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Apostrophes, Etc.

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25.01.2022 What happened to last week's post? Well, the story starts the week before - when I had a cold, and since then I've been hard up against the clock to meet deadlines. But Rajesh Iyer's Introduction to Business Studies is now being typeset, the 2nd page proofs for Australia's Best Nature Escapes are almost finished with and I can get stuck into my next project . . . meanwhile, what should have been last week's post is now on www.apostrophes.com.au Quasimodo and quasimodals: a tale of two misfits . . . Thanks to the good folks at Unsplash for summing up what the week before last was like: photos by Kelly Sikkema and Kevin.

25.01.2022 What happened to last weeks post? Well, the story starts the week before - when I had a cold, and since then Ive been hard up against the clock to meet deadlines. But Rajesh Iyers Introduction to Business Studies is now being typeset, the 2nd page proofs for Australias Best Nature Escapes are almost finished with and I can get stuck into my next project . . . meanwhile, what should have been last weeks post is now on www.apostrophes.com.au Quasimodo and quasimodals: a tale of two misfits . . . Thanks to the good folks at Unsplash for summing up what the week before last was like: photos by Kelly Sikkema and Kevin.

25.01.2022 It's been a while since I posted, I know . . . but I've been completely preoccupied with work - including compiling the statistical appendix to this little beauty by Andrew Rule. This is the window display from Dymock's flagship store in George Street, Sydney, this week. As for today, Cox Plate day, GO WINX! Make history . . .

24.01.2022 I'm always a fan of 'Headlines You Won't See' in the Sunday Age, and I was particularly tickled by one of yesterday's contributions . . . other than that, I'm working my through Services Marketing and Woodside's website this week. On my blog (www.apostrophes.com.au) this week, you can discover all you wanted to know about gerunds and present participles.

23.01.2022 And on this Cox Plate day, what better way to spend it than reading the second edition of Andrew Rule's biography of Winx, now including the story of that historic fourth Cox Plate win last year (and studying the superb statistical appendix put together by me)? Of course, I'm lucky to have my advance copy - but I think it will be in bookshops very, very soon . . . As for the race itself, I'm following my heart: I'll be backing my old favourite, Black Heart Bart; the 'banana', Verry Elegant, and that fairytale horse, Mystic Journey. If that trifecta comes in, I'll be very happy!

23.01.2022 Every now and again, a rush job somersaults in over the top of everything - and that happened at the end of last week with a proofreading project for Hardie Grant. All completed on time and proofs delivered back to the lovely Bernie yesterday afternoon. Did kinda play havoc with writing my weekly blog post - but that's now fixed, and you can read all about why you can't trust MS Word's grammar checker to tell you the truth about reflexive pronouns at www.apostrophes.com.au . . . Now, what was I doing last week before that proofreading landed?

22.01.2022 Trainer in action: Intermediate Proofreading for Editors Victoria last month, and this month (on 12 and 19 May), I'll be teaching Grammar and Punctuation for RMIT Short Courses . . .

20.01.2022 Im not often able to go the launches of books Ive worked on (many dont have a launch or if there is one, its often interstate), but the stars aligned last week for the launch of Catriona Rowntrees The Best of World Cruising at The Avenue bookshop in Richmond. I already told you how great I think the book is - and so is the author! (And the cheese provided by the bookshop was pretty delish too - all round a lovely evening). Back to the desk now, and at www.apostrophes.com.au this week, its all relative - relative pronouns, that is, and the difference between that and which, definitively explained by means of Melbournes tram routes . . .

20.01.2022 I've been busy at the screen-face over the last week, working through the files for Erin Rhoads's second book, Waste Not Everyday. It was lovely to see her first book in situ at my local shopping centre towards the end of last year. I've nearly finished working through updates for Explore Australia, and the next project waiting in my inbox is a corporate website review . . . holidays? What holidays? And over at my corporate website, www.apostrophes.com.au, in this week's blog I'm remembering why Black Friday should not be confused with America's post-Thanksgiving sales.

