Newsletter: Spoonfuls of Words
This week's newsletter offers a spoonful of poetry submissions and details of an event relating to the arts at the end of life.
WordNerd: Falconry Phrases
The WordNerd was fascinated to discover that the skill of falconry has given rise to many common phrases. The phrases 'under your thumb' and 'wrapped around your little finger' refer to the position of the string that ties the bird to the falconer's fingers.
The phrase 'hoodwinked' refers to the hood the falconer places over the bird's head to stop them being distracted. And the phrase 'end of your tether' refers to when the bird flies to the very end of the falconer's string, in an attempt to fly away.
What's Going On: Critiquing Language in Business Book
Recently, I had the satisfying job of evaluating the language in a business book. I gave recommendations to help the author make better and stronger word choices. My recommendations centred on helping her improve the structure of her sentences.
I also suggested she remove remove what I call weed words, overused words or crutch words that weaken the impact of your book.
This budding author used my Writing With Me service. You can find out more about my Writing With Me service here.
Grammar Grouch: Lighting Strikes Twice
Due to the slashing of editorial budgets, typos are sneaking into books from even the most reputable publishers. While reading a worthy tome, the Grammar Grouch came across a sentence that said, 'You never know when lighting will strike.'
The Grammar Grouch was alarmed. He has never encountered malevolent theatre lighting. But then he realised that the sentence was meant to read "You never know when lightming strikes." Phew. He is free to tread the boards again.
Submission Opportunity: Alchemy Spoon
I chose this journal because of its name. Alchemy Spoon is a poetry journal and it's inviting you to submit up to three 'brilliant, original' unpublished poems. You're to have them in by 31 May, using their Duosuma submissions system.
Alchemy Spoon also invites you to pitch ideas for essays about poetry and to put yourself forward to do reviews. Here are their submission guidelines.
Photo Description: This is a pic of a grey spoon that looks like it was made with earthenware, on a white background.
Valuable Writing Resource: Irish Hospice Foundation Arts Engagement Event
The Irish Hospice Foundation (IHF) has developed a strong arts programme over the last few years, which I have had the good fortune to be involved with. They're holding an Arts Engagement Roundtable event on 15 June and it'll be a good opportunity to find out what their arts plans are for the future.
If artistic expression relating to grief and loss interests you, this will be a good opportunity for you to find out how your ideas may fit with IHF's plans. Here's the booking link for the event.
If you want to have a chat about any aspect of this newsletter, email me on derbhile@writewordseditorial.ie or phone 0876959799.