My Favorite Blogs: How Tos, Who Dos, and Need to Knows

Posted on April 22, 2023 by mestengobooks

Source: Google Images/passionwp.com

Looking for Ideas

In trying to come up with a new post, I did what I often do – I re-read my previous posts for inspiration. I noticed some patterns in my blog posts and some, well, obsessions, actually. Like my obsession with good grammar. Did you note that in this post’s title I used plural (Dos) and not possessive (Do’s) form?

That’s in favorite grammar blog #2!

I have noted more than once my loathing for poor grammar, as it makes for poor communication and lowers a writer’s credibility. Turns out, when I looked through my blog, I have written a number of posts on this very subject. To keep the list manageable, I created a ‘top ten’ list of grammar-related posts that I personally like. Think of this as an opportunity to refresh your memory:

On poor grammar and writing:

Then I noticed other patterns. For example, I have written many blog posts related to the concept of home and for writers in general. These ‘top ten’ posts are where I feel my narrative writing style stands out and they provide some good information:

Home and writer-related:

Then I saw another distinct pattern – of writing miscellaneous, fill-in-the-space-between-bad-grammar-rants blog posts. These ‘top ten’ ranged from personal stories to personal opinions and everywhere in between:

Miscellany:

So there you have it. Just in case you missed any…feel free to click on the links and expand your mind…

Now that’s tootin’ my own horn… (wink wink nudge nudge)

#writersonwordpress #writersoninstagram #writersontwitter #mestengobooks #fiction #writingstyle #blogging #blogger #gettingpaidtowrite #grammar #language #books #library #booklover #storyteller

Caveat Emptor: Let the Buyer Beware. Or: If It’s Free, You Get What You Pay For…

Posted on April 13, 2023 by mestengobooks

Source: Google Images/EClectEcon

Suckered Again

Lulled once again into a sense of ‘getting something for nothing,’ I happily clicked on a link to Alison dot com, sent by my job coach, to take a FREE online course in becoming a copyeditor. The course takes 2-3 hours and over 4,000 people have already taken the course (as if it adds credibility).

The catch? (Cuz you know there is one, there always is.) The course is free but you have to pay for the certification. Hmm. And when I try to find the fee for said certification, I’m sent back around to finish the course. No heads up as to what it’ll cost me in the end except precious time.

copyediting

You Have to Pay to Play

They list the skills you’re going to learn from this basic course. There are more courses, of course, that teach increasing levels of skills and they do offer paid courses, though I’m not sure of the cost or quality of information because I can’t get there without paying first.

According to the website at Alison.com, “a Copy Editor would typically need to:

Fact-check and edit the content of written text to ensure proper use of spelling, grammar, punctuation, syntax, and style guides
Be comfortable working with publishing systems and databases via the internet or from paper manuscripts
Edit news stories, job descriptions, manuscripts, emails, and internal documents, depending on the industry they work in
Manage a significantly more research-centric role, if employed in a technical field that requires specialized knowledge
Ensure the authors provide all necessary material and documentation; review the written content for style and organization; make minor corrections
Leave detailed feedback on organization, focus and tone for the original writer to make required changes
Be able to sub-edit text written by diverse authors to maintain a stable and coherent organizational style”

I can find this information in any basic copyediting book at the library or online. Nothing new here.

The narrator’s voice is female with a noticeable accent that is both British and (East) Indian and, British English is used (spelling is different in certain words). After listening to several sections, I realized it’s a computer-generated voice; pronunciation of certain words was definitely not of the human error kind (accent or emphasis on the wrong syllable or drawn out incorrectly, as AI tends to do).

The following is a basic approach to guidelines when copyediting. See how they spell ‘summarising’? That’s British spelling and my computer keeps trying to change the second ‘s’ to a ‘z’ for American English (‘summarizing’).

editing techniques

The information isn’t all that spectacular; as I wrote above, this information can be easily found in books at most libraries or online. The Books for Dummies series has a great edition on copyediting and I would recommend that over this course – more information, more than just the basics. You can buy a used copy online at Amazon and don’t need to pay for a ‘certification’ for basic copyediting skills, which you already have as a writer, journalist, novelist, poet and such, and use daily.

edit tech2

You can read the screen above for the information layout. I think it’s a nice course to refresh your editing skills. I also believe that paying for the certification will NOT lead to job offers in copyediting. Only degrees in Journalism, Communications, and related fields and experience in writing and editing will get you a job (freelance or not).

After sitting through most of this free, ‘basic’ course, all I can say is “be careful what you wish for… you just might get it.”

#amwriting #authoroninstagram #publishing #copyediting #copywriting #WritesDigest #thursdaytips #mestengobooks #journalism #freelancewriter

Want to Improve Your Writing? Go Read a Dictionary!

Posted on March 24, 2023 by mestengobooks

Source: Google Images/https://people.howstuffworks.com/words-removed-dictionary.htm

More Than Just A Book of Words

Reading a dictionary – now there’s a novel idea. And a challenging one, at that. I’d been thinking about what to post next; as I considered topics, something came to me:

A dictionary contains every word in every story you’ve ever read or written or will ever read or write. When was the last time you read through one?

Or have you ever tried?

And then I came across a short but informative article on just this subject. It’s a great little article on why reading a dictionary will greatly improve your writing and I’ll quote often from it here because he made so many wonderful points.

“When I misbehaved as a kid, writing out sections of the dictionary was the way my father punished me. At the time, I wished he’d have chosen any other means of discipline. Throw out my Xbox, no television for a week, make me eat broccoli, anything but that dictionary I’d think. Little did I know how much this book improved my vocabulary.”

Isaiah McCall, Journalist and NYC comedian

I have a clear memory of our thick Webster’s Dictionary sitting alongside our complete set of Encyclopedia Britannica that sat in a small bookcase in the long hallway between the kitchen and living room/bedrooms. Growing up pre-Digital Age, I often referred to that dictionary when writing school papers (in longhand and rewritten often to achieve perfection because the Catholic nuns accepted no less).

“Real self-improvement is doing the activities that most people would rather avoid. It could be waking up a little earlier, exercising a bit longer, or going where few ever go to improve their writing: the dictionary.”

Isaiah McCall

Always Learning

Sure, reading books can help with learning vocabulary and improving language skills but only a dictionary can build your word base (that pesky skill that allows one to speak and write well and, diversely). Dictionaries provide so much more than just words: pronunciation, history, evolution. Even the newest lexicon is included to provide readers and perusers with so much more than JUST a word.