20.01.2022 This nice thing arrived in the mail to remind of what I did last year, while at the moment I'm just flat chat for the next few weeks (it's not just me - it's simply peak editing season at the moment). And some editors are squeezing in time to study for the national accreditation exam, coming up in about six weeks. If you're contemplating the exam and want to brush up your proofreading skills - or just want to brush up, full stop! well, I'll be running a workshop for Editors Victoria on 14 April. Over at www.apostrophes.com.au this week, it's commonly confused words, the Dardanelles, women's corsets and the Gun Barrel Highway. (Can't see the connection? Read my blog!)

20.01.2022 It's Easter! And whether you are going to church or watching one of the world's great foot races, the Stawell Gift, you are no doubt wondering whether you should be having fewer or less chocolates . . . so this week at www.apostrophes.com.au, it's all about mass nouns and count nouns . . . Photos by Jeff Sheldon, Kolleen Gladden and Jennifer Pallian on Unsplash

19.01.2022 When I was doing my weekly rounds, I spotted this in the Camberwell Post Office - always a thrill to see a book I've worked on out and about in public! And although I'm no rev-head, I thoroughly enjoyed John Smailes' Race across the World - the unexpected twist at the end brought me to the verge of tears. (Yes, I am hinting it would be a good present.) Over on the blog at www.apostrophes.com.au this week, I have something to make you smile rather than cry - various cute and fluffy animals demonstrate all you need to know about catenatives

19.01.2022 Ive been busy at the screen-face over the last week, working through the files for Erin Rhoadss second book, Waste Not Everyday. It was lovely to see her first book in situ at my local shopping centre towards the end of last year. Ive nearly finished working through updates for Explore Australia, and the next project waiting in my inbox is a corporate website review . . . holidays? What holidays? And over at my corporate website, www.apostrophes.com.au, in this weeks blog Im remembering why Black Friday should not be confused with Americas post-Thanksgiving sales.

19.01.2022 More proofreading this week an annual report, so a change from last week's textbook. The blog is back again this week: verbing (with a little bit of versing thown in) is this week's topic. But I have to share this wonderful link that I came across through the Secret Editors' Business FB page. I urge you to download the audio (it's only 6 minutes) and listen to to what could be my theme song? https://www.abc.net.au///the-book-show/comma-sutra/9905818

18.01.2022 Well, this week it's all about getting ready for Beyond the Page - the national editors conference to be held in Melbourne next week. The statistical appendix of Winx's racing history has been completed and sent to Allen & Unwin for the updated edition of her biography, and the decks are (uncharacteristically and temporarily) clear. Got my dress for the gala dinner organised . . . now just to work out what else I'm wearing . . . (and for anyone who hasn't booked, you still can: https://iped2019.org.au/register/) The blog this week looks at confused words: medal and meddle and pedal and peddle (and pedaller and pedlar): www.apostrophes.com.au

18.01.2022 And another tangible reminder of last year's work has arrived: Jenni Romaniuk's work on branding. Very interesting in the light of all that's been said about FB recently: she reckons you should just get your brand in front of as many eyeballs as possible, and recommends television (OK, that might not be all her message - it is six months since I edited the book, and my memory may be highly influenced by the fact that I've found FB advertising completely ineffective - except for all those people who responded to offer me bitcoin deals . . .) This week, it's just head down to the deadline (I'm hoping to emulate Kurt Fearnley rather than that poor Scottish marathon runner). Over on www.apostrophes.com this week, you can find out how I've made arguing couples and elephants agree . . .

18.01.2022 'No man is an island, entire of itself: every man . . . is a part of the main . . . any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in all mankind, and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee'. John Donne, 'Meditation XVII', Devotions upon Emergent Occasions Some world events just get to you: my blog for this week was always going to be about who and whom, but the horrific deaths in New Zealand made me pause to rethink and rewrite - which ...is why I'm now a couple of days late. But you can now find out about the grammatical use of who and whom at www.apostrophes.com.au The lovely photo is by Chris Barbalis on Unsplash.

