to these all-important questions.

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Why plan? Why not?

Today, I was supervising a group of students completing a piece of writing under supervised conditions. There were 28 students in the room. The task was to take 30 minutes - 5 minutes of planning, 20 minutes of writing and 5 minutes of editing.

Once the students began the 5 minute planning stage, I circulated around the room and observed the following: 27 students were busily doing as they had been told, making their plans in the designated space on the test. Then there was the one student who had merrily gone on his way, dispensing with the planning stage and moving straight into the writing phase.

It started me thinking. I wonder whether that particular student plans on travelling in the future, not necessarily on an overseas trip, but even a trip within Australia. Will he make a plan or will he just dive straight in and hope for the best? Will he take each day of the trip as it comes or will he know where he will be staying tomorrow night and how he will get there? Come to think of it, if he's not a planner by nature, he probably hadn't planned where he was meeting his friends for lunch today, let alone some nebulous future trip.

Perhaps the world can be divided into the planners and the doers. The planners step themselves through the process hypothetically. They devise a logical order and they consider what options are available. In this way, they have a 'road map' of sorts, irrespective of the task at hand. The task could be as simple as a piece of writing or it could be as mammoth as a wedding. In setting themselves up with a plan, they ensure greater predictability of the desired outcome.

In contrast, the doers are willing to take a chance, run a risk or leave all in the lap of the gods when it comes to outcomes. They throw caution to the wind and leap in with both eyes shut. I have no statistics to support this assertion, but my gut reaction is that these doers have the potential to be equally as successful in achieving a positive outcome. It might not be THE outcome (as defined by a planner type), but it is an outcome which has been reached by a more passionate, impulsive and, dare I say it, instinctive pathway.

So, which are you? If you answer 'yes' to the following, you are definitely a planner rather than a doer:

* do you have a GPS installed in your car?
* when you go to the supermarket, do you have a list?
* prior to your last road trip, did you consult Google maps?
* do you have a calendar which lists all of your family and friends' birthdays?
* if you had to write a letter of complaint or an essay, would you start by listing dot points?
* before a social occasion, do you mentally prepare possible conversation starters?
* when cooking from a recipe, do you take out all required ingredients prior to beginning?
* do you have a cupboard in your home with gifts on hand for as yet unspecified recipients?
* could you tell me what you will be doing in two weeks' time on Saturday morning?

Okay, which are you? Don't be embarrassed! We can't all be the same and who's to say whether it's better to be a planner or a doer. Maybe the results of the test my students sat today will provide me with further insight. Then again, maybe not...

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Monday Mutter

Here I go -
* leftover washing from the weekend still needs folding (at least my ironing lady doesn't pick up until tomorrow!)
* didn't arrive home until dark (good excuse for takeaway though!)
* still cold (but not as cold as last week)
* lots of paperwork to read, sign, return, rsvp to (but no bills - touch wood!)
* only half a glass of wine left in the bottle (better than none at all)
* tired (but not too tired to keep reading my book)

Who am I kidding? If I categorise this as a bad Monday, I haven't got much to complain about, have I?

I hope you had a good Monday!

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Laugh out loud

I'm reading a really funny book at the moment. In fact, this post is by necessity going to be quite short, so that I can get back to it as quickly as possible.

Writers who can make you laugh out loud as you read their book have a very special talent. British comedian, Peter Kay, has achieved this for me with his appropriately titled book, 'The Sound of Laughter'. His stories are so down-to-earth, often self-deprecating and about everyday life. It reached a point a couple of nights ago where I was laughing so much as I was reading that I started to wheeze. It was at about this point also that my husband stopped enjoying my mirth and threatened to send me into another room to continue reading.

It's been quite a while since I've been so entertained by a book. Another writer who had this effect on me was Nick Earls with '48 Shades of Brown'. I can remember my husband coming to check on me when he heard strange noises coming from our bedroom - it was me trying not to laugh too loudly so as not to wake our sleeping children.

I've said it before, I'm not a book snob, and this post proves it. If you want to read a really clever book, this one isn't it. However, if you feel like a laugh, try to get your hands on a copy of 'The Sound of Laughter'.

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