“You can read War and Peace or Lord of the Rings (both excellent books by the way) until your face turns blue. Yet you won’t ever learn the word axinomancy (the placement of an ax, hatchet or saw into the ground or stump of tree).”

Isaiah McCall

What’s interesting is that I learned, in reading Isaiah’s article, that dictionaries have evolved from being prescriptive (telling us how to use the book) to being descriptive (how people use language) – big difference. I clearly remember all the hubbub around the word ain’t and how it really wasn’t a word (though it is and has been for some time). There was a saying in our neighborhood (and probably in many other neighborhoods as well) – “Ain’t ain’t a word. If ain’t ain’t a word…well, I forget the rest of it…too long ago. But you get the point, since ain’t has been included in the dictionary since the 18th century!

“Instead of rushing through the dictionary to find sophisticated or bizarre words, take the book page by page — revel in the experience. Write the words down, understand them, and only after that can you continue to the next page. Unless you have a photographic memory, you‘ll likely forget some, if not most of these words. But this isn’t the point of writing out a dictionary. The point is to gain recognition and a real feel for words you never even knew existed.”

Isaiah McCall

Personally, one of my favorite words (which I learned from perusing said book) is obsequious and I do like to use it in conversation. As a child, I was obsessed with pronouncing and spelling pneumonosilicovolcanoconiosis. I can’t remember how or why I locked on to it. At the time, it was one of the LONGEST words I’d memorized, aside from supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, which every kid in the neighborhood knew (thanks, Mary Poppins!).

I’ll let Isaiah finish making the point for me:

“But as a writer, the dictionary allowed me to lock onto words that struck my fancy. “Videlicet” and “autodidactic” are two words I continue to use in my conversations and more importantly, my writing.

You’re bound to find a few words that will become staples in your writing.

Start with writing out 10 words a day. You can go with an “a through z” approach or flip to random pages. Either way, make sure you get your 10 words in.”

Isaiah McCall

Now go dust off that big old book or bookmark Webster’s online dictionary and get your words ON.

#writing #amwriting #MirriamWebster #Oxforddictionary #dictionary #reading #writersoninstagram #writersontwitter #vocabulary #blogging #lexicon #autodidactic #fridayfuntips #author #authoroninstagram #words #language #digitalage #technology #onlinedictionary

Organize Your Writing Space to Maximize Output and the Results May Surprise You

Posted on March 11, 2023 by mestengobooks

Source: Google Images/https://www.lesliebudewitz.com/feng-shui-for-a-writers-office/

Just a Little Reminder for a Big Effect

Back in 2017, I posted a blog on setting up your writing space for better success. I’m still a firm believer in space arrangement and how it affects your work and home, and a springtime newsletter from a feng shui expert prompted me to remind you all as well.

“A writer’s office should be a haven, a sanctuary. A safe place to explore unknown realms of the heart and mind. A nest, a birthing place. An efficient model of production where computers and printers spit out polished manuscripts.” Leslie Budewitz, Author

The following are the top ten from Carol M. Olmstead, FSIA, Feng Shui Master Practitioner, whose feng shui newsletter I have followed since graduate school. Note what’s in the Number 1 spot – how you position yourself while you’re working, creating that next bestselling novel, that personal masterpiece.

This can make or break your writing process, if you ask me.

1. Sit (or stand) in “command” position. That is, face toward the room entrance door, preferably on a diagonal. If you can’t turn your desk around, hang or place a mirror so you can see what’s going on behind you.

Personally, this is always my go-to choice. Never liked sitting with my back to the door or a window. I want a view of who’s coming in and what’s going on outside (even when a nice window view is a not-so-welcome distraction, it beats staring at a wall). Honestly, I do feel more in control when my desk is in this position. Problem is, some people may not have enough room (read: small studio apartment or shared living space) but there are fixes available to help you write and sell that next great novel.

2. Think like Goldilocks and choose the right size desk. A desk that is too small can make you feel like you are not up to the challenge of your work. A desk that’s too big symbolizes feeling overwhelmed by tasks. An unsubstantial desk will limit your opportunities for growth and promotion.

Absolutely! I had a friend who started a home-based consulting business after leaving her corporate job. Her desk was far too tiny and narrow, I reminded her, to get the business off the ground, because it represented a lack of space (for clients/opportunities) in her life. Needless to say, until she moved out of the cramped space and got a larger desk/work area, her business stagnated, which left her in dire financial straits for a time. Now she’s growing her business and is much happier.

3. Sit in the most comfortable chair you can afford. Many companies embrace hybrid working and offer chairs and other equipment that employees can bring home. It doesn’t hurt to ask and take advantage of available options.

Who on earth wants to sit uncomfortably at all? Especially writers! We spend far too many hours bringing our imaginations to life to sit in a chair that creates discomfort. Check out consignment shops first; I found an adjustable and comfy leather swivel office chair for a whopping $4. You’ll never find unless you look.

4. Keep work out of your bedroom. Try to find another space for your home office, like in the dining room if you rarely eat there, or in an infrequently-used used guest room. If there is no other place for you to work, separate out your workspace using a floor screen, standing plants, or a curtain hung from the ceiling as a divider.

This has been difficult, especially through the Covid-19 lockdown and everyone stayed home. Private space became nonexistent or had to be shared with others. Use your imagination (you’re writers, for crissakes) and make your writing space your own.

5. Adjust the art in your workspace. Choose images that make you feel inspired, motivated, and calm. Get rid of anything you no longer like, and avoid art that’s dark, empty, lonely, or depressing, no matter how valuable or how much you paid.

Choose picture, colors and patterns that inspire. It’s that simple.

6. Add a living plant. The ideal location for a natural plant is within 3 feet of your desk to balance any issues from electromagnetic energy. Silk is acceptable if you can’t grow plants, but avoid dried flowers because they symbolize dead, unmoving energy. Also avoid cacti or other plants with sharp spikes.

I love a just-the-right-size-for-my-desk jade plant. They represent prosperity and success (upper left corner of desk) and I love their thick, moist leaves. There’s a sturdy gentleness about this plant that speaks to me. Cacti belong OUTSIDE; their sharp needles will direct negative energy directly at you and will affect how you feel and how you write.

7. Accent your workspace with color. Choose accent colors to match the bagua areas of your workspace to enhance your career path.

8. Add current photos. Display photos of mentors, family, and friends who support you. It’s okay to display photos of deceased relatives who were mentors, but balance these by also displaying current photos of you and/or your family to show continuing growth.

