A part and apart are often confused, especially by non-native speakers of English. Apart is mostly used as an adverb, denoting a separation between two or more things. A part (two words) means “a fraction of a whole,” or in theatre, “an actor’s role.” Apart from is a frequently used preposition.
Although the two expressions are identical in spelling but for a space, they have two different origins. Apart came to English from the Latin words ad, meaning “to,” and pars, meaning “a side.” Part, on the other hand, is derived from partem, the Latin word meaning “a piece, division, or share.” Isn’t it amazing how a word that is all about separation came to be so similar to a phrase that has to do with being integral to a unified whole?
Here’s a tip:The difference between apart and a part is that apart implies a separation between things (they are away from one another), and a part denotes that a thing is a share of another, bigger thing (there’s togetherness going on).
When to Use “Apart”
Use apart adverbially to show how two things are separated physically, figuratively, or in time. Carefully avoid using a part when this is your intended meaning.
My parents had my sister and me two years a part.
My parents had my sister and me two years apart.
Michelle and her husband don’t like to be a part for more than an hour or two.
Michelle and her husband don’t like to be apart for more than an hour or two.
My sister and I used to live close to one another, but now we live miles a part.
My sister and I used to live close to one another, but now we live miles apart.
It can also be used to mean “to render in parts or pieces.”
The manager meant to bring his staff closer together with the “trust fall” exercise, but instead he tore them apart.
I sewed the hem too short on this dress, so I’m going to take it apart.
Apart from can be used as a preposition meaning “besides” or “except for.”
Apart from all the work I did keeping the rental house clean, it was a very enjoyable holiday.
Apart can also be used as an adjective in the sense of separate or isolated.
My taste in books and Samantha’s are worlds apart.
When to Use “A Part”
A part is two words: a is an article and part is a noun synonymous with piece. A part is frequently seen in the company of the preposition of.
Our neighbor Lucy has always felt like a part of our family.
May I have a part of your steak?
After a year or so, Mary began to feel like a part of her community.
Keep in mind that the article a might not be essential to your sentence. These three sentences, for example, are identical in meaning to the three above, and are equally correct.
Our neighbor Lucy has always felt like part of our family.
May I have part of your steak?
After a year or so, Mary began to feel like part of her community.
Of course, part can also refer to a piece of something in the sense of component.
I’d like to fix my bike, but I have to buy a part for it.
Last, a part can refer to an actor’s role in a play, musical, or film.
Did you audition for a part in the school play?
Tips to Remember “A Part” and “Apart”
Apart has to do with being or rendering separate.
A part is something that is a piece of something else that is considered whole or together.
A quick example of the bleeding obvious: people speak differently in the UK and the US. If you’re an American fan of British TV shows—the originals, not the American remakes—you’re probably very aware that once in a while, the characters will utter a word that you won’t hear on the streets of your hometown.
But you may be surprised to know that some of the words we consider distinctly British today were once fairly common in the United States. Read on:
1 Tetchy, adjective Someone who is tetchy is someone with a bad temper:
You can’t even talk with him these days; he’s just too tetchy.
2 Amongst, preposition While amongst is less favored than among in British English, it’s rarely seen at all in American English.
There’s a grammar pedant amongst us, and I intend to find out who he is.
3 Marvelous, adjective Sure, you can use amazing instead, but marvelous sounds so much more . . . marvelous:
We had a marvelous time during that holiday retreat.
4 Fortnight, noun Something that happens once every fortnight is something that happens every two weeks:
We try to get together for a family meal once a fortnight.
5 Cheers, exclamation In British English, cheers isn’t something you’d say when it’s time to have a drink. It’s a casual way to say “thank you”:
Cheers Thom, I really needed that paper today.
6 Rubbish, noun, adjective You know this one, it has the same meaning as garbage. Plus, rubbish can be used as an adjective when you want to say that something is really bad:
I bought a new keyboard today, but it’s rubbish so I’ll give it to my brother.
7 Blimey, exclamation If you ever get tired of saying “wow,” you might make an effort to bring blimey back:
Blimey, that escalated quickly!
8 Hoover, noun A hoover is a device that uses suction to clean surfaces—a vacuum cleaner:
The hoover broke because it’s not supposed to be used to clean up spilled water.
9 Bespoke, adjective Before things were custom-made, they were bespoke, especially if they were suits:
A bespoke suit is expensive, but it’s a good investment if you want to look professional.
10 Chap, nounChap is an informal way of referring to a male person, sort of like “dude”:
See that chap wearing a yellow bow-tie? That’s my biology professor.
Whether you use the spelling theatre or theater will depend on where you hail from. In American English, the spelling is theater; in Britain and the rest of the English-speaking world, theatre is used. The spelling you choose—theater vs. theatre—should align with your audience’s preference.
Why Are There Different Spellings: “Theatre” vs. “Theater”?
Theater has roots in both Greek and Latin and came to English through the Old French word theatre. Theatre and similar words ending in -re were sometimes spelled with the -er until the 1660s, when the French-borrowed -re spellings came to be preferred; before that, both spellings were considered equally correct. Chaucer, for example, spelled it theatre. Shakespeare, on the other hand, spelled it theater. Today, theatre is considered the correct spelling in Britain and in most English-speaking countries other than the United States.
In the eighteenth century, following the American Revolutionary War, Noah Webster sought to create a standard literacy curriculum specifically for his fledgling nation. Not only did he succeed at replacing British textbooks with new American versions, but he also published his own meticulously researched dictionary, notable for its reformed spellings. The separation of British and American spellings, and in some ways, punctuation, had begun.
Webster was the man who took the u out of colour and turned musick into music. He preferred spellings that were simpler and closely modeled pronunciation, which was why theatre became theater and similar words, like centre, became center. Most of the newly respelled -er words caught on in the United States, especially in the last century or so.
When to Use “Theatre”
Choose the spelling theatre whenever your audience will likely be predominantly using British English or its local variant. Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India, and South Africa, for example, all use the spelling theatre. American English and British English do have remarkable differences, don’t they?
