Thursday, July 19, 2012

Writer's Tip Thursday


Substitute “damn” every time you’re inclined to write “very;” your editor will delete it and the writing will be just as it should be. ~Mark Twain
(from: http://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/art-of-writing/)

Did you know Samuel Langhorne Clemens took the name Mark Twain from his time as a river boat pilot?  Back then a line - or a 'twain' as it was called - was used as a depth finder as part of the navigation process. They would drop the line and when they had 12' of clearance they would 'mark the twain' - meaning 'clear to go'.

As a river boat Captain, I'm glad my husband has much more modern methods of navigating the river.

5 comments:

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  2. Hi Angela.Oops, I didn't catch that typo. Let me try again. I had heard that story in school. It's a great one, though. However, I had not read the opening quote from him about subbing 'damn' for "very." I love it! How appropriate for now, even.

    Thanks for the tips.

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    1. Glad you stopped by Barbara. Anything that will help make us right tight is a good thing.

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  3. Neat story on his name. I also like the tip on "very." I love to use the word very.

    Cooking Tip: When in doubt add catsup.
    Jan Gallagher

    Plan to see you at SWG the 28th of July 2012.

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    1. Ketchup should be it's own food group. Though I am trying to taste things without it first. Hehe
      Thanks for stopping by, Jan!

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