Dead people on my writing desk? No thanks! Talk about an inspiration killer… That’s what hallways and unused corners are for…

9. Lighten up your home office. Locate your desk as close to a window as possible, and choose full-spectrum or warm-glow bulbs that simulate daylight, rather than cold, blue-white bulbs. Avoid overhead fluorescents.

Eye strain, eyeball and temple headaches are a distraction and can be avoided with proper lighting. I love the full-spectrum bulbs; they’re sunlight in a lamp. No seasonal affective disorder with full-spectrum! And they last about six years so they’re extremely cost-effective, too.

10. Tune in to tune out distractions. Play music or use a white noise device or app in your office to drown out any distractions from inside or outside your home. This is a good time to rethink your playlist and choose more soothing sounds to balance any work-related chaos.

This one’s tough for me since I have the attention span of a squirrel. Thankfully I have several jazz apps on both phone and laptop. Soothing and allows me to focus on my work (like this post – I’m listening to KKJZ out of LA right now…).

#amwriting #fengshui #writingdesk #writersdigest #saturday #writersoninstagram #tribel

Getting Paid Writing Gigs – Can I Handle the Pressure?

Posted on February 17, 2023 by mestengobooks

Is it really this easy?

Can I Produce What They Want?

This very question came to me as I perused the media jobsite Mediabistro, just to see what they had to offer. I read job ads and descriptions, including a sidebar on each page as to what a Proofreader does, what’s expected from a Copywriter, etc.:

What does a Proofreader do?

A Proofreader is in charge of making sure work is reviewed before it goes to print. Proofreaders check documents for grammatical errors, along with looking at the body of work stylistically and making sure the margins and spacing is correct. While the job can overlap with an Editorial job, a proofreader mainly ensures that an article is free of grammatical errors. Ultimately, a proofreader works to make sure content is free of typographical, grammatical, spelling, punctuation, syntax, formatting and other such errors.

From Mediabistro.com

The job description of Proofreader fit me (and my inner Grammar Nazi) to a tee but the degrees required make me hesitate, make me question my abilities – can I provide what they need?

Each sidebar noted that a degree in English, Journalism or Communications was necessary. Is that true? Plenty of degrees require writing skills but I do wonder if I would receive consideration even though none of my degrees are in the requisite fields listed.

What are the requirements to become a Proofreader?

Similar to the requirements for most Editorial roles, this person typically has a bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism, or Communications. This person must have a high threshold for tedious work as well because most of their work will be very specific last-minute edits that sometimes they only have the eye to see. Ultimately, this role requires impeccable attention to detail and grammar.

From Mediabistro.com

Sound the Death Knell

And there it is. The anxiety-producing, I-doubt-they’ll-even-consider-me-for-the-position willies. The sheer weight of fear of that level of responsibility crushes me, keeps me from moving in the direction of ever getting a paying writing gig. How does one get past this hurdle? If I’ve been writing articles for newsletters and journals for thirty years, how is it I still think of myself as not talented enough or good enough? I’ve written books, for crissakes. Certainly experience equals or trumps any degree, right?

Just Gimme a Chance!

Maybe all I need is that first gig, that first shot at proving to myself and the contractor that I can do it. I can write. I can proofread. I can meet your deadline. I can write a paragraph or 1000 words on a topic close to your heart.

There are thousands of magazines out there. If I could drum up the courage and send out some queries, I’m sure I’d find a few takers. I get so close – I start writing an article or informational piece. Next step is the query – this is where I get stuck. So many magazines and publications – where to begin? What are their submission guidelines? The impending confusion and overwhelm pulls me back into my shell. And there I sit, a writer unpaid and afraid to reach for something more.

I can’t be alone in this – this desire to prove that I’m good enough to be paid for the work product I know (on some level, anyway) I can create. Being insecure and a writer – they do tend to go together often, don’t they? Amazing that some writers accomplish anything at all.

I’m still working on that…

AI Generators: The Alleged Violation of Artists/Creatives and How Your Work May Be Affected

Posted on February 3, 2023 by mestengobooks

03-pjfinlay-deep-dream-and-neural-style-transfer-original (1)

Source: Google Images/”Mona Lisa” with DeepDream effect (left) and Neural Style Transfer (right) created by P.J. Finlay. Image: Wikipedia.

I couldn’t believe it when I came across several articles written on the alleged plagiarism and outright (copyright) theft of artists’ works by AI generators. All in the name of ‘open-source’ and ‘free access for the world.’ Apparently, AI systems “are being trained on vast amounts of copyrighted work with no consent, no credit, and no compensation (Stable Diffusion Litigation, 2023).”

I’m not surprised – I saw it as an eventual situation once somebody (or, in this case, several somebodies) figured out how to copy the works of a multitude of artists, including famous artists, for the supposed intent to “teach” AI generators how to then create something new, something different and supposedly something not already copyrighted. AND make money off it.

Huh.

Getty Images and several well-known artists have filed a class-action lawsuit against companies Stable Diffusion, DeviantArt and Midjourney, claiming copyright violation:

“In a press statement shared with The Verge, the stock photo company said it believes that Stability AI “unlawfully copied and processed millions of images protected by copyright” to train its software and that Getty Images has “commenced legal proceedings in the High Court of Justice in London” against the firm.” The Verge, January 17, 2023

Stable Diffusion is a 21st century artificial intelligence software product. It is part of a category of AI systems referred to as generative AI. It’s based on a process called diffusion, where the AI program is trained to ‘reconstruct’ (their word, not mine) images that it’s been fed. The program then supposedly creates new and original (?) images. Yeah, right.

According to an article on ArtNews:

“The plaintiffs claim that these copied images are then used to create “derivative works,” a work that it “incorporate[s] enough of the original work that it obviously stems from the original,” in the Cornell Law School’s Legal Information Institute’s definition. The image generators, according to the plaintiffs, are nothing but a “21st century collage tool” that has the potential to greatly damage artistic industries and was built off of protected works.” (Read it here.)

I have to admit that I have taken images off the internet – usually from free sites like Pixabay but occasionally from Google Images – and re-mastered them by changing color, removing certain aspects… and then using them as a picture in my blog post. In other words, I don’t profit from the changed picture. These AI-generated works are a whole new ballgame and artists may be on the losing team if the lawsuit doesn’t set a precedent.

Here’s food for thought: After Korean artist Kim Jung Gi died, someone used Stable Diffusion AI to “create a model” that would reproduce works in his style. I understand being a fan of certain artists – I love Vincent Van Gogh’s works but I would never, could never, copy his work and call it mine (except for the odd paint-by-numbers of his works that I’ve done since I can’t afford the originals).

