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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A Lazy Day, Perfect for Writing

Writing is fun on any day, but it’s especially fun on a day when you’re just relaxing and you have nothing to do except watch old episodes of “How I Met Your Mother” on Netflix while you’re cooking some pasta and putting off doing the laundry for another week of hard work. Today I’ve been working a little on my upcoming rerelease of Seeds of the Future, a book that, as you all know, is no longer in print as of 2013. I haven’t really discussed the release much, in part because I’m not sure what the final project is

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Some New Changes in the Midst

A year and a half ago, I detailed my desire to continue writing and I really meant it. In fact, for the past year and a half, I have been working on TruTower and also acquired 1800Pocket/PC. Needless to say, those two websites have kept me busy (and unfortunately this hasn’t left me much time for writing in my blog or working on my books and poetry). You can keep up to date with these works by visiting the articles section of the website and clicking on the site of your choice. Be sure to follow both on Twitter and

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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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Top Hat Horror Story, Scary Novel, Frightening Book

New Short Stories, Maybe A Novel Coming Soon

I am nearing completion on a brand new short story tentatively titled The Top Hat. The short story is actually based on a series of nightmares I had years ago as a child, nightmares that I can still remember as clear as day. The Top Hat will begin a series of short stories based on these nightmares. I have outlines already completed for the other stories in the series, and I intend to combine them all into a novel rather than publish them individually (though I am considering the latter). Right now, I’m keeping them all under wraps until they’re

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