To avoid misunderstandings, make sure your writing accurately reflects your thought.
To avoid misunderstandings, make sure your writing accurately reflects your thought.
It has been an unusually mild, wet summer around my neck of the woods (as they say here in Arkansas). Few 90 degree + days and (thankfully) no 100 degree + days. In other words, when it wasn’t raining, we’ve had beautiful days to enjoy. No wonder I’m doing more bicycle riding than writing. But I do remember those blistering summer days when it was so hot all I could do is kick back and enjoy lounging in the pool.
I’ve been away from the Internet for the last few weeks taking a summer vacation and just relaxing. As for writing, I think this sums up the entirety of my summer:
How big of a water leak is it when the plumbing and repair people show up with two canoes? Must be a whopper!
Saw this vehicle and trailer on my way home today. It’s a plumbing and repair van pulling a trailer carrying two canoes. I hope this guy is just heading to the lake to enjoy a beautiful spring day rather than responding to a water leak. Either way, it just struck me as humorous.
Today marks my seventieth birthday. It’s been an interesting run through life at this point and I am hopeful there are more wonderful times yet to come. I think having a good sense of humor helps us get through the ups and downs of whatever the years throw at us thus the title I selected for this blog post.
I’m tempted to expound upon the humor of being seventy as the blog title illustrates. For instance, “I’m now eighteen with fifty-two years of experience”. Or, “I’m too young to be seventy.” And how about, “I’m 70 in years but 20 in spirit!”
Humor aside, I think author Victoria Erickson has a good take on aging for all of us, especially writers:
For instance, Stephen King books. I wouldn’t want to live in a Steven King book.
Many things contribute to writers breaking through the psychological wall referred to as writer’s block. Here’s one humorous illustration just for laughs.
Punctuation, grammar, and spelling are all important ingredients in effective communications. When the rules of writing aren’t followed, the risk of being misunderstood increases, often with hilarious results.
Here are some “examples” from newspaper classified ads.
“Illiterate? Write today for free help.”
“Auto Repair Service. Free pick-up and delivery. Try us once, you’ll never go anywhere again.”
“Our experienced Mom will care for your child. Fenced back yard, meals, and smacks included.”
“Dog for sale. Eats anything and is fond of children.”
“Semi-annual after Christmas sale. Ends December 4th.”
“Three-year-old teacher needed for pre-school. Experience preferred.”
“Mixing bowl set designed to please a cook with round bottom for efficient beating.”
“For Sale: Chester’s drawers.”
“Today Only: Have your ears pierced and get an extra pair free.”
“Great Dames for sale. Free crate for housing included.”
“Tired of cleaning yourself? Let me do it.”
“Our hotel has bowling alleys, tennis courts, comfortable beds, and other fun athletic facilities.”
“We do not tear your clothing with machinery. We do it carefully by hand.”
“Get rid of aunts. Our chemical does the job in 24 hours.”
“Used cars: Why go elsewhere to be cheated. Come here first.”
“Christmas tag-sale. Handmade gifts for the hard-to-find person.”
“Wanted: Man to take care of cow that doesn’t smoke or drink.”
“Our bikinis are exciting, better than others. Ours are simply the tops.”
“Our Superstore is unequaled in size, unmatched in variety, unrivaled in inconvenience.”
“Will oil your sewing machine, unravel your threads and adjust tension in your home for $1.00.”
“For Sale: antique desk suitable for lady with thick legs and large drawers.”
Writing is writing (as the saying goes) whether it be novel, poem, short story, grocery list, or whatever.
This witty meme—a hilarious spin on science and space exploration with a twist of imaginative science fiction and fantasy—popped up in my email and made me laugh aloud. Hopefully, it will bring a smile to your face as well.
Who knows, perhaps it could also be a short story inspiration?