Also according to ArtNews (and this is an important distinction, perhaps):

“First, only specific images, not styles, are protected by copyright. Meanwhile, collage is a protected medium under “Fair Use,” a legal doctrine that creates exceptions to copyright law “for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching (including multiple copies for classroom use, scholarship, or research)” and “transformative” creative production. Whether or not the lawsuit accurately characterizes diffusion is also in question.”

This is a complex situation, without a doubt. Digital media and content lag far behind laws that might protect content creators like us. Will if affect your work? Do you think that the remixing of copyrighted works should be legal? Do you think it’s a copyright violation? (omg – stealing poor Van Gogh’s works is a TRAVESTY, in my opinion)

Perhaps only time will tell. We are heading into new and unfamiliar territories with AI and all if its capabilities (for good and bad). I fear we will reach a point where no work of art (paintings, novels, etc.) will be protected because AI experts will be able to take what they want and no one will be able to stop them.

I guess we’ll find out soon enough. In the meantime, PROTECT YOUR WORKS.

To read in full on this litigation/copyright issue:

Stable Diffusion Litigation

The Verge article

ArtNews article

#authors #writers #amwriting #aigenerators #stablediffusion #theverge #artnews #copyrights #contentcreators

Source: Google Images/https://mpost.io/exploring-the-value-of-ai-generated-art/

A Year of Letting Go

Posted on January 1, 2023 by mestengobooks

Source: Google Images

2022 was a challenge for many; Covid-19 and its variants, housing difficulties, job and financial losses certainly have tested our proverbial mettle. Even I could not escape its most antagonistic grasp. I was forced, often to my chagrin, to face aspects (read: imperfections, failures) of my personality, relationships and life in general as I worked through some difficult and oft-repeating themes. In moments of overwhelm, I simply decided to let go. Why was I hanging on to people, places and things that no longer fed or supported me emotionally or spiritually?

The Great Escapes

At the onset of 2022, one of the first tasks was to walk away – no, ESCAPE from – a lousy job of 2.5 years. High stress, high turnover, low pay, filthy working conditions, etc. I had so many reasons for leaving but couldn’t muster the courage to take that leap of faith. Not only did I walk away but I managed to secure a long-term seasonal job with better pay, (much) lower stress, and a (much) smaller workforce (total of 7 of us in the office). I finalized my escape at the end of January 2022.

In the spring, I ESCAPED a living situation that had gone from slightly uncomfortable (two very different, occasionally opposing personalities) to over-controlling and immovable (on her part). As an Aries, I can tell you that the one thing you CANNOT do is trap, ensnare or corner us – we’ll lash out in some way. My way was to move out. End of story. (I stayed my course and am now living in a way I CHOOSE for myself. Can’t get anymore Arian than that!)

Source: Avantika’s Astrohelp on Twitter

Mercury retrograde through May knocked me on my keister but I knew Jupiter in Aries was soon to follow so I hung in there best I could. I picked up another long-term temp gig with a company that has kept me working (most of the time) and at a much higher rate of pay than most jobs here.

Over the summer, I cleared out my storage unit of unwanted pieces of my life that were no longer useful. Done. Now I can breathe. Being tethered to less and less of the material world has helped free my spirit and has lightened my load in so many ways.

Hangin’ In There But Still Letting Go…

Indian summer/fall found me struggling with another Mercury retrograde (while Jupiter was still in Aries so it didn’t hit so hard) but still working. Then I got hit with a medical issue that brought me to the ER after much arguing with myself that it really wasn’t that serious. It wasn’t, turns out, but there was something else that was discovered in a follow-up appointment with my PCP. I was taken aback at first; for someone who’s always been a foodie (I love my veggies and fruit over junk food) and relatively healthy, this new diagnosis was a surprise, albeit a scary one – at first. Once the initial shock wore down, I did some research (I did have a medical license for some years, after all) and realized that I could do what was needed without having to make too many changes in my food choices or daily habits.

I decided to let go of the fear of the negative long-term possibilities and scheduled an appointment with a local talented Acupuncturist/Chinese herbalist. I’ve kept going and boy, what a difference! I’m constantly amazed (and disgusted) by the defeatist attitude so prevalent in Western medicine. They consider my situation nonreversible but that’s not true in Chinese medicine. It rarely is. If one is willing to make some changes in diet/lifestyle for the long term good, the outcome will no doubt be to your liking.

When It Comes to Family and Friends…

And then there’s family – or at least what’s left of it. With mine, sadly, there were some losses in 2022 but it’s my generation’s turn so not much to be done about that. Facing mortality is a fact of life, especially when you reach my age. (I find myself more and more pragmatic about it the closer to the other end I get. That’s good right? Acceptance?) Even old friends, long gone from my life (for not always the right reasons) and still on my mind had to go. I had to make space in my heart for the new in 2023.

What I’m referring to is the letting go of relationships or perceived relationships that I have been unwilling to sever, for lack of reciprocity. I’m not a hopeful romantic but I have spent far too many years ‘hoping’ that certain friends and family members would – how to say this – change the way they feel about me, the way they treat me.

Not gonna happen.

In the wee hours of this very morning, I did a visualization: I conjured up images/faces of those particular family and old friends with a satin-like ribbon extending from their images to my body. I took a pair of scissors to each ribbon and, one by one, SNIP SNIP SNIP. What a release! What a nice way to close what has been a very challenging year (for so many, not just me)!

Once completed, I felt relief. Emotional freedom and the permission to go about my life as I choose. I don’t care anymore. I can’t. It’s been draining me for too long because I’ve received NOTHING in return. Some people just can’t be the people we envision, the people we need, the people we hope they can become. For whatever reason, they simply cannot or will not be what they could be. So I have to let them go.

In Elizabeth Gilbert’s movie Eat Pray Love, Richard from Texas (actor Richard Jenkins) tells Elizabeth (actress Julia Roberts): “So miss him. Send him some love and light every time you think about him, then drop it.”

Brilliant.

That’s what I’m gonna do. I will send them love and light when I think of them and then I’ll drop it. I’ll let go. So I can be free. To be me, warts and all.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

#writersoninstagram #authorsontwitter #writersontwitter #authorsoninstagram #writing #blogging #lettinggo #eatpraylove #tarot #eightofcups #farewell2022 #happynewyear #2023 #amwriting #elizabethgilbert #freedom #independence

Happy Holidays to One and All

Posted on December 11, 2022 by mestengobooks

Source: Google Images/Dollar Tree

I came across this poem many years ago. I don’t know who wrote it (if you do, please let me know). Each Christmas I’d print this out and stick a copy in each card I sent to family or friends. This year I share it with you, dear readers, in appreciation for your loyalty, comments and kinship.