17.01.2022 And another tangible reminder of last years work has arrived: Jenni Romaniuks work on branding. Very interesting in the light of all thats been said about FB recently: she reckons you should just get your brand in front of as many eyeballs as possible, and recommends television (OK, that might not be all her message - it is six months since I edited the book, and my memory may be highly influenced by the fact that Ive found FB advertising completely ineffective - except for all those people who responded to offer me bitcoin deals . . .) This week, its just head down to the deadline (Im hoping to emulate Kurt Fearnley rather than that poor Scottish marathon runner). Over on www.apostrophes.com this week, you can find out how Ive made arguing couples and elephants agree . . .

17.01.2022 Cup tips! (But since I got the early quaddie and a bunch of trifectas on Derby Day, I'm expecting to come to earth today ...) 2 - Mer de Glace - twice bitten by Japanese horses this year, now very respectful 10 - Finche - deservedly favourite 11 - Prince of Arran - brought my trifecta home last year, so I'm sticking with him... 18 - Surprise Baby - go the Baby! The pride of Horsham, and the pride of Australia 23 - Vow and Declare - trained by our former Barwon Heads neighbour . .. and 1 - Cross Counter - I think the weight is too much for him this year, but hey, he won it for me last year, Still tossing up between 20 Il Paradiso and 10 Twilight Payment - whichever has the better wet track form. And 16 Neufbosc - everything says this horse will be just about last, but the last time I saw Luke Nolen on a 300/1 shot at Flemington, he won - and I told myself I'd never miss him on a longshot again.

17.01.2022 And much as I've enjoyed reliving the soundtrack of my teenage years over the last week and a half (and my teenage soundtrack was most definitely on cassette, not Spotify), the rock-star biography is now back with the publisher (Allen & Unwin), while I move on (or back to) Lee Atkinson's Australia's Best Nature Escapes (now in proofs). It's just one continual stream. (Or should that be continuous? Find out for yourself on www.apostrophes.com.au this week!) Photo by Simone Acquaroli on Unsplash

17.01.2022 And thank you to the participants in RMITs Media and Communications Short Course in Grammar and Punctuation for coming (and giving me something to do) on Saturday. Part 2 next Saturday . . . until then, Ill be finishing off the proofs for Australias Best Nature Escapes and starting a new MS on motor racing (soonish - the MS is due today but hasnt yet arrived). And, of course, Ill be blogging about grammar: these week at www.apostrophes.com.au, its all about tense, aspect and trucks (you get to meet Ed and Ing(e), truck drivers!) Might even have some time to work on a special creative project I hope to launch in the next few weeks . . . stay tuned!

16.01.2022 I've been buried in a big proofreading job this week (a 500-page textbook on marketing for Oxford University Press). For anyone who has ever wondered what proofreading looks like - it looks like this: a computer screen - it helps to have a big one! - covered with windows that I'm constantly toggling between. I'll be working on the main set of proofs, with one or two more sets open for cross-checking notes (or bibliography) and glossary terms -oh, Adobe Reader, please develop a split screen function! and then I need my internet browser, the style sheet and the publisher's style guide for more checking . . . The blog has had a rest this week, but will be back next week . . .

16.01.2022 I know its been a while since Ive posted (and still no new blog posts, Im afraid)- Ive been a bit busy. Still am - working on a book by an author whose achievements Im in awe of. Can anyone guess who it is from these clues? (Ball and racquet photo by Ben Hershey, goat by Edgar Chaparro, both on Unsplash).

16.01.2022 I'm so proud to have had a tiny part in this book . . . (a closer view of the Dymock's window display).

16.01.2022 Well, last week was Cup Week, so that meant I was having a holiday from desk, even if for this year’s COVID Cup carnival I was in my lounge room, rather than at the races (didn’t prevent the festive food though!). And I am glad that my Cup tips once again included the winner for you. Now of course I‘m back at the desk, and have just finished the second edition of my newsletter (send me a message if you‘d like to join the mailing list). This week‘s blog was on how to hyphenate compound attributive adjectives: something editors make a living from. Learn their trade secret at https://www.apostrophes.com.au/?p=1905 . . .

