On Monday, we shared a list of great sentences as decided by The American Scholar, and we thought it might be fun to share a few of our favorite sentences (gathered from the Writing Center tutors and faculty and staff in the Writing […]
widdershin(s), adj.“Moving in an anticlockwise direction, contrary to the apparent course of the sun (considered as unlucky or sinister)” “And the waves beat upon the one hand, and upon the other the dead leaves ran; and the clouds raced in the sky, and the gulls flew […]
Categories: Word of the Week
Guest Post by Professor Phoebe Zerwick In my first-year writing classes, I focus mostly on what those of us who teach writing call global issues: using evidence to support a claim, using transitions to keep focus, and organizing material for clarity and purpose. […]
Categories: Sentences, Tips and Tricks
Last week, The American Scholar published a list of the ten best sentences. Included are sentences from F. Scott Fitzgerald, James Joyce, and Toni Morrison. Its vanished trees, the trees that had made way for Gatsby’s house, had once pandered in whispers […]
Happy Friday! Here’s a look at the past week on Active Voice. – On Monday we shared a fabulous event taking place on campus– Tuesday’s tip was all about brainstorming– Wednesday we added another word to our repertoire– And Thursday we […]
Categories: Meta
Phoebe Zerwick is a Professor of Writing at Wake Forest University. She grew up in New York City and attended the University of Chicago as an undergraduate. Like so many students, she initially wanted to be a doctor, and got a Bachelor’s Degree in […]
Categories: Faculty Feature, Meta
lucubration, n.“1. The action or occupation of lucubrating; nocturnal study or meditation; study in general; an instance of this.2. quasi-concr. Usually pl. The product of nocturnal study and meditation; hence, a literary work showing signs of careful elaboration. Now somewhat derisive or playful, suggesting the notion of something pedantic […]
Categories: Word of the Week
This Tuesday’s Tips is brought to us by Dr. Eric Stottlemyer. I never like to interfere with a writer’s process if that process works or leads to a desired outcome. If Never Brainstorming works for you, then Never Brainstorm away, I say. If you’re feeling adventurous, however, […]
Categories: Tips and Tricks
Today at 7pm, Aimee Mepham will be presenting Microfiction: “Unrecognized Literature of Everyday Life” at the Charlotte and Philip Hanes Art Gallery at the Scales Fine Arts Center. Aimee is the program coordinator for the Humanities Institute and a part-time creative writing lecturer in the […]
Categories: Events
Here’s a look back at the Active Voice from the past week. – Monday we celebrated St. Patrick’s Day with a sluagh of Irish words. – On Tuesday we talked about how to avoid repetition in your writing. It was full of great […]
Categories: Meta
