The second Writing Smartly seminar, Writing a Good Sentence, will be held on October 13, at 7:00 p.m. This one-hour discussion will review the fundamental structure of every well-written sentence and explain how to sharpen the focus of a statement by examining its subject and verb: an exact noun, a strong verb, and fewer prepositions make for clear and compelling sentences. Participants will receive a handout that summarizes the presentation and includes exercises and answers for private study. A few minutes will be set aside at the end of the discussion to answer questions. If you wish to enroll, please email me at ultimo@writingsmartly.com. Tuition is $25.
On October 20, again from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m., the next Writing Smartly seminar, Nouns and Adjectives, will clarify the difference between concrete and abstract nouns, and explain how that knowledge can keep your ideas exact and clear. Adjectives make nouns more specific, and using them skillfully depends on where they are placed and how they are punctuated. We will also discuss how best to use a comma in listing a series of nouns and adjectives, and highlight the misunderstanding that can result in not punctuating accurately. Participants will receive a handout that summarizes the presentation and includes exercises and answers for private study. If you wish to enroll, please email me at ultimo@writingsmartly.com. Tuition is $25.
In addition to these weekly seminars, I offer private instruction online. If you would like to examine more closely a grammatical concept or particular document you are struggling with, or if you wish to discuss a work of literature or nonfiction you are currently reading, please email me directly at ultimo@writingsmartly.com to arrange a meeting. We can often get past stubborn hurdles when we explain to someone else the difficulties we are having. I have worked for many years with students and professionals to help them think more critically and write more clearly. Both onetime and ongoing arrangements are possible.
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