Category: Creative Writing

25 June 2024

The eternal echo

Imagine Arabella Blackthorn stepping into the room, an ethereal vision of gothic beauty. At eighteen, she’s got this air about her – like a shadow gliding effortlessly through the night. Her long, black hair cascades down in silky waves, a stark contrast against her porcelain skin.

Her figure is slender, almost willowy, always adorned in an ensemble of black lace and velvet. You can picture the intricate corsetry hugging her frame, each detail meticulously crafted to enhance her grim allure. There’s a certain elegance to the way she moves, almost as if she’s floating rather than walking. The whole image is like something out of a gothic novel, full of mystery and dark charm.

24 June 2024

On being a Veteran

Lee Hopkins reflects on his service in the Royal Australian Air Force from 1981-1987, highlighting lifelong friendships, personal growth, and the mixed experiences of military life, while emphasizing the unspoken camaraderie among veterans.

17 June 2024

Don’t leave these in your car!

Cars can become dangerously hot, damaging or posing risks to items left inside. Avoid leaving pets, electronics, sunscreen, food, aerosol cans, medications, important documents, and bottled water in your car to prevent harm, spoilage, or theft.

2 May 2024

Mastering the art of emotional language

Conveying power and emotion in words isn’t just about what we say; it’s about making people feel something special. The magic of language allows us to build connections, influence decisions, and provoke thought. For communicators looking to enhance their message, whether in marketing materials, fiction, or everyday conversation, mastering the art of powerful and emotional language is key. Understanding the impact of emotional words Emotional […]

1 May 2024

What are some online resources to improve my writing in Australian English?

Here are some key online resources to improve your writing in Australian English: The key is to utilize a variety of these online tools and resources to systematically improve your Australian English writing skills. Consistent practice and feedback are essential. Further reading: [1] https://australianonlinecourses.com.au/10-easy-ways-boost-writing-skills/[2] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7vQ5nGKDg8[3] https://www.studiesinaustralia.com/Blog/study-tips/tools-to-help-improve-your-academic-english[4] https://ielts.com.au/australia/prepare/article-top-10-tools-to-improve-your-written-english[5] https://www.plainenglishfoundation.com

1 May 2024

What are the twenty worst mistakes to make when writing Australian English if you have never visited nor understand Australia?

Based on my experience having lived in both England and Australia, and having many North American business communicators as friends, the 20 worst mistakes to make when writing Australian English if you have never visited nor understand Australia are: Further reading: [1] https://wordsofworth.org/au/articles/common-australian-english-misspellings/[2] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7vQ5nGKDg8[3] https://www.eliteediting.com.au/avoiding-americanisms-when-using-australianbritish-english/[4] https://www.stylemanual.gov.au/grammar-punctuation-and-conventions/spelling[5] https://davidbrewsterwriter.com/blog/2014/1/14/color-or-colour-are-you-writing-your-english-right

30 April 2024

What are some common Australian words and phrases?

Australia is rich with unique phrases and vocabulary that can seem bewildering to those unfamiliar with its quirks. Here are some common words and phrases that are distinctly Australian: These terms reflect the informal and often humorous nature of Australian slang, which plays a significant role in everyday communication across the country. Further reading: [1] https://belsmalta.com/blogs/australian-english-words/[2] https://ielts.com.au/australia/prepare/article-australian-slang-words-phrases[3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_English_vocabulary[4] http://nomadsworld.com/aussie-slang/[5] https://preply.com/en/blog/50-popular-australian-slang-words-and-phrases/[6] https://www.vu.edu.au/sites/default/files/aussie-slang.pdf[7] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jrc8MAWVp1w[8] https://promova.com/blog/guide-to-aussie-slang[9] https://www.yha.com.au/travel-and-tours/traveller-stories/20-aussie-slang-phrases-you-need-to-know/[10] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CowGgp-A4mY[11] […]

30 April 2024

Ten rules for writing in Australian English

When writing in Australian English, it’s essential to understand and apply specific rules that distinguish it from other forms of English, such as American or British English. Here are ten good rules to follow: By adhering to these rules, you ensure that your writing is not only correct in terms of Australian English standards but also clear, engaging, and effective. Tools to help you include […]