15.01.2022 My project this week has been to create my very own e-newsletter! If you’d like to receive a copy, just message me your email address and I'll add you to the list. It’s not just all about me, I promise! Meanwhile, my blog this week introduces a new part of speech: adjectives (http://www.apostrophes.com.au/?p=1775)

14.01.2022 Cup tips! (But since I got the early quaddie and a bunch of trifectas on Derby Day, Im expecting to come to earth today ...) 2 - Mer de Glace - twice bitten by Japanese horses this year, now very respectful 10 - Finche - deservedly favourite 11 - Prince of Arran - brought my trifecta home last year, so Im sticking with him... 18 - Surprise Baby - go the Baby! The pride of Horsham, and the pride of Australia 23 - Vow and Declare - trained by our former Barwon Heads neighbour . .. and 1 - Cross Counter - I think the weight is too much for him this year, but hey, he won it for me last year, Still tossing up between 20 Il Paradiso and 10 Twilight Payment - whichever has the better wet track form. And 16 Neufbosc - everything says this horse will be just about last, but the last time I saw Luke Nolen on a 300/1 shot at Flemington, he won - and I told myself Id never miss him on a longshot again.

14.01.2022 Happy Easter from Apostrophes, Etc! Im having a bit of a break from the desk, but the blog goes on: my final post on pronouns (yes, Ive wrapped a third part of speech) is all about where manners collide with grammar and is now available at www.apostrophes.com.au (The photo is by tvirbickis and is from Canstock.)

14.01.2022 And as what has turned out to be my year of proofreading continues, it's nice to see the continuing success of those I have worked with Claire Takacs's Australian Dreamscapes, a companion volume to her Dreamscapes (which I worked on nearly two years ago). Spotted in Happy Valley Books in Smith Street, Collingwood. Snap it up if you're a green thumb, or just like photography - she takes lovely photos of interesting and beautiful gardens. (My blog this week explores pronouns and their antecedents: www.apostrophes.com.au )

14.01.2022 I'm jumping the gun a bit for celebrating International Women's Day (not until Friday, 8 March) - but I'm just really excited about this book - Catriona Rowntree's The Best of World Cruising, which I worked on last year. Not World Cruising for Women, not a book where there is a para at the end of the travel tips that starts 'Women travellers should . . .' but a book that unashamedly, unembarrassedly, takes the female experience of cruising and travelling as the perfectly norm...al viewpoint. Hooray Catriona . . . and if anyone wants to buy an early Mother's Day present, this could well be it! My feminist vibe continues on my blog this week where I'm looking at the vexed issue of the third-person singular pronoun: he, she or they (www.apostrophes.com.au) and on my actual desk and desktop this week will be more grammar as start writing a training course for the EPA . . . oh, and and IPEd Board Meeting and the first evening event for the Victorian branch of IPEd this Thursday . . . See more

14.01.2022 And as 2018 ticks down, a big thank you to all the authors, publishers and training participants Ive worked with this year . . . heres just a few . . . (fireworks background by Elias Zuniga Gonzales on Unsplash)

13.01.2022 Well, this week its all about getting ready for Beyond the Page - the national editors conference to be held in Melbourne next week. The statistical appendix of Winxs racing history has been completed and sent to Allen & Unwin for the updated edition of her biography, and the decks are (uncharacteristically and temporarily) clear. Got my dress for the gala dinner organised . . . now just to work out what else Im wearing . . . (and for anyone who hasnt booked, you still can: https://iped2019.org.au/register/) The blog this week looks at confused words: medal and meddle and pedal and peddle (and pedaller and pedlar): www.apostrophes.com.au

13.01.2022 You can hear a bit about apostrophes here (and certainly read more of my thoughts at http://www.apostrophes.com.au/?p=382) but this is mostly my thanks to Sami and Jacinta for letting me be part of their show, and to Kate Burridge, Sue Butler, Penny Modra and Tiger Webb for letting me be part of their weekly segment.

