Welcome to my blog!

Remember the old adage about the cobbler whose kids had no shoes? Well, consider me the modern version: the writer who had no blog --that is -- until now!

Thanks for stopping by! I know there are many bloggers out there who want your time and attention, but I want this blog to be your favorite, so I'm going to keep things simple.

In my posts, you will find only the most interesting things that I learn in my life as a small business owner and my work as a writer and editor. That's it. Just happy little tidbits that will make you smile, useful tips to make you smarter, and maybe the answer to a dilemma or two that has been keeping you up at night.

But here's the catch: I need your help!

Each post, I will address one style/grammar/punctuation/writing etiquette question from a reader. You see, it is my personal goal to rid the world of bad writing. OK, maybe not the world, but my little corner of it. And I'm not talking about the typos and missteps that we all make, but the sloppy and lazy writing of smart people who should know better. It has gotten out of control and it needs to stop. Because the way we write speaks volumes about us.

So send me your grammar goofs, your punctuation predicaments, your style snafus and let me help you figure them out. You know, things like, "What's the semicolon for?" Or, "Do I use who's or whose? Lay or lie? Advice or advise? Who or whom?" I love this stuff, so post your questions in the comment field! You don't even have to reveal your true identity.

To start things off, I'll answer a question that many people have asked me about the "less/fewer" conundrum. (You're gonna love this!)

We would never say, "How much cookies do you want?" Or, "You poured too many milk!"

So, why do so many people confuse less and fewer? Here's an easy way to remember which one to use:

Fewer refers to number and less refers to quantity. In other words, if you can count it (men, cookies, incorrect sentences) use fewer. If you can't (milk, oxygen, beach sand) use less. (Unless you're counting grains of beach sand, then use fewer. And get a life.)

So the next time you see that sign at the grocery store that calls for, "Ten items or less!" Smile! You're smarter than a sign painter!

See how much fun that is? So send me your questions and stay tuned.

Write on,

Elizabeth