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.