This page has a collection of short essays on storytelling, academic writing, sentence composition, and grammar, with the occasional drawing. You can use the category tags to find posts on specific subjects or just browse through the main library. If you want a monthly roundup of new content, you can register for updates using the signup at the bottom of the page.

All Posts

A man spikes a comma out of a compound predicate.

Spike That Comma: When to Mess with a Compound Predicate

Commas are such great fun. Using them properly, sticking them where they don’t belong, leaving them out entirely—you can bring a lot of voice to your prose when you get crafty with commas, and not just in fiction or other forms of creative writing.

Paul Carlucci

5 min read

The cover of The Land in Winter by Andrew Miller

How This Symbol Works: Blue in The Land in Winter by Andrew Miller

In The Land in Winter by Andrew Miller, blue is a rich and complicated symbol, explored in this article.

Paul Carlucci

4 min read

Two faceless scientists demonstrate the validity of the passive voice.

Part 3. In Praise of the Passive Voice: Effacing the Subject to Showcase the Object

The passive voice is frequently misunderstood, particularly in academic writing and by academic advisors, but it has its place. The final entry of this three-part post series teaches you when to use it.

Paul Carlucci

5 min read

Part 2. In Praise of the Passive Voice: Effacing the Subject to Showcase the Object

The passive voice is frequently misunderstood, particularly in academic writing and by academic advisors, but it has its place. Part 2 of a three-part post series teaches you exactly what it is.

Paul Carlucci

3 min read

Part 1. In Praise of the Passive Voice: Effacing the Subject to Showcase the Object

The passive voice is frequently misunderstood, particularly in academic writing and by academic advisors, but it has its place. Part 1 of a three-part post series teaches you exactly what it is.

Paul Carlucci

4 min read