There are notable exceptions, however. Take the New York theater scene. We refer to the Broadway Theater District, yet many of the most frequented Broadway theaters actually have theatre spelled out on their marquees:
And of course, there is Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C., which is famous for being the site of Abraham Lincoln’s assassination.
Across the pond, things are much simpler.
Do you have theatre tickets for any of this season’s West End shows?
When to Use “Theater”
If your audience speaks American English, use theater. Theater is also the most predominant spelling on the internet, statistically speaking, if that is your determining factor.
Did you know that, in addition to his Wild West exploits, Buffalo Bill had a theater career?
Manuel is interested in trying his luck in the musical theater scene.
Cinema or Movie Theater?
Brits and Americans don’t just spell differently; some of the vernacular is different as well. Brits talk about going to the cinema or catching a film. An older British expression for going to see a film is going to the pictures. Americans speak of the movies as a slang abbreviation for motion pictures. While in British English, a building called a theatre is for only plays and musicals, American English also has movie theaters. Canadians have a blended approach to the place where they view blockbusters: they call them (and spell them) movie theatres.
Do you want to go to the cinema tonight, or do you want to stay in? (British English)
We plan to catch a film with our neighbors on Saturday. (British English)
I remember the days when we went to the pictures every Friday evening. (British English)
Please don’t make me go to the movie theater on Main Street. They put too much butter on their popcorn. (American English)
She refused to go to the movies with my cousin Albert. (American English)
Whether you spell it theater or theatre, or you refer to films, movies, or the cinema, it is unlikely that your readers will be confused by whichever word you choose.
Everyone has a story to tell and a message to share. The challenge lies in getting that story and message out of your head and into print in a way that resonates with your audience.
Starting somewhere in the late 2000s, a certain type of personal essay experienced a popularity boom. These essays were ultra-personal and confessional in nature, often in a TMI sort of way. Their headlines were clickable, not to mention shareable, for their shock value alone.
Although the confessional shock essay’s star seems to be fading, the personal essay itself is still standing strong. Essay collections by late greats like James Baldwin (The First Next Time) and David Foster Wallace (Consider the Lobster) still top Amazon’s Best Sellers in essays. Jenny Lawson (aka The Bloggess) launched a career with her darkly funny and self-effacing essays about her health and mental illness challenges (Let’s Pretend This Never Happened). Celebrities like Mindy Kaling (Why Not Me?) and Tina Fey (Bossypants) blended personal essays into memoir-esque collections that became best sellers. We head for the nearest bookseller when essay titans like David Sedaris or Anne Lamott have a new release.
We’re thirsty for real stories and musings from people who are able to share their foibles, lessons, and truths in a way we can relate to. Here are seven tips to help you craft a personal essay that will connect with readers.
1 Understand what a personal essay is.
Ask three different experts what a personal essay is and you’ll likely get three different answers. Are they structured? Must they address a certain type of subject? Here’s a definition we like:
A personal essay is a short work of autobiographical nonfiction characterized by a sense of intimacy and a conversational manner. Also called a personal statement.
A type of creative nonfiction, the personal essay is ‘all over the map,’ according to Annie Dillard. ‘There’s nothing you can’t do with it. No subject matter is forbidden, no structure is prescribed. You get to make up your own form every time.’
—Richard Nordquist for ThoughtCo.
Personal essays relate the author’s intimate thoughts and experiences to universal truths. They aren’t simply a retelling of events, though—that falls more in the realm of memoir or autobiography. They conclude with the author having learned, changed, or grown in some way and often present some truth or insight that challenges the reader to draw their own conclusions.
2 Find a compelling topic.
The best essay topics are often deeply relatable. Although the story itself is unique to the author’s experience, there’s some universal truth that speaks to us from just below the surface. Topics like facing a fear, falling in love, overcoming an obstacle, discovering something new, or making a difficult choice tackle feelings and events that happen in everyone’s life.
Here’s a tip: Need a little help? Here’s a list of personal essay topics that might spark an idea.
3 Start with a strong hook.
As with any type of writing, it’s essential to draw the reader in from the very first paragraph, or even the first sentence. Here are a few examples.
Aside from Peter, who supposedly guards the gates of heaven and is a pivotal figure in any number of jokes, the only saint who’s ever remotely interested me is Francis of Assisi, who was friends with the animals.
—David Sedaris, “Untamed”
When I was young, my family didn’t go on outings to the circus or trips to Disneyland. We couldn’t afford them. Instead, we stayed in our small rural West Texas town, and my parents took us to cemeteries.
—Jenny Lawson, “Amelia and Me”
I underwent, during the summer that I became fourteen, a prolonged religious crisis.
—James Baldwin, “Letter from a Region in My Mind”
Alone, we are doomed. By the same token, we’ve learned that people are impossible, even the ones we love most—especially the ones we love most.
—Anne Lamott, “Blessings: After Catastrophe, A Community Unites”
Your hook and opening paragraph should establish the topic of your essay (or at least allude to it) and set the scene and tone.
4 Create an outline.
All it takes to understand the importance of an outline is listening to someone who struggled to tell a personal story. Often, the story will seem to have no real point. The switchbacks where the teller says “But wait, I have to tell you about this part, first!” are maddening and disruptive. An outline will help you organize your thoughts before committing them to text.
Consider your opening hook and the statement it makes, then map out the sequence of events or main points that support it. Just like a good fictional story, your essay should have rising action. Raise the stakes with each paragraph until you reach a climax or turning point. Plan to add a conclusion that will evoke an emotional response in your reader.
5 Narrow your focus.
Don’t try to write to a general topic. Your essay may well be about sexism, but you need to illustrate it through the lens of a defining incident that’s deeply personal to you. What did your experiences teach you about sexism? What does it mean to you as an individual?
6 Show, don’t tell.
Close your eyes. Think of the scene you’re about to write down. What were you experiencing with your five senses? How did you feel?