May this holiday season be rich with good food, the warmth and comfort of family and/or friends, and maybe a nice snowfall!

The Christmas Card List

There is a list of folks I know

All written in a book,

And every year at Christmas time

I go and take a look.

And that is when I realize

Those names are all a part

Not of the book they’re written in,

but deep inside my heart.

For each name stands for someone

Who has touched my life sometime,

And in that meeting they’ve become

A special friend of mine.

I really feel that I’m composed

Of each remembered name,

And my life is so much better

Than it was before they came.

Once you’ve known that “someone”

All the years cannot erase

The memory of a pleasant word

Or of a friendly face.

So never think my Christmas cards

Are just a mere routine

Of names upon a list that are

Forgotten in between.

For when I send a Christmas card

That is addressed to you,

It is because you’re on the list

Of folks I’m indebted to.

And whether I have known you

For many years or a few,

The greatest gift the Universe can give

Is having friends like you.

#Christmas #Xmas #Holidays #friends #writersoninstagram #writersontwitter #author #amwriting #christmasgift #giving #Hannukah #Kwanza #friends #travel #Italy #wanderlust #newmexico #connecticut #massachusetts #california #oregon #washington #Instagram #Twitter #Tribel #Mastadon

Not Speechless But There Are Limits

Posted on December 7, 2022 by mestengobooks

Source: Google Images/Cartoon Movement (cartoonmovement.com)

In light of what’s been happening on Twitter and in the political arena, I thought it might be a good time to clarify what ‘free speech’ actually is – in case you didn’t already know. The internet and social media have become a haven for every lunatic with a not-so-informed opinion; violence, racism and various forms of hatred now clog up the digital highways. Hardly a day goes by when I’m not cleaning up, blocking or getting rid of unwanted ads and other attempts at sucking me in to a digital vortex of Never Never Land.

Ongoing attempts at regulation and censorship often butt up against protectors of free speech. I’m usually in the free speech camp but these days the negative and often violent rhetoric makes it difficult to defend our First Amendment in all its glory (and unintended or unseen disadvantages).

In Elonis v. United States, heard by the U.S. Supreme Court, is one such case. (If interested, you can read about it here.) The crux of it came down to which forms of expression are or are not protected by our First Amendment right to free speech. So many writers now live online via Goodreads, FB, Twitter, IG, and numerous other social media accounts because it’s how we stay in touch, learn from other writers, and connect with writers we may never even meet. Which makes it all that much more important to understand and acknowledge that ‘free speech’ is not as free as many believe.

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” First Amendment to the U.S. Bill of Rights

According to an article from Sidebar Saturdays author Matt Knight, “The right to free speech protects individuals from government censorship, including all government agencies and officials, whether federal, state, local, legislative, executive, or judicial. The government cannot fine, imprison, or slap you with civil liability for what you say except under certain circumstances.”

In Reno v. ACLU, the Supreme Court extended free speech to the internet. But the constitutional right to free speech only restrains government not the private sector. Herein lies the rub: Private companies, including all the social media companies (Instagram, Twitter, etc.) are free to regulate speech. *deep sigh*

Granted, people are more disinhibited online when it comes to spewing whatever comes to mind each and every moment of the day (don’t these people have jobs? Families?). I’ve got news for ya – there are limits to our constitutionally-provided free speech and the following is a good explanation of those limits.

From Sidebar Saturdays, When Free Speech Meets Social Media (12/3/22):

Content-Related Restrictions — Most content-related speech is protected from government regulation, even vulgarity, hate speech, and blasphemy. But the government can suppress certain ideas and messages from a few narrow categories such as:

Obscenity – Most forms of obscenity fall within the freedom of speech. But if the obscenity reaches a high-test threshold, like hard-core, sexually explicit pornography, the speech is not protected. Companies like Facebook and Twitter also regulate outside boundaries like this on their platforms too.
Fighting words – The government can prohibit speech used to inflame another (like a personal insult) that is likely to lead to an immediate fight. This would include speech meant to incite violence and hatred, and encourage others to commit illegal acts. This would not include political statements that offend others and provoke them to violence — like anti-abortion protesters that provoke violence from their targets or church members yelling obscenities that provoked LGBT people to attack. It also doesn’t include hate speech, which means contemptible, bigoted speech is usually protected.
Defamation – False statements that damage a person’s reputation are not protected.
Child pornography – Speech that depicts a minor performing sexual acts or showing their privates is not protected free speech.
Crimes involving speech – Any speech used to commit a crime is not protected, e.g. perjury, blackmail, and harassment.
Incitement – Speech that is directed to incite or produce imminent lawless action, i.e. encourages others to engage in illegal activity, is not protected free speech. Incitement has been extended to cover repeatedly encouraging someone to commit suicide.
True threats – Threats to commit a crime are not protected free speech, but there must be mental intent to commit the crime. [My addition: this is called mens rea and one’s intent can be very difficult to prove.]
Copyrights and trademarks – Infringement of someone else’s copyright or trademark-protected content will not withstand a free speech defense.
Commercial speech – Most advertising is protected free speech, but things like false advertising are not and can be restricted by the government.

Content-Neutral Restrictions — The government can suppress speech when the restriction is done without regard to the content or message of the speech, e.g. regulating noise [law enforcement/disturbing the peace], protesters blocking traffic, or the use of obstructive signs.

Special Government Relationships — The government can suppress speech when a special relationship with the government exists. For example, speech by government employees can be restricted if it keeps the employee from doing their job (a police officer making racist statements, a public school teacher encouraging students to experiment with drugs or a CIA employee who releases classified information). The government as head of the military and prisons can regulate the speech of military officers and inmates.

So that’s your free-but-has-limits speech in a nutshell. Now go forth and protest freely, associate freely, believe in whatever ‘god’ you choose, but remember this: you can think whatever you want but be careful with your words. Remember, they have power, just not as much freedom as you once thought.

