Tag: creative

27 November 2024

Book review: ‘Understanding AuDHD’ and ‘Embracing Neurodiversity’

“Embracing Neurodiversity“ offers an overview of several neurodevelopmental conditions (autism, ADHD, dyslexia, Tourette’s, and dyscalculia), explaining their characteristics, challenges, and strengths, and advocating for neurodiversity acceptance. Then, “Understanding AuDHD“ focuses specifically on the co-occurrence of autism and ADHD (AuDHD), exploring its neurological basis, impact on daily life, and strategies for support and understanding, emphasizing the Double Empathy Problem and the need for mutual understanding in communication. […]

Book Creative Writing Psychology

10 August 2024

Daf Buffer

A work in progress Chapter 1 The restaurant buzzed with the chatter of happy couples, but my heart raced as I fumbled with the small velvet box in my pocket. Across from me, Sarah’s emerald eyes sparkled in the candlelight, and I couldn’t help but marvel at how lucky I was to be on a date with someone so beautiful. “I hope you’re enjoying the […]

Creative Writing Social media

20 July 2024

The Unexpected Mentor

I sighed as I stared at the blank document on my laptop screen. After decades as a successful business and social media author, I found myself struggling with writer’s block for the first time. My publisher was eagerly awaiting my next manuscript, but I felt like I had run out of insights to share. Desperate for inspiration, I decided to take a walk through the […]

Business writing Creative Writing

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 […]

Business writing Grammar Podcasting Social media

2 May 2024

Communicating effectively in business: The Aussie guide to getting your yakka across

Special report from Darren Hill (or ‘DH’ as he prefers to be known) Here are a couple of examples of how DH takes mere words and turns them into art: In the realm of business, ‘having a good chinwag’ isn’t just about nattering over a cuppa. It’s about getting your point across clear as day, whether you’re spruiking ideas in a boardroom or crafting a […]

Normanville Jetty, South Australia. Learn how to write like an Australian

Business writing Creative Writing Grammar

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

Top 20 tips on how to avoid making mistakes with Australian English

Business writing Creative Writing Grammar

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

Business writing Creative Writing

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] […]

Creative Writing Music Photography

30 April 2024

For my artist friends

Business writing Creative Writing Grammar

30 April 2024

What are some common Americanisms that have crept into Australian English?

Some common Americanisms that have crept into Australian English include: These Americanisms reflect the influence of American culture and language on Australian English, often through media exposure and the global dominance of American English[1][3][4]. Citations:[1] https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/let-every-new-word-bloom-20110812-1iqtx.html[2] https://www.reddit.com/r/AskAnAustralian/comments/12q8t3t/what_are_some_americanisms_younger_people_in/[3] https://www.babbel.com/en/magazine/australians-love-american-words[4] https://www.abc.net.au/education/interesting-words-and-americanisms-in-our-language/13953302[5] https://www.smh.com.au/national/australian-english-isn-t-being-taken-over-by-americanisms-but-it-is-changing-20210729-p58e2f.html[6] https://www.eliteediting.com.au/avoiding-americanisms-when-using-australianbritish-english/[7] https://www.newcastleherald.com.au/story/8274467/clear-as-math-what-counts-as-proper-australian-english/[8] https://www.thinkswap.com/au/vce/english-language/year-12/americanisms-and-their-effect-australian-english