Your challenge is to evoke those senses and feelings without flatly stating them. Don’t say “I felt cold.” Say “I exhaled and my breath turned to vapor that hung in the air. I shivered and pulled the blanket tight around my shoulders in a vain attempt to trap my body heat.” Your description should help the reader experience the cold with you. Stephen King describes it as making the reader “prickle with recognition.”
7 Craft a thought-provoking conclusion.
Your essay should end with your own reflection and analysis. What did you learn? How have the events and thoughts you described changed your life or your understanding of life? It’s not enough to say “And that’s what happened.” You have to describe how whatever happened shaped you.
Just as a good lead hooks readers and draws them along for the ride, a good conclusion releases them from your essay’s thrall with a frisson of pleasure, agreement, passion or some other sense of completion. Circling back to your lead in your conclusion is one way to give readers that full-circle sense. Try to restate your thesis in a way that reflects the journey the essay has taken.
—Tom Bentley for Writer’s Digest
There is so much outside the false cloister of private experience; and when you write, you do the work of connecting that terrible privacy to everything beyond it.
An essay is a brief composition on a specific topic. The most common essay types are analytical, argumentative, critical, expository, and narrative.
Students write essays. You knew that already. But do you know what kinds of essays students write? Here are the basics of how to write five different types of essays.
Analytical Essays
To analyze means to examine carefully or critically. You might analyze a piece of literature, an event, or even a work of art. To do so, you may compare the similarities or contrast the differences of two things. For this reason, analytical essays are sometimes called compare-and-contrast essays.
How To Write an Analytical Essay
Introduce your subject in the first paragraph and raise the issue that you will discuss with a thesis statement. Present your information, including your personal response to the subject. Conclude by explaining the relationship between the information you presented and the subject.
Argumentative Essays
To argue is to attempt to prove a theory or opinion. In an argumentative essay, you will defend your opinion against other viewpoints with the aim of showing why it is correct. (In a persuasive essay, you present your opinion with the aim of influencing others to adopt it.)
How to Write an Argumentative Essay
State your opinion or position on an issue. Present supporting evidence and research. Concentrate on defending your claim and refuting opposing viewpoints. Consider your audience as you write. What arguments would be strongest for them?
Critical Essays
To critique is to evaluate someone’s work. You might identify the strengths and weaknesses of a book, a film, or a work of art. Or you might discuss the methods the person used to create the work.
How to Write a Critical Essay
Begin by providing a short summary of the work. Give a brief analysis of what it means, including what the author was trying to accomplish. Then, comment about how successful the work was in attaining that objective.
Expository Essays
Expository is an adjective related to the verb expound. To expound means to explain or to set forth in detail. In this type of essay, you provide information about an idea or a theme. You can also explain your personal response to a work in this type of writing, but you are not trying to convince the reader to agree with that opinion.
How to Write an Expository Essay
Make a thesis statement introducing your subject. Explain the main points, supporting them with facts and reasoning. Give examples, but be concise. As with any type of essay, make sure you choose information that will appeal to your audience. Conclude with a short overview.
Narrative Essays
A narrative essay tells a short story. For example, you might relate a personal experience. You might also write a report on a book. The purpose of the essays may be to inform, entertain, or reflect. According to the Glendale Community College website, “narratives provide human interest, spark our curiosity, and draw us close to the storyteller.”
How to Write a Narrative Essay
Though it is not a requirement, writers often write narrative essays in the first person. Select an event (from your own life or from a book) that is worthy of interest. Include all the elements of a good story: characters, plot, setting, conflict, and resolution. Use vivid language that engages the reader.
Students write essays. Now you know what kinds of essays they write: analytical, argumentative, critical, expository, and narrative. Would you like to see some examples? You can find sample papers on the websites of many university writing departments.
What runs through your head? Along with potential anxiety about a looming deadline (looks like you’re eating lunch at your desk again) you may feel annoyance. After all, that demand sounded pretty darn pushy.
via GIPHY
Requests that include “as soon as possible” (or the ubiquitous acronym ASAP) can come across as rude. In fact, Forbes named emails with ASAP in the subject header among the five rudest. The acronym got its start in 1955 as U.S. Army slang, which may be why we sometimes associate it with the mental image of a drill sergeant barking orders.
Whether we view ASAP as rude or demanding depends on intangible factors like the context in which it’s used and your relationship with the person you’re communicating with. Here are a few pros and cons.
The Pros of Using ASAP
It’s a handy code for people you work with frequently. ASAP can be a communication shortcut when it’s known that all parties have the same definition. If both the requester and the “requestee” understand that ASAP means “whenever you get around to it,” for instance, there’s less chance for misunderstandings.
With the right context, it’s a good way to convey urgency. ASAP can serve as a motivator. It works well in titles when you want to show that something can happen quickly (and that quickly is a good thing). E.g., Here’s how to lose 10 pounds ASAP!
The Cons of Using ASAP
It does nothing to help the recipient prioritize. Does your request need to be tended to by the end of the day, the end of the week, or whenever the recipient gets a little spare time? “As soon as possible” doesn’t convey any sort of time frame.
It sounds harsh. “Get those supply requisitions to me ASAP, private! That’s an order!” Do you really want to come across as though you’re asking the person on the receiving end to drop whatever they’re doing and work on your problem?
When overused, it becomes meaningless. When everything needs to be delivered ASAP, nothing is. In fact, ASAP can signify a lack of planning—you don’t really know when you need your request attended to, so you’re leaving it for someone else (namely, the person you made the request of) to sort out.
It’s easily misinterpreted. Let’s say you used “as soon as possible” to express that you needed something from a colleague as soon as they could get around to it. If your colleague interpreted your request as an immediate need, he might have set aside other important tasks to tend to it. He’s likely to feel frustrated when he learns that the need wasn’t top priority.
Alternatives to ASAP
There are a few other ways to express need without resorting to the gruffness or ambiguity of “as soon as possible”. Consider these alternatives:
As soon as possible, or _____. Use this to say that something’s urgent, but can wait until a specific deadline if necessary. “As soon as possible, or no later than end-of-day Friday.”
