style | Purposeful Prose

It's All a Matter of Perspective

In writing, there are always options. While writing often needs to be evaluated to a standard, a style guide, a syllabus, a list of...

The Uncertainty and Instinct that Models Our Paragraphs

One of the most anxiety-inducing and thrilling discoveries we might have, when working to understand rules for creative pursuits, is that...

The Vigilant Reader and a Presentation

Not long ago, I was given a huge responsibility. Along with a friend and colleague, I was to be a part of a DEI (diversity, equity, and...

The Disturbing Amount of and Lack of Answers to a Simple Question

Readers often enter their desired source of new material with preconceived notions of what is and isn't good, what is or isn't correct,...

A Tacit History

While taking a course full of fellow editors and run by a highly experienced editor, we were informed that we are the gatekeepers of...

Meddling with Writing as Simulation

As an editor, when I see "in fact," I usually get rid of it. I'm not opposed to passive voice and I'm very lenient with a lot of...

Style Guides: The Pros and the Cons

Those who write professionally, whether they are a student or in a career that focuses on writing, usually abide by some kind of style...