Often, beginning writers write long, winding sentences that lose track of their meaning. Typically, this happens because novice writers have a lot to prove, and simply do too much. What budding writers forget is that writing simply for clearer meaning is important. Writing simply is an important function of writing because it shows that the writer has a direct command of language. In this way, they are able to say more with less. It is okay to write big, long sentences with lots of punctuation and conjunctions from time to time. Yet, it is an entirely other thing to write simple, direct sentences that pack a lot of meaning.
Continue reading Why Writing Simply for Clearer Meaning is ImportantMonthly Archives: October 2025
An Analysis of “The Selfish Giant” by Oscar Wilde: Magical Allegory
Magic is a wonderful element in fiction. It appears from wizards’ hands and from the Emerald City itself. There are also a great deal of regrettable actions in fiction, that lead characters to sin and vice. Yet, sometimes magic appears in tales of woe and regret. In “The Selfish Giant,” by Oscar Wilde, a magical garden takes center stage, as well as religious allegory and sorrow.
Continue reading An Analysis of “The Selfish Giant” by Oscar Wilde: Magical Allegory
Improving Syntax and Sentence Structure in Writing
Writers must stop and wonder about their craft often. If they don’t, then evolving as a writer becomes impossible. One way to guarantee an evolving writing style is exploring the fundamentals of writing. By understanding what makes grammar work and function, writers obtain a larger command of language and set better routines. In this way, understanding syntax and sentence structure in writing is important for writers, so they know the best ways to formulate words and sentences.
Continue reading Improving Syntax and Sentence Structure in Writing
The Real Identity of Alexandre Dumas’s The Man in the Iron Mask
In Alexander Dumas’s 1847 novel The Man in the Iron Mask, the three musketeers are once again united to defend honor and the crown. This time, they work together to replace the King of France with his twin brother–the titular Man in the Iron Mask. Yet, while much of this story is literary nonfiction, the kernels of truth are compelling. In fact, there was a real Man in the Iron Mask. With that said, historical mysteries are interesting because when they remain unsolved for centuries, speculation tends to overshadow factual accounts. This is definitely true in the case of the man in the iron mask, who was an unknown figure in history, likely imprisoned for political crimes against King Louis XIV.
Continue reading The Real Identity of Alexandre Dumas’s The Man in the Iron Mask
Creating Simple Sentences for Stronger Writing
As writers, we should know our craft, and, unfortunately, part of that is grammar. I say “unfortunately” because English grammar is really hard to understand sometimes. Yet, the more you know the better off you will be when it comes time to write. With that in mind, the best place to start is always at the beginning. Of course, we can skip the letters and sounds that we learn when we are children, but we need to start at a foundational point. This point is known as “the simple sentence,” which is also known as a subject and a predicate. Creating simple sentences in writing can help create stronger writing.
Continue reading Creating Simple Sentences for Stronger Writing
The Ferocious Ogres of Folklore and Myth
According to folklore, Ogres are, in fact, not like onions. That is, while they actually do have layers, they are far more terrifying than their portrayals in media. For instance, ogres come in many shapes and sizes. This includes their description in famous literature, to their awesome power in roleplaying games.
Continue reading The Ferocious Ogres of Folklore and Myth
“Rattle of Bones” by Robert E Howard: Swords, Sorcery, and Death
The horrible darkness of unknowing and terror glides through our subconscious in terrible times. It occurs when it is dark and we can’t find our way, or when a strange visage appears on the horizon. In “Rattle of Bones” by Robert E Howard, who was also the progenitor of the sword and sorcery genre. Howard’s story features weird elements and hallmarks of the sword and sorcery genre: intense action and menacing villains.
Continue reading “Rattle of Bones” by Robert E Howard: Swords, Sorcery, and Death
Spring-Heeled Jack: Folklore and the Supernatural
“Enchanted by that dark and mist-blown strawberry spring, and by the shadow of violent death that walked through it on those nights eight years ago. The shadow of Springheel Jack.” – Stephen King | Strawberry Spring
Continue reading Spring-Heeled Jack: Folklore and the Supernatural
Jack-o-Lanterns, Folklore, and the Devil
A pumpkin is just a pumpkin. A turnip is just a turnip. Carve a face into them and suddenly you have a jack-o-lantern. While these carved-out, festive fruits are something to behold, they also have a mythic history to them altogether. These stories carry a deeper connotative meaning then just spooky faces to put on your doorstep. In fact, jack-o’-lanterns may be one of the most important objects in the modern Halloween tradition.
Continue reading Jack-o-Lanterns, Folklore, and the Devil
Was Halloween Built on Sacrifice? The Truth Behind Samhain
In Ray Bradbury’s The Halloween Tree (1972), a group of boys are whisked away on a magical Halloween eve and venture through time to learn the true meaning of Halloween. They encounter many obstacles and a great deal of folklore in the process. Some of it is true and some of it not true. All of it is laced with darkness. But just how sinister is it really? While there are many allegations that the ancient tradition of Samhain is actually a sacrificial party for pagans, there seems to be no first-hand accounts of this fact. In actuality, the folkloric origins of “sacrifice” have more to do with propaganda and less to do with tradition.
Continue reading Was Halloween Built on Sacrifice? The Truth Behind Samhain
You must be logged in to post a comment.