Writing tips, how to write well, good writing behavior

Becoming a Better Writer

Throughout this blog’s existence, I’ve shared everything from why reading is important to the problems with illiteracy, so today I thought I’d do something for my fellow writers out there, particularly the aspiring writers. Listed below, you’ll find some tips on how you can become a better writer. Please feel free to reach out to me on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram with your own tips! Punctuation, Grammar and Spelling Pay attention to punctuation, especially to the correct use of commas and periods. These two punctuation marks regulate the flow of your thoughts; overusing them or not using them enough can

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Valentine's Day gifts, gift basket items, ideas for lovers

Valentine’s Day Gift Idea: A Lover’s Garden gift basket

Gift baskets keep on giving If you’ve been wondering what to get your loved ones this Valentine’s Day, you can always go with the gift basket approach. Gift baskets let you give something that’s both practical and low-cost, while giving something that will last for a very long time. Below, I’ve listed some items that you can include in your Valentine’s Day gift basket. I also recommend including a copy of A Lover’s Garden in the basket as shown in the image above. Doing so will give her over 100 poems to enjoy all year long. A Lover’s Garden gift

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A Year and Two Months Later, and Yes I’m Still Writing

Yeah it’s been awhile — long while — since I’ve posted on my personal blog. Yes, I’m definitely still writing. In fact, those who follow me via my Twitter account know firsthand that I’m writing a lot. Of course, a quick peek at TruTower.com will suffice as proof aplenty. I know quite a few of you are wondering what is happening with regard to my books, poetry, and short stories. I can’t give you an exact timeframe, but rest assured I will be working on these projects again. Right now, I’m really concentrated on TruTower. It’s the beginning, a first

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Reading Books Online, Free Online Novels, Poetry and Short Stories Online

Illiteracy & Its Social & Economic Impact on the United States

Illiteracy is a very common problem in the U.S., more common than some people might think. As many as 23% of the adult American population (40-44 million) is functionally illiterate (Level 1 according to the National Adult Literacy Survey), lacking basic skills beyond a fourth-grade level. Illiteracy is widespread, a problem in every community, not limited to any race, region or socioeconomic class. Illiteracy also has a rather large impact on the economy. Adult illiteracy costs society an estimated $240 billion each year in lost industrial productivity, unrealized tax revenues, welfare, crime, poverty, and related social ills. Illiteracy also affects

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Getting Into the Spirit of Hallowe’en Early With Short Stories & Poetry

I was walking through a local store today and passed Halloween decorations that had been there since mid-August. While I personally feel like the stores are “jumping the gun” a little bit in regard to the holiday decor and treats, I can’t say that I’m complaining too much. Halloween (or “Hallowe’en” or “All Hallows Even”) has always been one of my favorite holidays. Not because of the candy; I got over that excitement as a child when I figured out I could buy my own at any time of the year by going out and getting a job. No, it’s

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U.S. Flag, United States of America, Stars and Stripes

Happy Independence Day to Readers in the United States

I just wanted to take a little time to wish my fans in the United States a happy and safe Fourth of July. Don’t forget to check out my Independence Day poem From a Soldier to His Comrade and my short story My American Revolution — both viewable in the Poetry and Short Story links, respectively, at the top of this page — to satisfy those patriotic cravings you may have. What does the Fourth of July mean to you?

New URL, New Name, More to Read…And More Coming

The new layout is now fully online. The website has been fully integrated with the blog so that all the content is now available in one place. In addition, ALL pages are now mobile compatible, so whether you’re out and about or just relaxing on the couch, you can read poems, short stories, articles, and even book previews and blog entries effortlessly. The website also boasts a much more integrated social networking experience. The URL has also changed, albeit temporarily. The new URL is josh-robert-nay.com. The previous URL will be unavailable temporarily while work on the new website progresses, but

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My First Love Poem … Tranquil

Tranquil was my very first love poem, written in 1998 and previously published in The Colors of Life collection as Jontelle’s Poem in 2004. It has since been rewritten and revamped, published in my A Lover’s Garden collection in 2010. Due to fan request, this poem will be added to the upcoming redesigned A Lover’s Garden page in June as part of the Preview section. For now, enjoy! I see myself standing there, Tranquil for the longest hour. Happy. Free. Without a care Because of her hidden power. And as I stand there, Looking out Across the weathering world, I

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Thinking and Rethinking … I Need Coffee

Some of you may have been wondering what I’ve been up to for the past month or two. Some of you haven’t. Either way, I think I’m going to write this entry. Most of my time has been spent on TruTower.com. It has been a wonderful experience writing for the tech blog, and I’m definitely looking forward to continuing. I heartily invite all of you to like the page on Facebook: www.facebook.com/trutower. Aside from TruTower, I’ve been working on a short story here, a poem there, but nothing new to report on the publication side. It’s not that I’ve stopped

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