#FirstAmendment #freespeech #authorsoninstagram #writersoninstagram #twitter #amwriting #SidebarSaturdays #MestengoBooks #rights #BillofRights #USConstitution #censorship #democracy #goodreads #socialmedia #hatecrimes #stoptheviolence

Be Water, Fellow Scribes

Posted on November 24, 2022 by mestengobooks

Source: Google Images/Radiant Shenti

Winter, a time of powering down and going within, is almost upon us. The softer sounds of winter beckon to us; the gentle swoosh of wind and snowfall (unless you live in a warm area – too bad, your loss), the crackle and crunch of snow under boots, or the quieter chirps of birds that don’t migrate (like our red cardinal, an eyecatcher resting on a snow-covered bush). It’s a great time for writers to hunker down and get their words on.

In Chinese medicine, “water is the element of Winter, the most Yin of seasons. It represents the completion of a cycle and the cleansing of previous cycles. Energies are stored deep within, as in the roots of plants and trunks of trees, as well as within ourselves. It is the time of year to be more introspective and less physically active.” (The 5-Element Guide to Healing with Whole Foods, 2016)

“Water… flows on and on, and merely fills up all the places through which it flows; it does not shrink from any dangerous spot, not from any plunge, and nothing can make it lose its own essential nature. It remains true to itself under all conditions.

– Nei Jing (475-221 B.C.)

My advice? Be like water, fellow writers. Remain true to yourself and your stories; do not lose your essential nature and write your stories from a place of unwavering candor.

“Be like water making its way through cracks. Do not be assertive, but adjust to the object, and you shall find a way around or through it. If nothing within you stays rigid, outward things will disclose themselves. Empty your mind, be formless. Shapeless, like water. If you put water into a cup, it becomes the cup. You put water into a bottle and it becomes the bottle. You put it in a teapot, it becomes the teapot. Now, water can flow or it can crash. Be water, my friend.”

– Bruce Lee, martial artist

To keep our writing skills sharp and be more like water, we need to take care of our mind/body/spirit connection during this most Yin of seasons:

“Winter is the season of the Kidney/ Urinary Bladder organ system, where our root energies lie. Bitter and salty foods are contracting and inward/downward moving, which help us store our energies and keep us centered.

Salty foods strengthen Kidney but too much actual salt can weaken it. Include miso, soy products, seaweed, seafood, millet, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, celery seeds, and barley in your diet. Bitter foods include parsnips, cauliflower, cabbage, turnips/rutabagas, celery, alfalfa, rye, quinoa, chicory root, and burdock root.

Roasted chicory root blended with other roasted herbs makes a nice substitute for coffee, which depletes Kidney Essence[1] with its caffeine content. One-pot meals like slow-cooked soups and stews are your best choices, and you can add in both salty and bitter foods to create a healthy, nutrient-dense meal.” (The 5-Element Guide to Healing with Whole Foods, 2016)

The characteristics of a healthy Water element (which is within each of us, to a varying degree) will help you get through the winter months and any writing challenges that might come your way. Water element likes a calm, unrushed environment; it allows us to better communicate (like through our stories) and to influence others (like through our stories). If your Water element needs a boost, wear black, dark blue, or dark purple (violet).

If you feel ‘stuck’ or have writer’s block, envision water: flowing, smooth, soft. When we are rooted in our Water element, our will is rooted and we’ll have a powerful source of intuition that can positively affect our writer’s imagination. There’s a deeper sense of knowing. Write without fear. Act on your inner faith as a writer. That is Water element in action.

Be like water, fellow scribes.

[1] This is the pre-natal Qi we get from our parents; a definitive amount is passed to each child and must be used sparingly to ensure a long and vital life. Lifestyle excesses (alcohol, sex, food, etc.) will use up Essence more quickly, which can speed up the aging process.

#Chinesemedicine #Waterelement #writersofinstagram #authorsontwitter #thewritinglife #BruceLee #author #writer #blogger #wordcount #amwriting #nutrition

And the Accent Goes On…

Posted on November 12, 2022 by mestengobooks

Source: Google Images

I’m a word-y person. I love a play on words, words that rhyme (especially in funny poems or jokes), words with unusual spelling or pronunciation (I like a good challenge), even words that make me giggle (like ‘kerfuffle’). All part of being a writer, I suppose. Writers must love words of all kinds to build their stories, don’t you think?

The words that got me thinking about this post are those with accent marks still used in our modern English. Many have been dropped as we modernize even more in this Digital Age and I wonder what will happen to our language as we know it. Will it, too, adapt to a point of unrecognizability? I hope not. I enjoy it too much.

Are Diacritical Marks All That Critical Anymore? I Say YES!

Accent marks are called diacritical marks. And in our modern English they are being used less and less. The accent mark, or diaeresis (omg, I had to add this word to my computer dictionary) indicates, according to Wikipedia, “the modification of a vowel’s sound when spoken.” In modern English the only two that are used consistently are the grave accent (è) and acute accent (é). Even these tend to disappear in certain types of publications, such as an online blog (but not mine, ok?).

Take Your Pick

The list of diacritical marks is longer than I expected (you can view it here) so I’ll cover the accents most relevant to the English language and currently in use.

From Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_terms_with_diacritical_marks:

the acute accent and grave accent
- as in née, frappé, soufflé, résumé (e.g., I shall resume writing my work resume – just doesn’t look right to me without the accents; neither does drinking a glass of rose… or rosé?)
the circumflex (entrepôt), borrowed from French
the diaeresis (Zoë), indicating a second syllable in two consecutive vowels (similar to, but not same as, the German umlaut)
the tittle, the dot found on the regular small i and small j, is removed when another diacritic is required (poor little tittle goes away…)
the macron, lengthening vowels, as in Māori; or indicating omitted n or m (in pre-Modern English, both in print and in handwriting).
the breve (ă)
the umlaut (über), altering Germanic vowels
- written now as (ü) ue, (ö) oe, (ä) ae
the cedilla (soupçon), in French, Portuguese and in Catalan it is a softening c, indicating ‘s-‘ not ‘k-‘ pronunciation
- So garçon (waiter) doesn’t sound like ‘garkōn’ (something from a Lord of the Rings movie, maybe?)
the tilde (Señor, João), in Spanish indicating palatalized n, and Portuguese indicating nasal a and o (although in Spanish and most source languages, the tilde is not considered a diacritic over the letter n but rather as an integral part of the distinct letter ñ; in Portuguese the sound is represented by “nh”)
- as in piñon (mmm…my favorite when they’re fresh picked) instead of pinyon/pine nut

There are several others, “representing European personal names, anthroponyms, and place names, toponyms” (remember these from my -Nym post?) and you can search them out yourself, if so inclined.

