Spelling is tricky all on it's own. When you throw in different languages and cultures it gets down right complicated.

First, consider English and American spelling. Then throw in Canadian spelling, which is some combination of the two. Same for other countries in the commonwealth.

Have you seen words spelt with an s instead of a z? You would if you were English or from South Africa. Do you see words with a u in them or without a u in them? You would see them with added u if you were English or Canadian.

Which is right? How do you know which spelling to use? Will people think you just don't know how to spell? Possibly.

But the world is a big place, if you were writing locally you would spell for your readers. But, when you are writing on the Internet, your readers come from all over the world. Which spelling should you choose?

First, talk to your publisher or editor. Find out what they use for a standard. They call those style guides. It's a good idea for publications to have one. Not just for different spelling issues. If you're more or less on your own as for style, go with what comes naturally to you. It's hard to remember to spell a different way. Likely you'll miss a few anyway. You may hear from the odd reader who thinks you don't know how to spell. But, that just gives you something to chat about in your reply to them.

Is spelling an art or a science? I think I'll leave that as thought fodder for you.

I was downstairs, getting some cereal and looking at the breakfast dishes my Mom left when my brother came to take her to the airport this morning. I was thinking how we imbue (there's a 20$ word for you) inanimate objects with feelings, thoughts and ideas. I mean, it was just a coffee cup, but it made me feel a twinge of sadness. Funny how that cup is still exactly where she left it, as if waiting for her to finish her coffee. Meanwhile, she is on the plane, flying back down to Florida, right now.

Anyway, that's how the idea started. It got me thinking that we do the same thing when we write. After all, words are just flat letters on a flat page or computer screen. Whatever life they have, whatever feelings they have, are life and feelings that we give them. Not just in fiction writing where you have to make readers care or have an interest in reading about your characters. But, in non-fiction too where you appeal to reader's curiosity, make them read on, hear what you have to say. Make them want to read about and consider your ideas.

So, writing is in fact like being Dr. Frankenstein - giving life to inanimate objects. Though the writing isn't a dead thing being brought back to life it does compare as the same words and letters have been used over and over for so many generations of writers and read by so many generations of readers. Words can be a dead thing if no one gives them that spark of life.

That spark is what lifts writing off the page.

I've just gotten an idea to use for WordCraft, the writing newsletter at BackWash. I was downstairs, getting some cereal and looking at the breakfast dishes my Mom left when my brother came to take her to the airport this morning. I was thinking how we imbue (there's a 20$ word for you) inanimate objects with feelings, thoughts and ideas. I mean, it was just a coffee cup, but it made me feel a twinge of sadness. Funny how that cup is still exactly where she left it, as if waiting for her to finish her coffee. Meanwhile, she is now on the plane, flying back down to Florida, right now.

Anyway, that's how the idea started. It got me thinking that we do the same thing when we write. After all, words are just flat letters on a flat page or computer screen. Whatever life they have, whatever feelings are life and feelings that we give them. Not just in fiction writing where you have to make readers care or have an interest in reading about your characters. But, in non-fiction too where you appeal to readers curiosity, make them read on, to hear what you have to say. Make them want to read about and consider your ideas.

So, writing is in fact like being Dr. Frankenstein - giving life to inanimate objects. Though the writing isn't a dead thing being brought back to life it does compare as the same words and letters have been used over and over for so many generations of writers. Words can be a dead thing if no one gives them that spark of life.

Anyway, there is the general idea. Now I just need to spark it up (organize it too) for WordCraft.

This morning I lost my voice. All yesterday I could feel it faltering and I knew it was just a matter of time. So, here I am voiceless and the only person home to wish myself a Merry Christmas. Don't misunderstand, I'm not feeling sad or whining. I'm busy wrapping presents and cooking dinner to take over to my sister's house this afternoon.

Anyway, what does all this have to do with writing? The voice, the very thing you most depend on for communication. Think of it, all that you can do with a voice. Words on paper can't show mood as easily and effectively as a words spoken. Of course, all communication has the possibility of being completely misunderstood. But, it's much harder to misunderstand something you see and hear live and in person.

How do you bring that to paper? What can you do to establish tone of voice, inflections on certain words and the mood of the writer/ character? Writing, "Joe was angry", is more telling than showing. You're a writer, you're creative, right? You can do better.

"Joe suddenly shoved all the papers off his desk. Watching them fall to the floor, his eyes gleamed, they looked so non-threatening down there. Nothing he couldn't stomp all over. But, those were just papers, it was the people behind the papers who really mattered. He gathered the papers. Sitting down at his desk, Joe put his head in his hands and began reading the income tax form."

Actions speak louder than words.