Grammar, Spelling, and Plagiarism Checkers

Grammar, Spelling, and Plagiarism Checkers

Since computers have evolved so much, many people have access to a unique writing tool. Besides the computer evolution, the Internet has expanded so much that most people have access to it. This still excludes huge chunks of the global population. However, many that are able to, write on a daily basis.

Social media has become the means of communicating with people around the globe. In communication, there is often the rush, and mistakes in spelling has a knack of slipping in. It prompted the online media to install spell checkers where people are given ample warning regarding their spelling mistakes in particular. By using a word processing program such as Microsoft Word, you would find that there is also a built-in facility to check your grammar as well as your spelling. It is, therefore, hardly an excuse for any writer to still make minor errors.

However, these are minor errors, that can still miss a number of other errors. The same applies to the many grammar, spelling, and plagiarism checkers. These range from free usage to paying a monthly or yearly fee. The quality of each of these are also different. The fact is that one still needs to have a good command of the English language in order to write a good quality article or paper. The quality checks of the programs can only add to your own knowledge. After all it is only a computer program. You must be in the position to accept the suggestions or reject the suggestions, depending on what you want to say.    

It is important to be aware that these programs do not always cover all the bases. It is, therefore, more important to invest in a course in English. As said in the previous article, it is an excellent idea  to write down words, and find the meaning, and perhaps write down the context sentences found in the dictionaries as well. These are words that would be typical to the kind of writing you do.

Plagiarism is an important part of writing as well. Unless you identify your sources, you cannot take phrases or sentences from other materials - you have to acknowledge them. If you do not give credit to your sources, it is known as plagiarism. For this, you woudl also find free checkers online and these can be reliable, but it would be best to use a fee-based program, just to make sure. The other suggestion mentioned is to be safe, and acknowledge your sources. This includes the use of images as well, especially those found on the Internet.

Choosing the Kind of Book to Write

There are two types of books that one can breathe life into. These are you Nonfiction, and your Fiction. Simply put, the difference between these are that Non-Fiction would deal with reality, and Fiction would deal with the imaginary world. It is often stated that Fiction is based on the imagination, but can sometimes appear to correspond to reality. That is why many people would state that in the disclaimer.

Your starting point for writing a book should be to decide in which category you want to place your book. The Non-Fiction, and Fiction can further be divided into different subtypes. What is important to note is that the books can fall under both categories. For example:

Non-Fiction	Fiction
Children’s books
Science Fiction

The examples above can be stories from real life or as a fictional story. Thus, your story will be related to the first decision you make, which is whether the story would be Fictional or Nonfictional. The second choice would evolve from the audience you wish to address.

Science Fiction lovers would enjoy a book that is based in the imagination, but would also enjoy a story that would relate to real stories such as the space travels of astronauts of the period from 1970. Children, too, might enjoy stories that are fictional, or non-fictional. The latter might be a story such as that of Faith McNulty and Steven Kellogg’s If You Decide to Go to the Moon. This book is a mix between Nonfiction, and Fiction.

Other book subtypes, under the main categories are a wide range of different types. This means that the following could be either Non-Fiction, or Fiction. These are, for example:

• Drama, that can be based in real life experiences, or happenings, or it could be a fictional story.
• Other examples of this mix are: Adventure, Action, Romance, Mystery, Religion, Poetry, Comics, Trilogy, Series, Autobiographies, or Biographies, Horror, Satire, and Fantasy.

Stories that are mostly Nonfiction would be reporting on real events and real situations. These fall in the category of:

·       Science Fiction

·       Satire (could also be fictional)

·       Health related stories and events

·       Self-help Guides

·       Travel Guides

·       Religious Books that would include indepth studies of various religions. These might include Prayer books, Devotionals, and so forth.

·       Historical events. One could perhaps place historic events in a fictional work as well such as Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell.

·       Mathematics

·       Anthologies are mentioned here, but could also be a collection of short stories. Poems , and other types of writing.