13.01.2022 I know it's been a while since I've posted (and still no new blog posts, I'm afraid)- I've been a bit busy. Still am - working on a book by an author whose achievements I'm in awe of. Can anyone guess who it is from these clues? (Ball and racquet photo by Ben Hershey, goat by Edgar Chaparro, both on Unsplash).

12.01.2022 Grumble, grumble . . . TECH ISSUES! And I’m still trying to fix them. Despite this, I managed to publish my weekly blog yesterday - if you think zeugma sounds like something you might find in a hip restaurant or is maybe some fancy app, think again: it’s a simple and effective writing technique you can use. Read all about it at https://www.apostrophes.com.au/?p=1925. (And credit to Markus Spiske on Unsplash for this week’s image)

12.01.2022 Im so proud to have had a tiny part in this book . . . (a closer view of the Dymocks window display).

12.01.2022 Where I have been this week? Consumed with board and committee meetings, and doing some work for the forthcoming IPEd conference . . . What, you haven't booked yet? Well people, get moving - you can't miss the panel I'll be moderating: Academic Editing: A discussion of current themes and issues! And then there's the gala dinner in the Myer Mural Hall (I'm just waiting for my dress to arrive in the post!). https://iped2019.org.au/ And the blog has been updated this week - since it was the first weekend of the month this week, it's commonly confused words - looking at rite of passage and right of passage (www.apostrophes.com.au)

12.01.2022 It’s the first Monday of the month, so that means I’m blogging about commonly confused words: this month, horde and hoard. Read all about them at www.apostrophes.com.au (photo by Robert Thiemann on Unsplash)

11.01.2022 Ive been buried in a big proofreading job this week (a 500-page textbook on marketing for Oxford University Press). For anyone who has ever wondered what proofreading looks like - it looks like this: a computer screen - it helps to have a big one! - covered with windows that Im constantly toggling between. Ill be working on the main set of proofs, with one or two more sets open for cross-checking notes (or bibliography) and glossary terms -oh, Adobe Reader, please develop a split screen function! and then I need my internet browser, the style sheet and the publishers style guide for more checking . . . The blog has had a rest this week, but will be back next week . . .

11.01.2022 This nice thing arrived in the mail to remind of what I did last year, while at the moment Im just flat chat for the next few weeks (its not just me - its simply peak editing season at the moment). And some editors are squeezing in time to study for the national accreditation exam, coming up in about six weeks. If youre contemplating the exam and want to brush up your proofreading skills - or just want to brush up, full stop! well, Ill be running a workshop for Editors Victoria on 14 April. Over at www.apostrophes.com.au this week, its commonly confused words, the Dardanelles, womens corsets and the Gun Barrel Highway. (Cant see the connection? Read my blog!)

11.01.2022 Its always lovely to work on a second edition (or indeed, just with an author on a second book). And while the 2019 edition of Explore Australia is flying off the shelves in bookshops - gosh, was it only back at the end of March I was checking the proofs? - the files for the 2020 edition are flowing into my inbox . . . meanwhile, over at www.apostrophes.com.au, Im blogging this week about the forgotten auxiliary verb, do - see how I manage to work trucks, weddings and Yoda into a grammatical explanation . . .

10.01.2022 Im always a fan of Headlines You Wont See in the Sunday Age, and I was particularly tickled by one of yesterdays contributions . . . other than that, Im working my through Services Marketing and Woodsides website this week. On my blog (www.apostrophes.com.au) this week, you can discover all you wanted to know about gerunds and present participles.

10.01.2022 Yes, the blog is back (I have been a bit busy with work and extra curricular committee adventures in the last few months)! Preparing to vote in tomorrow's state election, I have carefully reviewed the information that political parties have kindly provided in my letterbox - and found that the Greens don't know their reins from their reigns (they should check out my latest blog on commonly confused words at www.apostrophes.com.au to find out), while Clive Palmer gets a special mention for wanting to protect the rights of all Australians, but not right usage of apostrophes . . . he should have booked in for a Grammar Boot Camp (http://www.apostrophes.com.au/?page_id=563)!

