Michael LaRocca
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How To Write A Scientific Paper Worth Reading
Is your eye drawn to the word "scientific?" It shouldn't be. Turn your attention to the word "write." What is writing? I have some thoughts in my head. When you read what I've written down, you should understand those thoughts. Yes, it is that simple. Any textbook of English grammar will teach you the rules of writing clear correct English. 1. Choose the correct word. 2. Prefer the simple... (posted by Michael 1 year 139 days ago.)
Is your eye drawn to the word "scientific?" It shouldn't be. Turn your attention to the word "write." What is writing? I have some thoughts in my head. When you read what I've written down, you should understand those thoughts. Yes, it is that simple. Any textbook of English grammar will teach you the rules of writing clear correct English. 1. Choose the correct word. 2. Prefer the simple... (posted by Michael 1 year 139 days ago.)
Writing Your Novel Is The Easy Part
"Michael, are you crazy?" Maybe. What about it. Sometimes an idea just comes out of nowhere and won't leave me alone until I write about it. So, I write about it. Then what? Isn't that enough? Can't I just write? No. Time to do the real work now. Next comes self-editing. Truth be told, that's really my favorite part. But it is more workmanlike than "the fires of creation." What's my goal as a writer? I... (posted by Michael 1 year 139 days ago.)
"Michael, are you crazy?" Maybe. What about it. Sometimes an idea just comes out of nowhere and won't leave me alone until I write about it. So, I write about it. Then what? Isn't that enough? Can't I just write? No. Time to do the real work now. Next comes self-editing. Truth be told, that's really my favorite part. But it is more workmanlike than "the fires of creation." What's my goal as a writer? I... (posted by Michael 1 year 139 days ago.)
Teach Yourself Creative Writing
You can't learn to be creative. Either you're creative or you're not. And yet, I've taught literally thousands of students, in university classrooms, a class called Creative Writing. Is that hypocrisy or just irony? Well, the craft of writing can be studied and learned. Every writer should study it. But that innate creativity is something you're born with. Creation remains mystical, but craft is learned and honed by... (posted by Michael 1 year 139 days ago.)
You can't learn to be creative. Either you're creative or you're not. And yet, I've taught literally thousands of students, in university classrooms, a class called Creative Writing. Is that hypocrisy or just irony? Well, the craft of writing can be studied and learned. Every writer should study it. But that innate creativity is something you're born with. Creation remains mystical, but craft is learned and honed by... (posted by Michael 1 year 139 days ago.)
How to Plan Your Scientific Paper
If I were sitting in the room talking to you, you'd fall asleep. No, wait, let me start over. If I were sitting in the room talking to you, and you didn't understand something I said, you could ask me for clarification. With my writing, you can't do that. You can send me an email, but if I even bother to answer you'll end up waiting too long. So I have to be very clear in my writing. That's one reason we... (posted by Michael 1 year 139 days ago.)
If I were sitting in the room talking to you, you'd fall asleep. No, wait, let me start over. If I were sitting in the room talking to you, and you didn't understand something I said, you could ask me for clarification. With my writing, you can't do that. You can send me an email, but if I even bother to answer you'll end up waiting too long. So I have to be very clear in my writing. That's one reason we... (posted by Michael 1 year 139 days ago.)
Comma Usage Made Simple
Comma Usage Made Simple Copyright 2005, Michael LaRocca Don't they drive you nuts? You can visit all the rules of style you want, and you can read all the books and articles you want. You'll still be confused. You'll see inconsistency. You'll see experts who don't agree with each other. And, you'll pull out your hair. Unless you're me, since my hair's falling out all by itself. I think it'd do... (posted by Michael 6 years 250 days ago.)
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Comma Usage Made Simple Copyright 2005, Michael LaRocca Don't they drive you nuts? You can visit all the rules of style you want, and you can read all the books and articles you want. You'll still be confused. You'll see inconsistency. You'll see experts who don't agree with each other. And, you'll pull out your hair. Unless you're me, since my hair's falling out all by itself. I think it'd do... (posted by Michael 6 years 250 days ago.)
Voice in Narrative and Dialogue
Voice in Narrative and Dialogue A Contrast Of Writing Styles Copyright 2005, Michael LaRocca One of the nice things about being an author is that we can break any rule we want. (I just did.) It's part of our job description. Language changes through usage -- definitions, spelling, grammar -- and authors can help it do this. But on the other hand, we have to have some sort of agreement on the language or we won't be able... (posted by Michael 6 years 250 days ago.)
Voice in Narrative and Dialogue A Contrast Of Writing Styles Copyright 2005, Michael LaRocca One of the nice things about being an author is that we can break any rule we want. (I just did.) It's part of our job description. Language changes through usage -- definitions, spelling, grammar -- and authors can help it do this. But on the other hand, we have to have some sort of agreement on the language or we won't be able... (posted by Michael 6 years 250 days ago.)
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