Promptly. This one can serve as a nudge by suggesting the recipient has been less than prompt. (Be careful, though. It may come across as passive aggressive.)
At your earliest convenience. You need it, but you’re willing to wait until the other person has a chance to tend to it.
Whenever you’re able. Use this soft approach when you really don’t care when your request is tended to.
The best alternative: be specific
When you weigh the pros and cons, there are few good reasons to ask for anything ASAP, and some compelling reasons not to. The best alternative is a simple one—be specific. By taking the time to figure out your priorities, you’ll be helping your colleagues plan their own.
Let’s compare:
Bossy McBosserpants
I need the report as soon as possible
Vs.
Helpful McHelpfulson
Our team’s goal is to finish this project by the end of the month. Could you get the report to me by noon tomorrow?
Can you spot the gerund in the sentence “Learning about gerunds is fun”? No, the answer isn’t gerunds. It’s learning.
What Is a Gerund, Anyway?
To understand gerunds, (pronounced JER-undz, by the way) it helps to understand the difference between a word’s grammatical form and its grammatical function in a sentence.
Take the word dancing. Dancing is the present participle of the verb to dance. When used with is or are, it becomes a verb in the present continuous tense:
Gordon is dancing up a storm.
In the sentence above, dancing is a present participle (form) and it’s acting as a verb (function). But there is another way you can use the word dancing.
Dancing is all Gordon can think about.
Dancing looks just like it did before. But in this sentence, the word dancing is not acting like a verb. It’s acting like a noun. In fact, Dancing is the subject of this sentence. It still looks like a present participle (form), but in this sentence, it is filling in for a noun (function).
When a present participle is used as a noun, it’s called a gerund.
What Are Gerunds For?
Gerunds are marvelously flexible. They allow you to talk about an action in an abstract way. And because they act like nouns, you can use them anywhere that a noun would normally go in a sentence.
A gerund can be used as a subject:
Dancing makes Gordon happy.
A direct object:
Gordon loves dancing.
A complement:
Gordon’s main interest in life is dancing.
Or the object of a preposition:
Gordon got those muscular calves from dancing.
In some sentences, a gerund can also take the place of an infinitive.
To dance is Gordon’s only ambition. Dancing is Gordon’s only ambition.
Gordon loves to dance. Gordon loves dancing.
If you wanted to, you could replace dancing with a regular noun like root beer in any of these sentences. Root beer makes Gordon happy. Gordon loves root beer. Gordon’s main interest in life is root beer. Gordon got those muscular calves from root beer. The sentences still work grammatically, even if they are a little nonsensical and make Gordon sound like he needs to get out more.
And that’s all you need to know about gerunds! Didn’t we tell you learning about them would be fun?
Business jargon seems to be taking over our offices. Aside from being cringe-worthy and borderline cliche, business jargon or “management speak” makes communication vague and unhelpful.
Additionally, this kind of “code language” can be extremely isolating to new people or people from other cultures, where business jargon is not widely used.
There is a better way.
There is plain language.
A communication is in plain language if its wording, structure, and design are so clear that the intended readers can easily find what they need, understand what they find, and use that information.
— “5 Steps to Plain Language”
Doesn’t that sound nice?
It isn’t just a dream. It turns out that as of 2010, it’s a law that all U.S. federal agencies must make information available in plain English. That push for clarity, however, doesn’t extend to businesses.
To vanquish tiresome and unhelpful business jargon, we must take matters into our own hands by striving to use plain English at work, speak directly, and keep it simple.
So, how well can you convert business jargon to plain language? Take this quiz to find out whether you can identify simple English alternatives to business slang.
What is business jargon like in your workplace? Which words or phrases get under your skin?
No matter what type of writing you do, it can be easy to miss your own mistakes in the editing process. Since you wrote the words, you often read what you intended to write (and not what is actually written). You can’t see any flaws in your writing because you’re just too close to it.
Use these five tips to edit your own work more effectively — and to improve your writing.
1. Let Your Writing Rest for a Few Hours or Days
The more distance you put between yourself and your writing, the easier it is to make improvements and find mistakes. When possible, let important writing sit for a few days. When you pick up the material again, it’s almost like proofing someone else’s work.
If you don’t have the luxury of letting your work sit for days, then a few hours will have to do. Find another activity that will help you distance yourself from the writing. You might want to take a jog, wash the dishes, or take your dog to the park. Do something that clears your mind. Ideally, you can approach the work from a fresh perspective.
2. Read Your Writing in a New Format
Seeing your writing in a different format can help you correct everything from misspellings to poor word choice. If you have access to a printer, make a paper copy that you can use to note changes.
If you don’t have a printer, you can get a fresh look at your text by changing it to a different font, color, or size. You can even convert your text to HTML for a new perspective. It’s almost like reading someone else’s work on the web.
3. Read Your Writing Out Loud
This is a helpful tip for writers of all skill levels. Brains are tricky machines that often see what they want to see. Reading silently makes it easier for your brain to correct mistakes and fill in gaps. If your brain expects to see the word “off,” then it will quietly transform similar words, such as “oft” or “of,” to match those expectations.
Reading out loud disrupts your brain’s attempt to make everything look perfect. You will likely find yourself stammering through poorly worded sentences and pausing at misspelled words. If you have difficulty reading a section, then you know you’ve found a piece of writing you could improve.
4. Read Backwards
Disrupting narrative flow can help you find mistakes you would otherwise miss. Try reading your work backwards, starting with the last paragraph and ending with the first. This approach forces you to pay careful attention to details and makes it harder for your brain to correct mistakes. When you’re fully engaged in reading, you’re more likely to see opportunities for improvement.
5. Use Grammarly to Find and Avoid Mistakes
Grammarly is a writing app that acts as a fresh set of eyes to look over your work carefully and spot spelling and grammar mistakes. Grammarly checks more than 250 advanced rules to find mistakes such as:
double negatives
run-on sentences
comma splices
sentence fragments
double pronouns
dangling modifiers
Writers who use Grammarly can also avoid future mistakes. The proofreader acts as a grammar coach that points out common writing problems and explains how to correct them. After Grammarly proofreads your work a few times, you’ll start to see common weaknesses, so you know what skills you need to improve.