10.01.2022 I’ve had a big week of website maintenance learning with updates to PHP, SSL and a whole bunch of other things I don’t profess to understand. You’ll notice a subtle difference when you look at the website, which you will, because it’s Cup Eve and you probably want to know my tips. They’re included in my new post on the common confusion between ‘go to whoa’ and ‘woe to go’ . . . so off you go to www.apostrophes.com.au (and this week, the photography here is my own)

09.01.2022 And much as Ive enjoyed reliving the soundtrack of my teenage years over the last week and a half (and my teenage soundtrack was most definitely on cassette, not Spotify), the rock-star biography is now back with the publisher (Allen & Unwin), while I move on (or back to) Lee Atkinsons Australias Best Nature Escapes (now in proofs). Its just one continual stream. (Or should that be continuous? Find out for yourself on www.apostrophes.com.au this week!) Photo by Simone Acquaroli on Unsplash

09.01.2022 And as what has turned out to be my year of proofreading continues, its nice to see the continuing success of those I have worked with Claire Takacss Australian Dreamscapes, a companion volume to her Dreamscapes (which I worked on nearly two years ago). Spotted in Happy Valley Books in Smith Street, Collingwood. Snap it up if youre a green thumb, or just like photography - she takes lovely photos of interesting and beautiful gardens. (My blog this week explores pronouns and their antecedents: www.apostrophes.com.au )

08.01.2022 And while there is still work to be done - a corporate website to edit, and final files for the last book of the year still coming in: Waste Not Everyday by Erin Rhoads - it's also a time to start looking back on the year that was. And 2018 was my year of rock-star biographies . . . literally! Over at www.apostrophes.com.au I'm blogging about avocado toast, pavlova, Christmas pudding, my sister's wonderful cooking - and split infinitives . . . How do I make it all come together? Click and see . . .

08.01.2022 No man is an island, entire of itself: every man . . . is a part of the main . . . any mans death diminishes me, because I am involved in all mankind, and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee. John Donne, Meditation XVII, Devotions upon Emergent Occasions Some world events just get to you: my blog for this week was always going to be about who and whom, but the horrific deaths in New Zealand made me pause to rethink and rewrite - which ...is why Im now a couple of days late. But you can now find out about the grammatical use of who and whom at www.apostrophes.com.au The lovely photo is by Chris Barbalis on Unsplash.

07.01.2022 Apostrophes, Etc. thanks all the students, authors and publishers who have provided work this year, and wishes all clients, friends and followers all the best for the new year. Regular blogs will resume on www.apostrophes.com.au in 2020, and you can also hear some of the tricky features of grammar explained at https://www.facebook.com/Susan-from-Kensington-2068587479919291/ And I'd like to acknowledge Vernon Raineil Cenzon, whose beautiful fireworks image is available from Unsplash.

07.01.2022 Have you ever wondered what ‘structural editing’ is? Have you ever wanted the opportunity to try structural editing without the stress of having to satisfy a client’s standards? I’m offering two courses a one-day introductory session, and a two-part masterclass where you can find out all you need to know and have chance to edit an entire (short) non-fiction manuscript. For details, including cost, time and how to register, please go to https://www.apostrophes.com.au/?page_id=394 (Image iStock.com/mipan)

07.01.2022 You know the year is flashing by when projects you worked on earlier in the year turn up as finished publications: the La Trobe Journal (from the State Library of Victoria) turned up in the last couple of weeks - my favourite part remains the account of the people who lived in the flat on top of the Library (read it for yourselves!) - possibly my dream abode. Still can't believe it's May - April was such a hugely busy month (two books, and two workshops - no wonder it seemed to vanish into nowhere). And now I have a rock biography to work on for a while - it's fun being taken back to my teenage years. And on the www.apostrophes.com.au blog this week, I'm getting into verbs . . . or trucks . . . or both . . .

