World of Writing Newsletter: Otters and Romance
This newsletter features disappointing otters and romance novels.
This newsletter features disappointing otters and romantic novels.
WordNerd: Wan
The WordNerd has received a challenge from newsletter subscriber Kevin O'Carroll. He wanted to know if the word 'wan' shares the same origin as the word 'want' which featured in the last newsletter. The answer is in fact yes. Though wan is another word for pale, it originates in the Old English word wann, or lacking lustre.
In the last newsletter, we said that want could refer to a lack. So, though the link between want and wan is slender, it does exist. Thanks for this, Kevin. The precision you bring to your choral conducting is also evident in your use of words.
What’s Going On: Guiding An Author Towards Publication
I enjoy all the work I do, but there's some work I get an extra kick out of. One is my Writing With Me service, where people come to me for advice to help them through the maze of writing a book and getting it published. Recently I had the pleasure of helping a dynamic entrepreneur figure out her publishing options.
I did a consult with her and then wrote up a report with recommendations for how to publish her book in a way that fitted with her goals and values. You can find out more about my Writing With Me service here.
Grammar Grouch: Meeting An Otter
An author was recently recounting her experience of meeting a young fan at a book signing for her latest children's book. The boy didn’t seem very enthusiastic and when the author asked why, the boy solemnly informed her that he thought he was meeting an otter,.
He was disappointed to discover that the author was a mere woman! Turned out he had misheard his mother and thought she said he was meeting an author. The Grammar Grouch chuckled wryly at this tale.
Photo Description: You can see the face of a friendly, light brown otter against a blue background, his head resting on brown leaves.
Submission Opportunity: Drawn To the Light Magazine
I was drawn (pun intended) to the title of this poetry journal on my trawls for submission opportunities. Drawn to the Light is a literary journal founded by Orla Fay, who was previously editor of the highly regarded Boyne Berries journal, so you know she has form.
The submission guidelines are wide open. You just send in up to three previously unpublished poems, of any length and on any theme, with a bio. The submission period will close on 30 April and you'll find all the submission details here.
Writing Resource: Fated Mates Romance Novel Podcast
The romance novel genre is huge, for both readers and writers. If you crack that genre, you're pretty much set up for life as a writer. The Fated Mates podcast centres on the romance novel.
Romance novelist Sarah McClean hosts the podcasts, with discussions on the genre and readings from romance novels. It aims to show that the romance novel has serious clout. If you dream of success as a romantic novelist, check it out here.
If you'd like to chat about any aspect of this newsletter or anything wordy, you can get in touch with me via derbhile@writewordseditorial.ie or 0876959799. And if you think your friends would like it, tell them to hit the big blue button.