Archive by Author
What is a Sonnet? Posted by Gary Locke on Sep 30, 2016
For centuries, great sonnets have epitomized what we mean when we speak of beautiful language. While it is easier to say what a sonnet is than it is to explain how one works, understanding the simple intricacies of the sonnet will put you well on the path to appreciating the possibilities of English words and…
Jive Talking – The Language of Jazz Posted by Gary Locke on Sep 23, 2016
“Jazz is known all over the world as an American musical art form and that’s it. No America, no jazz.” Arthur (Art) Blakey, aka Abdullah Ibn Buhaina, American jazz drummer and bandleader. Many would argue that jazz is the most quintessential American musical form. Born out of the African American communities in the late 19th…
Homonyms: The Scourge of the English Language Posted by Gary Locke on Sep 9, 2016
In spite of technological advances, which have made the life of the modern writer so much easier, sometimes even the most sophisticated software program is of no help whatsoever. Writers can format, layout, and review their work almost instantaneously. Spell check is like having an extra pair of eyes on the page at all times…
At the Bookstore – Children’s Literature Posted by Gary Locke on Sep 2, 2016
If you are looking for a specific book, or even just something you’d like to read, it helps to know the various categories that bookstores use for shelving their products. Almost every store has three main categories of books in different locations on the sales floor – Nonfiction, Fiction, and Children’s. You will then find…
At the Bookstore – Fiction Posted by Gary Locke on Aug 26, 2016
If you are looking for a specific book, or even just something you’d like to read, it helps to know the various categories that bookstores use for shelving their products. Almost every store has three main categories of books in different locations on the sales floor – Nonfiction, Fiction, and Children’s. You will then…
At the Bookstore – Nonfiction Posted by Gary Locke on Aug 22, 2016
If you are looking for a specific book, or even just something you’d like to read, it would help to know the various categories that bookstores use for shelving their products. Walk into a typical bookstore and you will always be faced with aisles upon aisles of shelves of books. Some books will…
What is a Limerick? Posted by Gary Locke on Aug 15, 2016
How about a little light verse? We compose certain rhymes just for fun. Some that won’t be too sad, sober, or glum. We just want to demonstrate wit, With meaning that isn’t worth spit. And so now that it’s writ, I’m done! That was a limerick. It is one of the most basic examples…