Editing your own work takes a lot of practice. When you have the right tools, though, it gets easier. What are your favorite tips for editing your own writing? Do you find that some techniques work better than others?
It’s difficult enough for a writer to stay in the zone without the gnawing irritation of hunger pangs. When you’re faced with a writing challenge that requires you to keep your bum in your chair and your fingers on the keyboard for a long stretch of time, having easy-to-grab snacks on hand can be a lifesaver, or at least a means to soothe the rumbly in your tumbly.
via GIPHY
Here are some quick, healthy, make-ahead recipes to help you stay nourished while you’re in the writing groove.
Peanut Butter Protein Balls
I’m writing all day every day, and sometimes deadlines prevent me from having a decent lunch. Protein to the rescue! I created this recipe in an attempt to mimic the (expensive) protein balls sold at my local coffee shack. A couple of these will provide the brain food you need to push through to your project’s finish line.
Ingredients
2 cups rolled oats
10 dates, pitted
1/2 cup protein powder (chocolate or vanilla)
Pinch of salt
1 cup natural (oily) peanut butter
1/2 cup agave nectar (honey will also work)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
Directions
Place the oats in a food processor (in a pinch, a blender will do) and pulse to process them until you’ve created a fine, flour-like meal. Add the dates two at a time and pulse after each addition until they’re chopped. Add the protein powder and salt and process until everything is thoroughly combined.
Now, add the wet ingredients: peanut butter, agave nectar, and vanilla extract. Process on high until the mix comes together. Add the chocolate chips and pulse a few times to mix them. (This will chop the chips up a bit. If you prefer them whole, stir them in by hand.)
Form the mixture into tablespoon-sized balls and place them on a baking sheet covered with wax or parchment paper. Cover the baking sheet with plastic wrap and place it in the freezer for about ten minutes, or until the protein balls are firm. Once set, you can place them in a plastic bag and store them in the fridge for up to a week . . . if they last that long!
Ch-ch-ch-chia Seed Pudding
Chia seeds have been widely touted as a weight loss miracle, but the jury is still out. One fact is indisputable, though—they’re loaded with nutrients. They provide a concentrated dose of healthy omega-3 fatty acids, protein, antioxidants, and plenty of fiber to help you feel full. You can sprinkle the uncooked seeds on oatmeal or other cereal or add them to savory dishes. (They have a mild, slightly nutty taste.) But my favorite way to eat them is as a pudding.
Chia seed pudding is a bit like tapioca, although the seeds do give it a unique texture and odd grayish color. But ignore the unusual color and dig in—this stuff’s good!
Ingredients
3 tablespoons chia seeds
1 cup non-dairy milk (such as almond or soy)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Honey or agave nectar to taste
Directions
Making chia seed pudding is more art than science. Feel free to experiment a bit with the seed-to-liquid ratio to get a consistency you like. Just remember that the seeds will swell considerably. Your mixture will look too thin at first, but give it time.
The ingredients above make a basic pudding, which is good on its own, but you can also add flavors or fruit to jazz it up.
Simply mix all of the ingredients together and divide it into a couple of small containers (I use little glass jars with covers from the local dollar store.) Place the containers in the refrigerator for twenty minutes or so. Give the mix a good stir to make sure the seeds are incorporated (they settle) and leave it in the fridge overnight.
When you need a writing snack, eat the pudding plain or top it with your favorite diced fruits, berries, or granola.
Fun chia seed pudding flavors to try
Lots of home chefs are experimenting with tasty chia seed pudding combinations. Here are a few to try.
Overnight Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding
Berry Chia Pudding
Chocolate Peanut Butter Breakfast Parfait
Mint Matcha Chia Pudding
Coffee Chia Pudding
Mini Crustless Quiches
I adapted several recipes to come up with this one for mini quiches. Make them up in advance, store them in the freezer, then pop a couple in the microwave for a quick meal any time you need to nom but don’t have time to cook.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 medium red-skinned potatoes
1 medium red onion
Roasted red peppers (jarred)
8 large eggs
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup milk (you can also use water)
1 1/2 cup chopped fresh spinach
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Coat a twelve-cup muffin tin with cooking spray or olive oil. Finely dice the potatoes, onion, and enough roasted red peppers to make 1/2 cup.
Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add the potatoes, onion, and roasted red peppers. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook until the potatoes are just softened (about 5 min.) Stir in the spinach and wilt for another couple of minutes. Remove the mixture from the heat and let it cool five minutes.
Whisk the eggs in a large bowl. Stir in the cheese, milk, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the cooled potato mixture. Divide among 12 muffin cups and bake until the center is set and the quiches are firm but springy to the touch, about 25 minutes. Let the quiches stand 5 minutes before removing them from the tin.
Once they’re cool, you can individually wrap each quiche in plastic wrap, then store them in a large freezer bag. They’ll keep in the fridge for three days or you can freeze them for up to a month. To serve, just unwrap and nuke one for about thirty to sixty seconds on high.
Now, you don’t have to order carry-out in order to keep yourself in the writing groove. All it takes is a little preparation to keep the hunger pangs at bay.
Maybe this is why the term “self-promotion” is regularly used interchangeably with showboating, and “self-promoters” are often considered jerks. Self-promotion is so problematic that some experts discourage it all together. Many of us, introverts and anxious types in particular, get squirmy at the possibility of being seen as a braggart.
However, it is possible to speak openly about your ideas and work in a way that benefits you personally and professionally rather than setting you back.
The Benefits of “Shameless Self-Promotion”
Shameless self-promotion is not the same as boasting.
Talented and effective self-promoters are “shameless” because their self-promotion is balanced, constructive, and beneficial to the group. They literally do not have anything to be ashamed of.
Constructive self-promotion is magnetic and energizing, helps you connect with the right people, grows your ideas through collaboration, and clears obstacles to progress. This is because healthy, shameless self-promotion focuses on ideas, growth, and passion—there is little ego involved.
