One

The number of people

in the universe

who are you

Thanksgiving

Happy

Thanksgiving

Door

Sometimes I close my eyes and imagine I’m looking at a door. I reach forward and open it. What appears on the other side of it is often the next idea, scene, or word I need in my writing.

I believe that art and life weave together. So I also use this technique in determining the next step or direction I should take in the story of my existence. 

It’s simple. Try it if you want to. Close your eyes, picture a door, and open it. What do you see?

Apostrophe Part Two

The second definition of apostrophe is the punctuation mark that looks like a tiny little balloon blowing away in the wind.

Most people use it correctly in contractions. But some people get confused when using it in a possessive case. So here’s a quick review:

Singular noun: Make it possessive by adding an apostrophe s: the boy’s basketball.

Plural noun ending in s: Make it possessive by only adding an apostrophe: the boys’ basketball team.

Plural noun not ending in s: Make it possessive by adding an apostrophe s: the women’s soccer team.

These three rules should be strictly followed. The only exception is in proper names that end in s. This is a bit of a gray area. In most cases, follow the singular noun rule: George Lucas’s movies.

But if the proper name is an ancient historical one, then the normal practice is to just add an apostrophe: Jesus’ teachings.       

 
That’s all for now, kids. Keep writing.

Apostrophe Part One

The term apostrophe has two definitions for a writer.

The first is the lesser known literary one. It’s a device where one addresses some person or    abstraction that’s not really there. Here are some examples:

 

From Shakespeare’s King Lear: “Ingratitude! thou marble-hearted fiend!” He’s talking to Ingratitude. Apparently, he’s kind of a jerk.

 

  “Oh, Death, Be Not Proud.” It’s the title of a John Donne poem. He’s telling Death to not be so stuck up.

 

  “Hey, Time, slow down so I can get more done.” I’m talking to Time. I don’t plan on waiting around for an answer.

 

The apostrophe is a great device in writing. Add it to your toolbox when you want to add a little flair to a scene, a story, a poem, or whatever else you’re putting into words. 

 

Next week I’ll discuss the second meaning of apostrophe: that funny little mark.