·       Encyclopedias contain factual information

·       Diaries

·       Journals

·       Dictionaries

·       Art Books

·       Cookbooks

·       Biographies

·       Autobiographies

These are mostly all of the genres of books that are available, Yet, you do not need to adhere strictly to the categories as pointed out. This is, however a good starting point to get you going. The previous post pointed you to the fact that you could create a wide choice for yourself by keeping several dedicated journals to assist you in your writing

External links:

If You Decide To Go To The Moon by Faith McNulty, Steven Kellogg (Illustrator)

Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
Image: https://pixabay.com/en/books-read-garden-sun-brews-apple-1757734/

Overcoming Writer's Block

Overcoming Writer's Block

Overcoming writer's block is easier said than done. It would be wonderful if writers all over can continue coming up with new ideas all the time. Sometimes frustration builds up as you sit, staring at a blank sheet of paper. It is much like an artist who sits in front of a blank canvas and simply cannot think of anything. It is for this reason that the recommendation is to build up resources through the use of an art journal. Here are some ideas whereby a writer could build some resources as well. 

The idea hinges on having several notebooks, and not just one. Color-coded covers could help you remember which  notebook is for what. You could also have several different types to identify which one holds what ideas.

•  One of these could be your mindmapping book. In it you could have several connecting ideas. 
• The second one could contain new words you have discovered, or words that you would need to research the meaning.
• The third book could contain research on topics you might want to write about later on. 
• Make sketches and drawing in another book, and write dialogue for them, or just relate a story with them. These can be translated into written format at a later stage.
• A fifth one could contain topics that think of, or titles that you might want to write about another time. You could sit and scramble them and come up with new titles or topics.
• Journaling is often very gratifying, but this can also assist you with writing when you do suffer with writer's block.
• Your seventh option is to have a smaller notebook that you carry with you. Jot down anything of interest that come to mind. While you are waiting for someone, for example, you could create dialogues for things and scenes you see around you.
• Photographs are wonderful ways to inspire you. Use a book and copies of your own photographs to write over and add words and dialogue to it.
• In another book you could write short paragraphs and jot down sentences to awake your writers desire

To make it more interesting, create a small shelf just for these books. make an Index to  stick on the side so that you know which book you need in a flash. Writing also stimulates the brain into action.

Writing as a Rule

Writing as a Rule

I found it very disconcerting that I give advice and then not follow my own advice. I write in the post Writing about Blogging that one should make time to write. 

So, to cheat, I am going to enter this admission here as a blog post. Now I know the reason why people ask others to write for their blogs. The business of the day catch up with you, and you place your blogs at the other end of the list. Soon you fall behind, and find that the spaces in between gets longer and longer. 

A friend, Robin Bownes, has been diligent tin writing his blogs every Wednesday. Here is one of his blog entries: Living Creatively. I have to follow his lead and in a way make myself accountable to write regularly.

So, the moral of the story here is: Please look out for blog posts here, every Wednesday. These blog entries deal with issues in writing. My other blog at: Creation in the Making. This one is for various topics. Please visit it for interesting entries.

Calligraphy Part I

Calligraphy could be seen as an art form or a discipline. As a discipline it was intrinsically connected to the Chinese, and Japanese martial arts.

How can one see the connection? Both martial arts and calligraphy is a form of art in its own right. Seeing someone do this type of writing, is inspiring. There is the initial preparation of getting the paper ready, setting out the ink and the calligraphy pens. The process could be slow, especially if accuracy is of great importance. There should be consistency in each of the letters you form.
Calligraphy is, therefore, not for the impatient person. Alternatively, though, perhaps one could learn patience from this type of writing.

The comparison of the art form with that of martial arts, is the fact that precision is required: "your hand should do what you command it." What is also vital is the fact that you need to make the writing as clear, as possible, and as beautiful as possible (McCormick).

Aside from the martial art connection, calligraphy has been the way in which the people in previous centuries communicated information. This is the way in which books were written and data were recorded -- via the calligrapher's hand. As a child, I was fascinated by the way in which my father would, draw pencil lines on a clean sheet of paper, and see how the letters emerged as he gave shape to them as well as give color to the pages. It is unfortunate that I do not have a copy of his best work. He did most of his work for other people. The image here is of something he did when he was very ill.  

The calligraphers of the past were employed by the church to copy the Bible, for example. This form of art, however, has not just been reserved for the Christian realm. Islamic calligraphy is as much part of the history of calligraphy.