In contrast, destructive self-promotion—or self-adulation—keeps your focus in the rearview mirror, on past successes and accomplishments that blind you to opportunities ahead of you. Attempts to set yourself apart are effective but in a negative way. Self-promotion focused on your accomplishments, your work, and your success isolate you from passionate supporters and collaborators along your journey.
So, how do you hone successful self-promotion without a hint of guilt?
The Essentials of Effective, Guilt-free Self-Promotion
1Actions Are the Most Authentic Form of Self-Promotion
What you do speaks far louder than what you say you’ll do or have done. Whether you are trying to get a promotion, attract partners, or inspire your team, what you do (results), how you do it (attitude), and when you do it (consistency) far outweigh what you say you have done.
Here’s a tip: Self-promotion cannot and should not ever replace hard work and consistency.
2 Constructive Self-Promotion Is About Ideas and Vision
Introverts will be glad to hear that the most effective self-promotion doesn’t actually focus on you directly. Instead, it focuses on the passion, interest, and vision that you have and are working toward. You shouldn’t focus on “selling yourself” but rather selling your values and unique perspective on the world. This is what you want others, whether it’s your boss or a prospective employer, to buy into.
3Self-Promotion Is About Your Present and Future, Not Your Past
If you’re stuck rehashing past victories, you aren’t going to be able to sell your ideas and vision of the world (or a field of expertise, or a big project) in the future. Self-promoting pros know that you should focus on what you’re working on right now and what you want to do—not what you’ve done in the past. The only exception is if some lesson from your past directly informs your current work in the present and where you want to go in the future.
Here’s a tip: The only time you should be talking about past accomplishments is to reference lessons you learned that are relevant for your current and future work or passions.
4Mastering Humility and Modesty Are Critical to Shameless Self-Promotion
No one enjoys listening to, let alone working with, a pompous blowhard. Humility and modesty are two sides of the same coin and ensure that you can contextualize your own success within the big picture—the really big one. (If your successes look pretty small from that perspective, congratulations, your humility is showing!)
Though these terms are used interchangeably, I will make a distinction. Humility reflects your internal understanding of your achievements, while modesty is how you choose to express that understanding.
It can be difficult to become humble overnight, since the internal monologue you have is influenced by your environment and culture over years. Though there are great resources here and here for improving humility.
Modesty, unlike humility, is a behavior that can be changed and cultivated more quickly. No, we’re not talking about how you choose to dress, though you may choose that as an expression of modesty. What we’re really getting at is how you choose to present yourself overall, particularly in conversation. A simple way to discuss your past experience more modestly is to change half (or more) of the I dids and I decideds to we dids and we decideds.
Here’s a tip: Before a job interview, annual review, or networking event, spend time practicing how to talk about your experience by combining concrete details with a healthy dose of modesty.
Whether you’re revamping your LinkedIn profile, getting ready for a job interview, or just trying to navigate networking mixers, learning to toot your horn without putting people off is essential to success. By letting your actions speak for you, focusing on your ideas and work in the present and your vision for the future, and balancing your pride in your successes with humility, you’ll successfully—and pleasantly—set yourself apart from the crowd.
Let’s face it—the English-speaking world would be significantly less exciting without slang. How would we have survived 2017 without subtweeting, dragging, or declaring various things “lit?”
Many English words begin their lives as slang. Dictionaries like Merriam-Webster monitor slang closely in order to understand new trends in English, eventually adopting new slang words into the dictionary. (If you’re interested in the ins and outs of this process, you can learn more here.) This year, eight slang words caught our eye. Here are the stories behind them.
2017: The Year of Shade
This year was marked by a number of new terms for showing passive aggression, both online and in person. We learned how to subtweet, throw shade, shade, read, and drag in 2017. Some masters of shade, like Demi Lovato, even managed to throw shade about shade, forming a type of meta-shade we all watched from the sidelines.
Throw shade
Of course, throwing shade was at the center of this storm of subtle insulting techniques. Fueled by the term’s extensive use on RuPaul’s Drag Race, “throwing shade” joined the mainstream lexicon for passive aggressive acts online and in person. The less popular verb form “shading” also gained some popularity, although not as much as its older, longer cousin.
For a prime example of throwing shade, look no further than this exchange between Bob Saget and Jon Stamos. (That’s right, shade has even reached the Full House set.)
And I like riding white horses into the ocean, barefoot.
A post shared by John Stamos (@johnstamos) on
Photobomb
Where would we be without the glorious portmanteau that is photobomb. Although Google Trends indicates that this term has been used as far back as 2009, we can’t forget the glorious photobombs that happened in 2017.
We can all learn a little something from @jtimberlake‘s photobomb skills. �� #Oscars pic.twitter.com/1CeBDeVAHC
— People (@people) February 27, 2017
Facepalm
Facepalm is another portmanteau that rose to prominence long ago but gained new importance in 2017. The “facepalm” emoji was released as a part of Emoji 3.0 in June 2016, then was adopted by various devices through this year.
An Avalanche of Appetizing Appellations
It seems that this was also a year of many food-based slang terms gaining their rightful place in the dictionary. From true food words to delicious representations of other phenomena, this year was rife with scrumptious semantics.
Which of these makes you the hungriest? Vote for your favorite in our 2017 slang word poll.
Froyo
Who doesn’t love a good frozen yogurt? The popularization of “froyo” as a portmanteau is relatively recent, but frozen yogurt is nothing new. Although this diet-friendly treat has been around since the 1970s, its non-frozen predecessor dates back over 5,000 years.
Weak sauce
No, this word doesn’t refer to that watery marinara you made last week. Instead, “weak sauce” is the negative counterpart to the older “awesomesauce,” and is used to declare something inferior or unimpressive. We’re not sure about the origin of either “weak sauce” or “awesomesauce,” but clearly they’re here to stay.