There are also digraphs…but I digress…

There are a few English words that actually don’t borrow diacritics from another language, we made them up just for us! It’s called a hiatus – two separate vowel sounds in adjacent syllables – and you thought it was just a break from school… As in words like coöperative, daïs and reëlect – now they’re replaced by use of a hyphen (re-elect) or made into a whole word (cooperative, dais). (Note: certain publications still use the hiatus, it’s not just for breaks anymore!)

When one breaks down a language, it’s amazing what can be found. Sure, we learn English language in schools – nouns, verbs, adjectives and such – but no one teaches the history of our language unless you major in it in college.

If the history of language or words were taught in grade schools, perhaps there would be more word nerds like you and me, then. Get your word on!

#authorsoninstagram #writersoninstagram #English #language #amwriting #writerslife #poetry #creativewriting #writersblog #Mestengobooks

My Old Posts: Like Visiting Old Friends

Posted on October 27, 2022 by mestengobooks

Source: Google Images/brainyquote.com

It’s been one of those weeks. Actually, it’s been one of those months. Health issues have taken up a large portion of my time and I’ve missed some work as a result. Now that I’m back in full swing, I’m too exhausted to even think about a new topic for my next post. So apologies all around for not writing a mind-blowing post this time around (wink wink nudge nudge)…

Stepping Back in Time…

So I did what I have an occasional habit of doing – I randomly revisit previous posts. I start with the most recent ones and at the bottom of the page I click on a post from the Related section. Sort of a ‘free association’ attempt at getting ideas for this post – and clicking on a related post after that, and so on. It has also provided an opportunity to make some updates to outdated information and add a new hyperlink here and there.

Amazing what you find when you look…back.

Eeny Meeny Miney Moe…

My first click was to this post: https://mestengobooks.com/2017/08/03/talk-to-text-a-writing-lesson/

This one didn’t go so well. I haven’t used talk-to-text since this eye-opening (and almost vomit-inducing at the sound of my own voice) attempt at a shortcut to the writing process. It seemed like a good idea at the time. C’est la vie, eh?

The next click was: https://mestengobooks.com/2016/07/22/subliminal-messages-and-the-call-of-the-word/

Too bad this one didn’t come to fruition…I got quite far into developing the chapters then gave up because I stopped practicing some years ago. But I did end the post with some good advice:

“Pay attention to the hidden messages all around you. Let them be your muse, let them inspire you to answer your ‘call of the word.”

And the next link after that: https://mestengobooks.com/2016/07/08/success-and-failure-the-yang-and-yin-of-writing-life/

“In summary, the lesson of Hexagram 47 from the I-Ching is about oppression and hope – that even during difficult or bad times we must dig down deep, not fear failure (the inevitable downswing of the life/writing-cycle), quietly embrace it, and carry on with the understanding (hope) that all will be better again (the inevitable upswing of the life/writing-cycle).”

Yikes. I’ve been in the oppression phase (yet again) but seeing this post is a reminder that what does DOWN must go UP. Here’s to mini successes! I hope they arrive soon, I’m tired of the other side of this cycle…

“Failure happens to everyone. It’s how you handle the failure. Ride it out, like a big bump in the road and you’ll come out the other side wiser, and perhaps, more successful. In whatever way that means for you.”

I sense a running theme here… (If only you could see my facial expression right now…)

And finally, the pièce de résistance: https://mestengobooks.com/2020/07/15/words-have-power-so-be-careful-how-you-use-them/

The first paragraph of this post is more than prophetic – all you have to do is read your feeds on Twitter, IG, TikTok, etc. Chaos is everywhere, especially in the American political arena, where a major war of the words (read: lies, slanders and unfounded conspiracies) has been ongoing for far too long. The danger of violence against fellow citizens (regardless of where on this globe you live) lurks around every corner and now in every grammar school. We have to take responsibility for our words and the power they can have over others. Now more than ever writers are needed to provide light and laughter, adventure, facts, TRUTH.

Yes, these wise words were mine (amazing, I know). This is why I go back and re-read – who knows what goldmine of tidbits I’ll find.

And maybe learn from, like the advice of old friend.

#writersoninstagram #authorsontwitter #thewritinglife #oldfriends #blogging #freeassociation #thursdaytips #thewritelife #author #writer #words

Punctuate the Point with Proper Punctuation!

Posted on October 12, 2022 by mestengobooks

Source: Google Images/grammarly.com

Clothes may make the man but proper punctuation makes a good writer. I’ve posted often of the grammatical irks that raise my ire. Yet the folks who regularly annoy me are exactly the folks (including nightly newscasters who shall remain unnamed) who don’t read my blog or any other grammar-focused posts. It appears they are content with being perceived as unintelligent, unprofessional and/or uncredible (yes, incredibly, it’s a word, I looked it up).

So here are a few pointers I do hope you’ll pass along to someone in dire need of a good grammatical lesson (hmmm, almost everyone online…):

Please STOP using apostrophes to make a word, abbreviation or date/time plural. It’s 1950s not 1950’s. It’s MDs not MD’s. Inserting an inappropriate apostrophe makes the word possessive (i.e., ownership). Another correct use is for shortening certain words: have not becomes haven’t; is not becomes isn’t; will not becomes won’t. Get it? Do the ayes (not aye’s) have it? Good.
Speaking of which – STOP using the apostrophe version of its (it’s) when needing a neutral pronoun: The book fell over on its side. I’ve read too many online articles where the writer has not edited the work for errors and this careless mistake is one I see often.
Some writers sprinkle too many commas into their words, like shaking salt on a pizza until it’s covered.
1. There are seven appropriate way to use a comma:
  1. 1) in dates, addresses, titles, and numbers;
  2. 2) between two clauses;
  3. 3) following an introductory clause;
  4. 4) before and after a clause not essential to the sentence;
  5. 5) before and after a nonessential description;
  6. 6) follows a name of someone you address directly; and
  7. 7) after each item in a sentence (list).
Using semicolons like commas – I’m definitely guilty of this one. They, too, have their appropriate place in a sentence:
1. 1) to join two separate but closely related sentences, especially when the second sentence begins with words like “furthermore,” “besides,” “however,” “therefore,” or “for instance.”
2. 2) in place of a comma in a long list of items, especially if the comma has been used in the sentence prior to the list.
Dash or hyphen? A hyphen joins two words together while a dash (see use in #4) separates words in parenthetical statements. No space around a hyphen but space on either side of a dash.

