Writing Excuses Podcast

Yesterday in class, Dr. K mentioned the Writing Excuses podcast. For anyone interested in giving it a listen, click the link below!

http://www.writingexcuses.com/

Might as well try at least one episode, because they're only fifteen minutes long! Perfect for a break between classes, a drive home, or a nap (just kidding)!

Meet the TA: Kelsey Allan

Name: Kelsey Allan
Major: English
Minor: Editing
Year in School: Senior
Where did you grow up? Franklin, Tennessee. My favorite place on earth.
Mission: Nope!
Hobbies: Blogging, writing, reading, traveling, watching movies, hiking, Ultimate Frisbee, baking, and eating.
Favorite Internet Meme: Ridiculously Photogenic Guy.
Favorite Book (Non-Scriptural): The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery.
Favorite Musical Artist: I hate to pick a favorite...but for now I'll say Fun.
Musical Instruments: None. I somehow missed out on the musical talent gene in my family.
Languages: English, with snatches of several romance languages. I'm taking Latin now!
Other Things You Might Want to Know About Me: I recently completed a publishing internship with Cedar Fort Industries. I absolutely loved it because I am a total nerd!

Trending on Twitter: #cs404chat

http://imgur.com/PXXRX4D

We had such a productive chat on Twitter the other day, we caused a trend in the SLC area!

Common Mistake: It's & Its

Many people don't realize that it's and its are two different words with distinct meanings, and those who DO realize it often don't understand the difference.

Here's a simple explanation:

• It's means it is.
• Example: It's fun to go swimming at night.
• Its means belonging to it.
• Example: The government takes good care of its citizens.

Be careful not to mix up the two different forms. Doing so will get you marked down for grammatical errors and will confuse your readers.

For Extra Help

I just want to make you all aware that I have a separate blog, for personal use, where I regularly discuss grammar, editing, and writing issues.

The blog's title is A Novel Adventure. Granted, most of it is geared toward those who seek to write or edit for a profession, but you might be interested in some of the posts if you want to improve your writing skills.

You are NOT by any means required to follow or even visit the blog, but I want you to know that it's there. Just in case.

And yes, the cat's out of the bag. I am a nerd. I like to write about writing for fun.

Dr. Charles Knutson: "Families and the Internet" at Southern Virginia University

If you are interested in listening to one of Dr. K's lectures about Internet safety, here is an audio recording of a lecture he gave at Southern Virginia University in June 2011.

What Most Schools Don't Teach: How to Code