Apostro-what?

Hello, my lovelies,

Today I bring you an article, by request of The Mistress herself, dealing with one particular punctuation mark - the apostrophe.

Now, many of you know what an apostrophe is and how it should be used, however, many more still use it incorrectly. This easy to follow guide should hopefully clear that up for you all and make everyone's lives easier!

First, what is an apostrophe? The obvious answer is a punctuation mark that looks like this: ' But what is it used for?

The apostrophe serves two main purposes. The first is used to indicate one or missing letters in a word and is often used to shorten one or more words into a single word. For example, does not becomes doesn't and cannot becomes can't. Are you with me so far? Good, because here is where things get just that little bit more complex.

The second use of the apostrophe is to indicate that something belongs to someone. Examples of this include Belthizor's article and the cat's whiskers.

See how the apostrophe can make a big difference? What frustrates me the most is when people fail to use the apostrophe appropriately. The simple way to avoid incorrect use is to slow down and think about what you're trying to write - is it belonging or missing? if it is neither, then don't use an apostrophe.

Now that I've cleared that up, I hope for your sakes that you follow my advice. I will not be very happy if I see things like "Theres no way out!" or "Those animals are cat's". Use an apostrophe, and make everyone happy.

Until next time, happy writing, and remember "Let's eat grandma" changes with the addition of a comma - "Let's eat, grandma". Punctuation - it saves lives!

Yours,

Lord Belthizor, Assistant Editor for Mistress Journals and Naughty Nights Press (NNP)

Stuck for words? Try this..., An insight revealed by "Belthizor"

Hello my ever-loyal underlings,

In this article, I thought I'd break away from the normal bitch session about poor grammar to reflect on something I learned today.

Perhaps the most common and frustrating problem among writers is the dreaded Writer's Block *dun dun DUUUN*.

Those two words alone are enough to strike fear in the hearts of many a writer. Fortunately, there is a solution... well not a guaranteed solution, but certainly one that can make a big difference.


So, what is this 'miracle cure' of which I speak? It's really quite frightfully easy.

The trick is Journal Writing. The answer lies within you.

Everyone is capable of writing, and we all know it, yet bringing the talent to the forefront can be a difficult process at the best of times. However, journal writing, or as my Professional Practice Teacher calls it: "diarising" can help get those creative juices flowing. The blurb to a brilliant book, which I will reference at the end of this article, states:

"Everyone can keep a journal. And everyone can learn from the journal writing experience. About personal insights, the meaning of dreams, "hangups" and stumbling blocks to success, our hidden fears and secret love affairs."


Still not convinced? Then read the following extract, from the same book:

"The writing of a journal is a simple process. It doesn't demand that we interpret a multitude of books or conform to a set of specific guidelines. It simply suggests we start at the most logical point in time - now."


The best bit about a journal? It's private, and it doesn't judge. In fact, it encourages you to write. It wants you to write. It calls for you to write. I can hear it now "Beeel-thizor!" it calls. "Come write in me! You know you want to... come to me..."

So, what are you waiting for? Get to writin'!

Your journal should be seen as an extension of you. A way for you to get down on paper (or computer) your deepest, darkest thoughts, fears, dreams, relationship issues, or even your thoughts on how much you absolutely adore that gorgeous hunk of man that is your one and only Lord Belthizor (I know you dream of me ;)).

Dream lofty dreams, and as you dream, so shall you become. Your vision is the promise of what you shall one day be; your Ideal is the prophecy of what you shall at last unveil. James Allen - "As A Man Thinketh"

Until next time,
Happy writing, and happy editing,
Lord Belthizor
Assistant Editor for Mistress Journals and Diploma of Community Services Work student.



REFERENCE:
Johnson, D (1989). Creative Guide To Journal Writing Gateway Publications, Louisville, CO


Find the original post and more insights from our Assistant Editor on Mistress Journals at http://mistressjournals.co.cc


Publishers Note: The views of the author do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. We are very aware that the majority of men, and quite a few women, in our audience dream nightly naughty dreams of "The Mistress" herself, not the lowly Lord Belthizor (even if he is a sex god)...lmao!