So 12-0 UCF wouldn’t even have made an 8-team playoff?? Weak sauce. https://t.co/SnXcGAbM30 via @ForTheWin | #CFBPlayoff #CFB #UCF pic.twitter.com/iQGlwbfvIp
— Phil Buck (@Phil_Buck) December 4, 2017
Word salad
Along with “throwing shade,” “word salad” is one of those phrases that was discussed at length over the last year. Although the term has existed in psychology circles for some time and was used to describe specific symptoms of mental illness, it has recently gained a new, looser definition. Merriam-Webster describes this new usage as something closer to “nonsense.”
Verbing, Continued
Ghost
Using a noun as a verb is not a new language trend. And yet, every year, this linguistic phenomenon produces brand new dictionary words. Last year, verbing gave us “adulting,” and this year, it has reared its head again with “ghost.” The phenomenon of “ghosting” has been known in the online dating world for at least three years, and the word seems to stem from the spooky effect of silently exiting a chat conversation. No public claims have been made to the invention of this term, but it likely sprang up organically in the post-2012 dating app boom.
Want to update your dating lingo? Try using “cushioning,” “breadcrumbing,” or “benching,” which all describe behaviors similar to ghosting.
An Overdue Addition
Listicle
At this point, most people who read things online know their listicles. These short, pithy, lists of items are popular across the Internet, and Grammarly loves to use them as well.
Creative work can be especially fun and rewarding, but after a long day of writing, designing, composing, crafting, coding, building, imagining . . . it’s good to relax and recharge.
And what better way to kick back than with a movie or show that refuels your creative energy?
We’ve entered a golden age in US television, where creators are forging into new territory and bringing diverse ideas and voices to the forefront. Novel storytelling, daring visuals, and innovative formats are breathing new life into film and TV—and providing plenty of inspiration for us fellow creatives to tap into our own creative genius.
So take a break, and dive in with these eight exceptional movies and TV shows that will entertain, engage, and spark your creativity!
1Master of None
You can try your best to not fall in love with Master of None, Aziz Ansari’s brilliantly subversive Netflix rom-com, but be warned—you will probably want to binge-watch it in one sitting. This show is heartbreakingly poignant, hilarious, and insightful, and it relentlessly pushes the envelope.
Some of the most powerful and surprising episodes turn the camera’s focus away from the lead character altogether, rocketing to the forefront the viewpoints of characters rarely seen or celebrated in pop culture.
Oh, and did we mention the editing and aesthetics are on-point? (Season 2 is basically a love letter to classic Italian films.) Explore some innovative storytelling by watching Seasons 1 and 2 on Netflix.
.@azizansari‘s #MasterOfNone is the Summer’s top TV show by #Tomatometer! https://t.co/Dq4IEroVyk pic.twitter.com/k5cNYFqEQV
— Rotten Tomatoes (@RottenTomatoes) August 30, 2017
2Sense8
Need to feed your imagination? Try soaking in the sumptuous, stunning visuals of Sense8.
This sprawling and ambitious work of art from the Wachowskis follows eight strangers around the globe as their senses become mysteriously linked, allowing them to share experiences, knowledge, and emotions—all while keeping one step ahead of the evil corporation that’s hunting them.
With rich storytelling, exotic locations, and a talented and diverse cast, it’s the perfect sci-fi adventure to get your creative wheels spinning again. Watch Seasons 1 and 2 on Netflix.
”I said hey, what’s going on?” #Sense8 pic.twitter.com/eY9l3MRSq8
— Movie Graf (@MovieGrafTR) September 5, 2017
3Crazy Ex-Girlfriend
Crazy Ex-Girlfriend is the dark rom-com musical you didn’t know you needed until it twirled into your life belting “West Covinaaa!” on full blast. Relentlessly subversive, unbelievably zany, and at times painfully relatable, this show digs deep into the neuroses of obsession. Also, it has fantastical song and dance numbers that would make Flight of the Conchords proud. Watch Seasons 1 and 2 on Netflix.
My dad sent me a picture from West Covina last night just to set me up to text him #CrazyExGirlfriend lyrics. �� @Racheldoesstuff pic.twitter.com/xBEt4UvpC6
— Lex (@thelexlutz) August 24, 2017
4Kubo and the Two Strings
This exquisite stop-motion fantasy has astounding visuals at every turn. The story is built around a hero’s journey as our protagonist searches for identity, while also dealing with heavier themes of loss, grief, and healing. Stream it on Netflix.
Watched this tonight.. For me a piece of movie perfection.. Beautiful animation, with a big heart.. #KuboandtheTwoStrings pic.twitter.com/L5YLUjgU1n
— Paul Stringfellow (@techstringy) August 19, 2017
5Insecure
Game of Thrones takes the prize for most popular HBO show this summer, but Season 2 of Insecure wins “Best in Show.” Issa Rae’s binge-worthy comedy-drama boasts razor sharp writing, a brilliant cast, and a bumping soundtrack that will have you clicking over to Spotify for more.
The show engages us with complicated (and deeply human) characters exploring love, relationships, infidelity, and the messy aftermath that ensues. But what’s truly radical is how it portrays the Black experience in down-to-earth ways seldom seen on television. Insecure reveals the power that comes from staying true to your viewpoint and experiences. Stream Seasons 1 and 2 through HBO.
Kelli’s one liners on #insecurehbo literally ALWAYS have me in tears �� pic.twitter.com/MY5wKJJOwn
— Joshua Hunt (@donthuntjosh) September 4, 2017
6BoJack Horseman
What if we told you one of the most realistic and honest explorations of mental health in the media today is an animated show starring an anthropomorphic horse?
At first glance, Bojack Horseman may register as a silly sitcom satire, but as you travel down the rabbit hole, things gradually go from wacky to profound, to reveal a deeply existential show that stays with you even when you stop watching.
Designed by genius illustrator Lisa Hanawalt, the world of BoJack is a riot of pastel colors and hilarious background details—a deceptively cheerful setting for a hauntingly sad and sometimes dark story. Seasons 1-4 are on Netflix.
