Independent and Subordinate Clauses
Tuesday, November 10
7:00 to 8:00 p.m.
There are really only two ways to present a number of thoughts in one sentence: we can either lay them side by side, showing how one is just as important as another; or we can tag one particular thought to show how it depends on another for its complete meaning. We do this easily when we speak, but when it comes to writing, that natural skill in organizing our thoughts often seems to disappear. This one-hour seminar will explain the difference between independent and subordinate clauses, show how conjunctions function in building each, and point out some rules of punctuation that can tighten and economize our sentences, making it easier for the reader to comprehend just what we’re saying. Participants will receive a handout that summarizes the presentation, along with exercises and answers for private study. You may enroll now through this registration link. Tuition is $25.
Reading Closely to Write
Wednesdays, November 11 & 18 and December 2 & 9
7:00 to 8:00 p.m.
It’s an open secret that we learn to write by reading. On Wednesday, November 11, I will begin a course of four one-hour sessions called Reading Closely to Write, each of which will examine the sentence structure and design of a well-written story by an acclaimed writer. Discussions will focus on the language of a short work of fiction (averaging only eight pages). We will analyze the grammar and composition of certain significant sentences, and consider how other designs the author could have chosen would have produced a different effect. Our emphasis will be on the language of the reading, so that we can begin to develop an eye and ear for our own natural written voice. Selections will be from 100 Great Short Stories, edited by James Daley (Dover, 2015), readily available at Amazon and elsewhere. Please use this registration link to enroll. Tuition for this four-session online course is $100.
Simple and Compound Predicates
Tuesday, November 17
7:00 to 8:00 p.m.
We write because we have something to say, but getting our thoughts and ideas into a sentence that is faithful to them—one that does more than just sketch out our impressions—requires understanding what grammatical and stylistic choices we have. This one-hour seminar will explain how to write sentences with two or three verbs in one clause, how to punctuate them, and how to omit a verb entirely and still be writing clearly. We will also discuss how to convert one sentence style into another. Participants will receive a handout that summarizes the presentation, along with exercises and answers for private study. You may enroll now through this registration link. Tuition is $25.
Private Instruction Online
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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