06.01.2022 And this week Im still proofing - but this time the traditional way, on hard copy printouts with a red pen (I still have my computer on behind me, for fact checking and URL checking) . . . This week, the blog at www.apostrophes.com.au has moved on to a new part of speech: pronouns!

06.01.2022 More proofreading this week an annual report, so a change from last weeks textbook. The blog is back again this week: verbing (with a little bit of versing thown in) is this weeks topic. But I have to share this wonderful link that I came across through the Secret Editors Business FB page. I urge you to download the audio (its only 6 minutes) and listen to to what could be my theme song? https://www.abc.net.au///the-book-show/comma-sutra/9905818

06.01.2022 I'm not often able to go the launches of books I've worked on (many don't have a launch or if there is one, it's often interstate), but the stars aligned last week for the launch of Catriona Rowntree's The Best of World Cruising at The Avenue bookshop in Richmond. I already told you how great I think the book is - and so is the author! (And the cheese provided by the bookshop was pretty delish too - all round a lovely evening). Back to the desk now, and at www.apostrophes.com.au this week, it's all relative - relative pronouns, that is, and the difference between that and which, definitively explained by means of Melbourne's tram routes . . .

04.01.2022 In a different world, just ten months ago, I proofread this delightful travel book by Peter Helliar (the comedian, television and radio host) and Bridget Helliar, his wife. A worldwide pandemic meant that its publication in April was rather overwhelmed, which was a real shame. Having worked in travel publishing since the last millennium (and been a keen travel before then), I know that one of the best parts of travelling is the planning - so I encourage you to get a copy and ...start your planning. Lockdown restrictions are lifting! While half of the book does deal with overseas travel, the first half covers Australia and New Zealand. Even those of us with just a 25 km travel radius in Melbourne might find something to explore . . . And of course I have a new blog today. If you’ve ever wondered why we say ‘great green dragon‘ rather than ’green great dragon’, read my thoughts on the answer to this question at http://www.apostrophes.com.au/?p=1838 See more

04.01.2022 And thank you to the participants in RMIT's Media and Communications Short Course in Grammar and Punctuation for coming (and giving me something to do) on Saturday. Part 2 next Saturday . . . until then, I'll be finishing off the proofs for Australia's Best Nature Escapes and starting a new MS on motor racing (soonish - the MS is due today but hasn't yet arrived). And, of course, I'll be blogging about grammar: these week at www.apostrophes.com.au, it's all about tense, aspect and trucks (you get to meet Ed and Ing(e), truck drivers!) Might even have some time to work on a special creative project I hope to launch in the next few weeks . . . stay tuned!

04.01.2022 It's always lovely to work on a second edition (or indeed, just with an author on a second book). And while the 2019 edition of Explore Australia is flying off the shelves in bookshops - gosh, was it only back at the end of March I was checking the proofs? - the files for the 2020 edition are flowing into my inbox . . . meanwhile, over at www.apostrophes.com.au, I'm blogging this week about the forgotten auxiliary verb, do - see how I manage to work trucks, weddings and Yoda into a grammatical explanation . . .

04.01.2022 And as 2018 ticks down, a big thank you to all the authors, publishers and training participants I've worked with this year . . . here's just a few . . . (fireworks background by Elias Zuniga Gonzales on Unsplash)

04.01.2022 And this week I'm still proofing - but this time the traditional way, on hard copy printouts with a red pen (I still have my computer on behind me, for fact checking and URL checking) . . . This week, the blog at www.apostrophes.com.au has moved on to a new part of speech: pronouns!

