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Ravin' Maven

Odd and interesting bits about writing

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Salute to Safire

11/1/2013

2 Comments

 
William Safire loved language. His weekly columns “On Language” delved into the quirky and the mundane aspects of how we write and speak. As a speechwriter to President Richard Nixon Safire is credited with creating the memorable phrases “nattering nabobs of negativism,” and “hopeless, hysterical hypochondriacs of history,” according to his Sept. 27, 2009 obituary in The New York Times.

Author of many books, including collections of his essays on language, Safire is also remembered for his “Rules for Writers,” some of which appear below and in my book, are essential for any writer to have posted in view of his or her computer or typewriter.

  • Remember to never split an infinitive.
  • The passive voice should never be used.
  • Do not put statements in the negative form.
  • Proofread carefully to see if you words out.
  • If you reread your work, you can find on rereading a great deal of repetition can be by rereading and editing.
  • And don't start a sentence with a conjunction. (Remember, too, a preposition is a terrible word to end a sentence with.)
  • Don't overuse exclamation marks!!
  • Place pronouns as close as possible, especially in long sentences, as of 10 or more words, to their antecedents.
  • Writing carefully, dangling participles must be avoided.
  • If any word is improper at the end of a sentence, a linking verb is.
  • Take the bull by the hand and avoid mixing metaphors.
  • Avoid trendy locutions that sound flaky.
  • Everyone should be careful to use a singular pronoun with singular nouns in their writing.
  • Always pick on the correct idiom.
  • The adverb always follows the verb.
  • Last but not least, avoid cliches like the plague; seek viable alternatives.
2 Comments
tutuapp link
10/17/2023 05:00:04 am

It's been a long time coming. The gist of it is that I turned 18 yesterday and my mom is kicking me out. She's been joking about it since I was born, but it's still a huge unpleasant surprise. I'm a girl, and in (Edited before I dox myself more than I already have). If I give out too many details, oh well. I got a TBI when I was 17 and ended up dropping out and getting my GED because it was so bad. I just got another concussion so it's really hard to think straight haha. Before my GED I was a straight A student, and I got college level credit on my GED if that helps. I had a brief job working as a cashier in between and have around $1000 in savings. No car, and no license unfortunately. Probably can't drive anytime soon either due to dizziness.

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vidmate link
10/17/2023 05:01:56 am

I have around 6 hours to pack, and I really don't know what I'm doing. It's still pretty hot in (My state), but I think I should bring warm clothes in case right? I can probably only pack a backpack full of things if I'm walking around, so I don't know what's a priority. I'm trying to find old jewelry I can sell. Idk man.

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    Jana Goldman

    A former daily newspaper reporter and editor, a deputy press secretary, and now a science communication and media maven.

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