I just want to cry! This scene is so beautiful but full of sorrow.#BoJackHorseman pic.twitter.com/udLi65gdTr
— D8 (@dang8600) August 27, 2017
7Moonrise Kingdom
Set on a quaint New England island, Moonrise Kingdom tells the tale of two twelve-year-old runaways and the all-star cast of adults searching to find them before an oncoming storm. It’s a poignant depiction of young love, and though possibly the most stylized of Wes Anderson’s films, it somehow turns out to be one of the most relatable and emotionally touching. The fairytale aesthetic—complete with breathtaking set pieces—perfectly complements the story itself. Stream it on Netflix.
A poetic movie by Anderson, balanced between realism and surrealism, with terrific character performance. 10/10. #MoonriseKingdom pic.twitter.com/lQCmv3cWUa
— Alessandro Capriolo (@CaprioloOrdnas) September 2, 2017
8Abstract: The Art of Design
No matter what type of creative work you engage in, this Netflix docu-series is guaranteed to nourish your inner muse. Abstract profiles a diverse set of eight world-renowned designers, including Es Devlin (stage designer for the likes of Beyonce and U2), Ralph Gilles (head of design for Fiat Chrysler), and shoe designer Tinker Hatfield (of Air Jordan fame).
The series takes an intimate look at the life and career ascent of these creatives who are masters in their field. The insights and perspectives shared on the creative process are pure gold. Watch Season 1 on Netflix.
This an incredible, must-see series for those in the creative industries which recently aired: #abstractnetflix pic.twitter.com/LqDDAbkgHu
Meeting someone in person is pretty straightforward. You smile, shake their hand, tell them your name. But what if you’re not meeting face to face? What if you’re introducing yourself via email?
Maybe you’re reaching out to create a new connection, to ask for advice, or a collaboration, or a job. How do you compete with the other 700 emails in their inbox and convince them a response to you is worthwhile? Writing an introductory email can be nerve racking when there’s so much pressure to get the wording just right.
Grammar lovers, get ready to breathe a sigh of relief! Now is a perfect time to share with you our step-by-step cheat sheet for exactly how to introduce yourself in an email and ensure the best results.
Step 1: The Subject
It won’t matter how brilliant an introduction you’ve written if your message is never opened.
Keep your subject line short (under thirty characters) so it’s legible on mobile devices. Be specific and intriguing. Never write in all caps or use a generic line such as “Hi” (this may be mistaken for spam).
To create a great subject line you can…
Mention a mutual acquaintance“Aisha Mussad suggested I contact you”
Mention what you have in common“Hello from a fellow blogger!”
Mention your company“Hello from Grammarly”
Suggest meeting up“Lunch is on me”
Show you admire their work“Loved your article in Wired”
Be clear what job you’re applying for“Job Application: Elizabeth Chen for Content Strategist position”“Referred by Shaun Williams for Copywriter position”
Step 2: The Greeting
Your goal is to create a connection with an individual, so you want your greeting to be personal.
Always use their name. Make sure it’s spelled correctly, and avoid using nicknames.
You can use “Dear” for formal situations such as applying for a job or writing to someone with more senior status.
Leading with “Hello” and “Hi” are appropriate for more casual situations, like contacting a friend of a friend or someone in a less formal industry.
Never use generic phrases like “To Whom It May Concern” or “Dear Sir or Madam.”
Step 3: The Intro
It’s time to introduce yourself! Be clear and concise about who you are, and remember to include details that will be relevant to the recipient.
For instance, the fact that you’re a crazy cat lady is not important to the hiring manager for that content strategy job you’re applying for. However, it would be relevant to a fellow cat blogger you’d like to interview for your podcast.
“My name is Tina, I’m a Senior Content Strategist at Hooli.”
“My name is Tina, and I have a popular blog called ‘Purrfection’ chronicling my life as a crazy cat lady.”
“My name is Tina, I’m a fellow Stanford alum working in content creation.”
Step 4: The Connection
Show them your motivation for reaching out. Mentioning a mutual connection is a huge plus, as people are much more receptive if you’ve been referred by someone they know and respect.
“I recently had lunch with Aisha Mussad, who shared some of your marketing ideas. I was blown away! I think your approach would be a perfect fit for my company.”
“I’ve been following your blog since March and I loved your article on grooming ornery cats. You had some wonderful insights that have been super helpful in my work at the shelter.”
“I’ve been very impressed by the work your company is doing with at-risk youth, and I’d love to be a part of furthering your mission!”
Step 5: The Ask
Let them know what you want. Be explicit, and include a clear call to action.
The greater the benefit for them, the greater chance you’ll have of getting what you want. Messages with too big an ask or that come off as needy will likely end up in the trash.
“I’d love to buy you lunch and hear more about your ideas as I think there’s potential for our companies to collaborate. Would Tuesday or Thursday work for you?”
“I would love to interview you for my podcast, ‘Taming the Tiger,’ which has over 10,000 listeners. Please let me know if you’re interested and have any questions. I have several interview slots available next week.”
“I’m applying for the Content Strategist position you listed on Indeed. I have five years of experience in content creation and think I would be a great fit for your company. My portfolio and resume are attached, please let me know if you’d like additional information.”
Step 6: The Close
End the email by thanking them and signing off with your name. Emails that end in gratitude receive the highest response rates.
Here are some great options:
“Thanks in advance”
“Thanks”
“Thank you”
“Thank you so much for your time”
What does this look like all together?
Hi Marcus, My name is Tina, and I have a popular blog called ‘Purrfection’ chronicling my life as a crazy cat lady.
I’ve been following your blog since March and I loved your article on grooming ornery cats. You had some wonderful insights that have been super helpful in my work at the shelter.
I would love to interview you for my podcast, ‘Taming the Tiger,’ which has over 10,000 listeners. Please let me know if you’re interested and have any questions. I have several interview slots available next week.
Thank you,
Tina
Final Tips
Keep your paragraphs short and your message brief, so you don’t overwhelm your reader.
Always check your spelling and grammar before sending your email to make sure it’s error free.