04.01.2022 Im jumping the gun a bit for celebrating International Womens Day (not until Friday, 8 March) - but Im just really excited about this book - Catriona Rowntrees The Best of World Cruising, which I worked on last year. Not World Cruising for Women, not a book where there is a para at the end of the travel tips that starts Women travellers should . . . but a book that unashamedly, unembarrassedly, takes the female experience of cruising and travelling as the perfectly norm...al viewpoint. Hooray Catriona . . . and if anyone wants to buy an early Mothers Day present, this could well be it! My feminist vibe continues on my blog this week where Im looking at the vexed issue of the third-person singular pronoun: he, she or they (www.apostrophes.com.au) and on my actual desk and desktop this week will be more grammar as start writing a training course for the EPA . . . oh, and and IPEd Board Meeting and the first evening event for the Victorian branch of IPEd this Thursday . . . See more

03.01.2022 Happy Easter from Apostrophes, Etc! I'm having a bit of a break from the desk, but the blog goes on: my final post on pronouns (yes, I've wrapped a third part of speech) is all about where manners collide with grammar and is now available at www.apostrophes.com.au (The photo is by tvirbickis and is from Canstock.)

03.01.2022 For International Womens Day (again): I think its a tribute to the efforts that women (and technology) have made that young women today dont know what a wringer is (but you can see one on my website: www.apostrophes.com.au). Since the journalist who wrote this article (from The Age, 23 February - I am prepared to embarrass the Nine Newspapers!) is not on her own, I wont name her. But Ill be the one responsible for typos in the new MS by Lee Atkinson thats due to arrive on my desk this week . . .

02.01.2022 Its been a while since I posted, I know . . . but Ive been completely preoccupied with work - including compiling the statistical appendix to this little beauty by Andrew Rule. This is the window display from Dymocks flagship store in George Street, Sydney, this week. As for today, Cox Plate day, GO WINX! Make history . . .

02.01.2022 Back to editing this week after an unusually sizeable amount of proofreading so far this year. Mmm . . . do I remember how to edit? I must be able to, since evidence that I can turned up this week in the form of Sold by Nicole Jacobs (a real estate buyer's advocate and regular guest on the The Block - last year was my year of working on books by people on the television!). And my blog this week is about whether animals are human - or human enough for personal pronouns (www.apostrophes.com.au).

02.01.2022 I'm excited about this! I've created a new online short (morning or afternoon) training course to help people put together an ebook (or actual book) of their family recipes - either as an heirloom, or a handy guide for the grown-up children about to leave the family home. And of course, I have a new post on www.apostrophes.com.au this week - it's not just good, it's not just better but it's the best quick coverage of the comparison of adjectives (with a note on that 'most unique' problem modified absolutes).

01.01.2022 For International Women's Day (again): I think it's a tribute to the efforts that women (and technology) have made that young women today don't know what a wringer is (but you can see one on my website: www.apostrophes.com.au). Since the journalist who wrote this article (from The Age, 23 February - I am prepared to embarrass the Nine Newspapers!) is not on her own, I won't name her. But I'll be the one responsible for typos in the new MS by Lee Atkinson that's due to arrive on my desk this week . . .

01.01.2022 OMG! A milestone this week as I made my 50th post on the website (the difference between childish and childlike, should you be interested . . . www.apostrophes.com.au to read all about it!

01.01.2022 Its Easter! And whether you are going to church or watching one of the worlds great foot races, the Stawell Gift, you are no doubt wondering whether you should be having fewer or less chocolates . . . so this week at www.apostrophes.com.au, its all about mass nouns and count nouns . . . Photos by Jeff Sheldon, Kolleen Gladden and Jennifer Pallian on Unsplash

01.01.2022 Sometimes I get out from behind my desk and have a little excursion: this week, out to Hardie Grant in Richmond - where the lovely Julie provides excellent service even after 5 p.m. (more power to the world's publishing receptionists!) - to deliver the 1st page proofs for Australia's Best Nature Escapes (Lee's photos look fabulous - it will be a lovely book). Two new projects on the desk this week, so I'll be busy: an introductory work on business studies, and another on a ca...r race around the world . . . And on www.apostrophes.com.au this week, I've posted more about verbs: in fact, all about one of my Dad's sayings - 'coulda, woulda, shoulda'. If you like your grammar with pictures, have a look! (Oh, and I've taken up hashtags as an experiment.) #publishers_receptionists #grammar_with_pictures #hardie_grant #australias_best_nature_escapes See more