Have I just “dashed” your grammatical skills? Oops…

“Do not use semicolons … All they do is show you’ve been to college.” – Kurt Vonnegut

#punctuation #grammar #writersoninstagram #writersontwitter #authorsontwitter #Englishgrammar #Grammarly #MLA #styleguide #writerwednesday #amwriting #blogger

Autumn is My Muse

Posted on September 15, 2022 by mestengobooks

Fall colors arriving in Auburn, CA

It’s About That Time…

Indian summer has finally arrived in northern California – it was a long, extraordinarily HOT wait for the crispy air, crunch of leaves underfoot; colors at the beginning of their descent into eventual death and decay. On our morning break, I walked to a stand of trees in a green space nearby (see pic). I listened to the wind and the leaves as they whispered secrets and stories unknown to humans. Experience nature and it will speak to you in all of its languages; nature has inspired writers to put into words what is felt, seen; you only have to listen, look, and learn.

I haven’t had the desire to write or work on a novel in a long time; poetry, however, has been calling to me. Poetry, for me, is a highly internal/emotional form of writing and expression, perfect for the coming changing of season.

Going In

Autumn is the time of year referred to as Yintang in Chinese medicine – part Yin, part Yang, where the world and everything in it begins the ‘going inward’ process toward TaiYang, or Terminal Yin (winter). It’s the time to feed your mind/body/spirit with quieter activities.

Writing poetry is perfect for mind and spirit; nourishing foods will help “feed” your writing:

“…Autumn …it is a time of harvesting and gathering. Weather turns cooler and we crave warm foods. Nature begins moving inward and downward; leaves fall off trees and plants wither. Nuts and fruits fall to the ground as energies collect in the roots and rhizomes of plants, which are ready to harvest for our fall menu. More root vegetables become available, as well as mushrooms/fungi, which strengthen and nourish digestive fire, allowing us to better “digest” food, thoughts and ideas.

To assist the inward movement of energy, add sour foods to your diet in small amounts, like fermented foods. Put warming, moistening foods on your table: mushrooms, barley, leek, radish, cauliflower, tofu, nut butters, hemp and olive oils, and use warm, invigorating herbs like garlic, sage, savory, thyme, and rosemary.” The Five-Element Guide to Healing with Whole Foods (2016)

Inspiration

The Autumn of Life

Colors red, gold, fiery orange, of forests bright

Fade with time

As, in our youth, once brilliant

We fade into the autumn

Of our lives.

The sweet scent of decay, the crunch and

Crackle beneath my boots

As I amble along the path life has given me.

The autumn of life – – –

Activity fades to quiescence and

The desire for inner stillness

Claims victory over youthful vigor

Now waned.

(© 2022)

My advice? Get outside more = write more – and maybe better and deeper. And don’t forget to FEED your inspiration!

#poetsofinstagram #poetsoftwitter #authors #poetry #autumn #fall #MestengoBooks #writers #WritersDigest #inspiration #getoutside #nature #trees #autumnleaves #nutrition #wholefoods

Have You Heard of These -Nym Words? Some Might Surprise You

Posted on August 25, 2022 by mestengobooks

Source: Google Images/slideplayer.com

A ‘-Nym’ By Any Other Name…

From Google: The Greek root word -onym (or -nym) means “name.” This root is the word origin of a fair number of English vocabulary words, including synonym and antonym. The root -onym is easily recalled through the word anonymous, which refers to someone going around without a “name.”

I found these on freedictionary.com but I’m sure there are a few I’ve missed. Many of these are used for the word game Scrabble. How many of them, aside from the usual (antonym, homonym, pseudonym) do you use? Have used? Will use? Let’s see how many you recognize…

9-letter words that end in -nym:

pseudonym – a fictitious name (like a writer’s pen name or nom de plume).
cryptonym – a code name or code word.
heteronym – One of two or more words that have identical spellings (hence the ‘hetero’ prefix) but different meanings and pronunciations, such row (rō), a series of objects arranged in a line, and row, a fight, pronounced rou (like cow or now).

8-letter words that end in -nym:

ethnonym – name of people or ethnic group.
retronym – A word or phrase created because an existing term that was once used alone now needs to be distinguished from a term referring to a new development (so I assume retronym itself is a new word), such acoustic guitar in contrast to electric guitar or analog watch (or just plain ‘watch’) in contrast to digital watch.
tautonym – A taxonomic designation, such Gorilla gorilla, in which the genus and species names are the same; commonly used in zoology but no longer in botany.

7-letter words that end in nym:

acronym – I hope you already know this one.
synonym – And this one, too.
homonym – This one is tricky as I, too, often confuse this one with homophones (the suffix shows the difference, if you pay attention). A word the same as another in sound and spelling but different in meaning, such as light, meaning either illumination or of little weight. (The English language is full of these!)

Not to be confused with:

homographs – Words that are spelled identically (again, see the suffix?) but may or may not share a pronunciation, such as sow (sō), meaning to scatter seed, and sow (like cow or now), an adult female swine.
homophones – Words that sound alike whether or not they are spelled differently: holy and wholly (which can ‘wholly’ confuse me if I’m not paying attention, holy cow).

To Be Continued…

metonym – A word that denotes one thing but refers to a related thing: “Washington is a metonym for the U.S. government” and “plastic is a metonym for credit card.”
antonym – You better know this one!
toponym – A place name or a place of a region.
paronym – A word that shares the same derivation as another word.
hyponym – A word whose meaning is included in the meaning of another more general word. For example bus is a hyponym for vehicle.
allonym – A name, often one of historical significance or that of another person, assumed by a person, especially a writer (maybe I should call myself Jack London, haha).
caconym – An erroneous name, especially in taxonomic classification (oh, yeah, I’ll bet this is popular among wordy nerds…)
autonym – A name by which a people or social group refers to itself. Also a piece of literature (in journalism and publishing) published under the real name of the author.

6-letter words that end in nym:

eponym – A word or name derived from a proper noun: atlas, bowdlerize, denim, Turing machine (modern day computer) or one whose name is or is thought to be the source of the name of something: Alexander Gardener is the eponym of the gardenia.
anonym – An anonymousperson or apseudonym.
exonym – A name by which one people or social group refers to another and by which the group so named does not refer to itself, as in the K in K-pop (Korean music).

Whew! Not an exhaustive list but exhausting to write it out! Language, like life itself, is in constant motion; humans continually add new words (like retronym) and discard old or bad words (that’s too long a list for here but maybe another post) to suit our communication needs. What’s in a name? Why, -nym of course!

#Englishlanguage #words #Greekwords #vocabulary #writers #writersoninstagram #authorsoninstagram #mestengobooks #grammar #twitter #authorsontwitter #lifestyle #communication #language #thursdaytips #writtenword #instawords