by Sue Horner | Nov 15, 2024 | The Red Jacket Diaries blog
After a writing webinar I sat in on this week, a follow-up survey looked for suggestions for future webinars. Don’t laugh, but I said…writing. I always want to know more about how to be a better writer, how to grab attention, how to tell better stories. In case...
by Sue Horner | Nov 7, 2024 | The Red Jacket Diaries blog
Is it that time already? Yup. All the Halloween decorations are tucked away for the season and stores have been filled with Christmas decorations for weeks. I haven’t heard a cheerful “Only X weeks to Christmas!” yet but it’s only a matter of...
by Sue Horner | Oct 21, 2024 | The Red Jacket Diaries blog
While you’re prepping for incoming cold weather by consuming pumpkin spice everything, the U.S. National Weather Service is talking about plain language, of all things. It seems people don’t necessarily pay attention to warnings about cold weather. Or maybe they don’t...
by Sue Horner | Oct 9, 2024 | The Red Jacket Diaries blog, Writing samples
You don’t have to be an official “artist” to be creative. From knitting to taking photos to painting to crafting colourful quilts, the options are endless. And whether you’re a beginner or a pro, you’re flexing your creative muscles – and likely having fun doing it....
by Sue Horner | Sep 30, 2024 | The Red Jacket Diaries blog
Sometimes the right words are just as effective as the famous picture that’s worth a thousand words. You may have heard about the wildfires that tore through Fort McMurray, Alberta, in 2016. News reports showed walls of flame and images of desperate people...
by Sue Horner | Sep 16, 2024 | The Red Jacket Diaries blog
Did you know you can spot the use of ChatGPT and other forms of artificial intelligence from the language they use? Apparently AI loves buzzwords. An investigation into scientific articles found a suspicious increase in the use of words like intricate, commendable,...
by Sue Horner | Aug 27, 2024 | The Red Jacket Diaries blog
Artificial intelligence may be fast, but its first drafts are not usually ready for prime time. Users complain an AI first draft is wordy and repetitive. It meanders and takes a long time to get to the point. And it can be filled with transitional words like...
by Sue Horner | Aug 19, 2024 | The Red Jacket Diaries blog
You’ll have noticed that I share a lot of posts about good writing! Once again, my roundup of social media posts you might have missed touches on tips for better writing, overcoming writer’s block, using gender-inclusive language and more. *** If you’re writing...
by Sue Horner | Aug 6, 2024 | The Red Jacket Diaries blog, Writing samples
Never underestimate the value of simple pleasures! Even savouring a steaming cup of freshly roasted coffee with a friend can strengthen a relationship, stimulate your brain and reduce feelings of isolation. It can also spark a moment of joy, which may be in short...
by Sue Horner | Jul 18, 2024 | The Red Jacket Diaries blog
When it comes to explaining complicated material, one helpful tool is what I call “expressive writing.” That’s using analogies – similes and metaphors – to spark an “aha” moment of understanding. (And couldn’t we all use a shortcut to understanding...