The importance of this entry here is for the purpose to illustrate the desire for people to write for centuries. These days, computers are the instruments of choice for writing. Although some traditional writers still use the typewriter. However, calligraphy is where it all started, and there are myriads of computerised fonts that can mimic the art form. It does not, however, take you through the painstaking, disciplined process of the art form. That is where the enjoyment lies -- the enjoyment I saw in my father's face and eyes when he completed his most intricate work.


Reference:

McCormick, David . "News & BlogCalligraphy and Martial Arts." Academie Duello Centre for Swordplay. Accessed September 18, 2017. https://www.academieduello.com/news-blog/calligraphy-and-martial-arts/.

Specialization Writing

Specialization Writing

This is an interesting way to create a niche for yourself. If you have a special  interest in something, it would be easy to write about it. If you are an excellent crafts person, for example, it would be easy to simply share your methodology, and processes with others through your writing. The previous blog entry referred to niche writing. This is just an extra bit of information added to that.

It is important to write about what you know. However, you could still do research into whatever interests you. Some areas of specialized or niche writing are:

• Writers who have special interest in animals. These writers could be zookeepers, wildlife rangers, dog trainers, and many others who are simply interested in animals. 

• Those interested in motor vehicles or the automotive industry are sometimes called petrolheads. Should you be one of these people, you could be sharing your thoughts and special information regarding the automotive industry. 

• Artists with extensive background on materials and methods, could write information regarding the art world. It is also a matter of simply sharing basic knowledge, as well as experiential information. 

• Writing about the outdoors is a wonderful way in which to share both experiences as well as personal photographs of special places that you visited. The description of the journey and the places could be extremely interesting to those who enjoy the outdoors, and who would like to know more about local, or distant places.

• Travel writing is also a way in which you can document your own travels, but more so to give others the information they would love to have about places of interest to them. 

The main purpose of writing within your specialization, especially as an academic, as well, is to share your thoughts and interests with others. It is also a great way to save these thoughts and information in a safe place on the internet.

Writing about Blogging

Most people, including myself, start blogs, because we feel that we want to write, and put ideas and thoughts out there. Most of the time, though, it takes time, and energy to write an entry for a blog. The part that is most debilitating in writing for your own blog, is to find the right topic, and the right content for it. It becomes easier if you have a theme based blog, but this can again be hampered by how much time you have for it. What can one do about such a dilemma? Perhaps some ideas might help - as I speak to myself here as well.

Find the time to write

How can one find the time to write content for ones blog? The simple answer would be to schedule your blog - that is, use a calendar to set up a weekly blog, and stick to it. However, one should not feel guilty if one misses the schedule. Perhaps just move it to the following day, but the importance is to stick to the schedule.

When to write

This is as important as the scheduling. The best time to write is when you know what time of the day is your quiet time. If you whole day is quiet, then you are able to write at any time, but preferably try and sit down to write your blog (specifically) at the same time each day. That would make the time slot and the day your "blogging day."

What do I write

What you write about is entirely up to you. If you have a specific theme - that is, a "content specific" blog, it is somewhat easier, as you would write along those lines. This is also called niche blogging. If one has a general blog it can become a little more intricate, as one cannot always find a topic to write about. A "content specific" blog is often a passion, and it becomes easier to write about it. 

Finding a blog space

The Internet has hundreds of places where you are free to place your blog. The best way to find a space is to look at what your needs are. These places offer different ways of creating your blog. It depends entirely on how you wish to communicate your content. The blog spaces also allows you to create your own themes for the visual appearance of your blog.

How much do I write

The length of a blog and any other writing online,other than academic writing, should be as short as possible, and grab the attention. You do not want a lengthy blog where people would lose interest midway. The suggested length of a blog entry should be between 350-500 words. This is just a suggestion, as you could write longer blogs, as long as you keep the attention of the reader.

Finally, blogging has been around for a very long time, and does not seem to lose its appeal. If you are able to create your own website for a specific purpose, such as, selling products, most of the hosts offer a blog attached. Thus, you are able to use your blog, attached to the website, as a promotional tool for your products. Website hosting can be expensive, but there are hosts that would offer free websites, but with limited functionality.