Stephanie Ross Stephanie Ross

The Myth of the Muse

Yes, sometimes inspiration strikes. But that’s short-term. Not sustainable. The good news? You don't need a magical muse. You need a method. Let’s trade the waiting game for discipline, with a few helpful tips to trick your brain into inspiring better writing habits.

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Stephanie Ross Stephanie Ross

Unmasking Halloween: A Word’s Journey

Much like a good costume, words can transform, evolve, and reveal surprising layers the more you look. Today, let’s peel back the layers of one of my autumnal favourites: Halloween.

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Stephanie Ross Stephanie Ross

Why Are Gerunds a Problem?

What exactly is a gerund? Simply put, a gerund is a verb form ending in “-ing” that functions as a noun. Instead of describing an action, it names an action, activity, or state.
Discover what makes these seemingly straightforward nouns in disguise tricky.

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Stephanie Ross Stephanie Ross

Oh, Dash It All! A Guide to Em vs. En

Understanding these subtle punctuation marks isn't just about being grammatically correct; it's about adding nuance, rhythm, and a touch of professional polish to your prose. While the em dash has gained a reputation as a telltale sign of AI—it’s not that simple!

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Stephanie Ross Stephanie Ross

What Is the Oxford Comma Controversy?

The serial comma—aka Oxford comma—controversy is clarity vs. conciseness. It’s a foolproof way to make listing things easy to understand. There’s a reason well-regarded style guides emphasize its value. Read my blog for examples.

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