“Write what you know.” When I was younger and people told me this, I felt so stifled. I wasn’t a world traveller going on adventures. I wasn’t a cowgirl, an astronaut, or an archaeologist (still not). It seemed like the worst advice ever. But it’s actually the most important writing advice I’ve ever heard. It […]
Hiatus
hiatus, n. : “A gap or interruption in space, time, or continuity; a break” (American Heritage High School Dictionary) (pronounced hī-ā’-tes) I know this word isn’t as unusual as some of the ones I’ve done before…but it fit so well for this week I couldn’t resist (plus if you keep reading, there’s a bonus word […]
Tardigradous
tardigradous, a. : “Slow-paced; moving or stepping slowly” (Webster) (pronounced tar’-dih-gred-us, with the accent on the first syllable, and equal emphasis on the remaining syllables). Turtles are notorious for their tardigradous way of getting around. Snails, inchworms, grandparents, and cantankerous children (like Jimmy below) like to operate at this speed as well. “Jimmy, go […]
Daggle
daggle, v. : “To trail in mud or wet grass; to befoul; to dirty, as the lower end of a garment.” Also, “To run through mud and water” (Webster)(pronounced dag’-gl, with the accent on the first syllable, like waggle). Anyone can daggle. Kids and puppies are probably the most frequent culprits, but sometimes even adults […]
Flittermouse
flittermouse, n. : “A bat; an animal that has the fur of a mouse, and membranes which answer the purpose of wings, and enable the animal to sustain itself in a fluttering flight” (Webster). (Pronounced flit’-ter-mouse, like glitter-mouse; plural, flittermice; also flickermouse or flickermice) I know people probably don’t use the word bat very much, […]
Word Swaps – Fleeing Lackluster Verbs
“Get away from me,” Laura said, trying to push the dog from her without touching its soaked and smelly fur. I don’t know about you, but I had to imagine the mood for this sentence. How do we know if Laura is shouting angrily at her disobedient dog or laughing indulgently at her adorable puppy? […]
