Grammarly Post – Writing In the Workplace

Grammarly Post – Writing In the Workplace
           

How often to you put your writing skills to use at work?  For me, that answer is simple, constantly. Whether it’s writing an email or creating the next social media campaign, I am always writing.

As many of you know, in addition to being a USA TODAY Bestselling author, I am also the Director of Sales and Business Development for an amazing company. Prior to my corporate position, I served as a special education teacher in an intensive intervention classroom for children with special needs. Although the content has ranged drastically, I have consistently used my writing skills to create content and communicate with others.

Now, do I make mistakes while writing? Absolutely. Is my grammar perfect? No. Do I still struggle to spell the word unfortunately?  Yes! Seriously, it drives me insane, but I just cannot seem to spell that word without the dreaded little red line popping up underneath.

Everyone makes mistakes. From famous authors, to presidential speechwriters, to copyeditors, everyone, I repeat everyone, makes mistakes. I’m not even sure if that last sentence is correct. I’ve read it several times and I’m still not sure…

Anyways, I digress. Everyone makes mistakes and that’s okay. However, there is a very fine line between an, “Oops! I forgot the comma,” and five mistakes per every six words.

When I read a poorly constructed email, I often wonder, did he write this in a hurry? Is this correspondence not important to her? What would the CEO of the company think if she read this email? What would my editor say to me after reading this email?

Poor writing skills reflect negatively upon you as a professional. Again, many may ask, who cares? Well, according to recent study conducted by the folks at Grammarly, those with better writing skills are compensated at a higher rate then their peers who make more frequent mistakes.

Check out the graphic below to see exactly what I’m writing about!

 

Pretty amazing information, huh?

The results from this study resonate with me as both an author and as a professional woman working in a corporate setting. Bottom line? Writing matters and those who are better writers, receive better financial compensation for their work.

So what does this mean for you? Simple, always do your best when writing in any setting. You never know who will read your work and how it will impact their opinion of you as a professional.

Need help improving your grammar skills? Check out Grammarly and make sure you check out my Twitter feed for tweets featuring #WriteTips!

Until next time!

Kelly Anne Blount 

Fighting For Love - By LP Dover - Blog Tour

Fighting for someone’s heart is more challenging than fighting for a title.

For a time, many years ago, love had grown, love was made, and in the end … love was lost. The decision to leave had been the worst mistake Shelby Dawson could have ever made. However, at the time—ten years ago—she felt her secret needed to stay hidden, even if it broke her heart and the heart of the man she loved. Back then, he was all hers and she was all his, but now things have changed and he isn’t the same guy she knew.

He happens to be the well-known MMA Heavyweight champion and famous bad boy, Matt ‘The Destroyer’ Reynolds, who once before struggled to help his family pay the bills. Now, he has money flowing with each undefeated win and an insurmountable number of women filling his bed. Everything is perfect for the illustrious fighter, until one day it all changes. In walks the girl from his past, the same girl who promised to stick by him but left and never looked back.

Their second chance to make things right will not come easy, for when one mistake is made an unwelcome consequence soon follows. Someone out there wants to rip them apart and they won’t stop until Matt and Shelby pay the ultimate price … their love.

Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/mo87jby Barnes & Noble: http://tinyurl.com/knmux4p Smashwords: http://tinyurl.com/krcujhv

10 Favorite Quotes from Fighting For Love

1. “All I wanted was to hate you, but now that you’re right here in front of me I just hate myself because I still can’t. No matter how hard I tried, I could never get you out of my mind.”

2. I wanted him again, but then I knew I shouldn’t. I had to remember that so many other women had tasted his lips and felt his body between their legs while my heart ached. Although, it wasn’t a full day ago that I was in the arms of another man; kissing him, and vowing to myself that I was going to try and get over my past. It was a vow I knew I couldn’t keep.

3. “Okay, so I’ve made mistakes, but so have you,” he pointed out. “I’m pretty sure you didn’t stay innocent over the years, either. Right now I’d say we’re both fifty shades of fucked up. The question is … what are we going to do about it?”

4. With his hands caressing my back, his breath tickled my skin when he murmured in my ear, “You will be mine tonight, angel. Your body, your lips … all mine.” “For how long?” I whispered back, shivering from his touch. “One night? Two?” I had to know what he wanted. He nipped my earlobe with his teeth and a deep rumble sounded in his chest. “I want you always, but I’ll settle for as long as you want to give me. Whether that be one night, two, or fifty years. It’s all up to you.”

5. “Let me loose in a den of wolves, huh? Little does Ryan know I’m not a little lamb,” she thundered. “I’m also not a model. What if I suck?” “You’ve never sucked at anything, Shelby. Just don’t get too comfortable with the guys, okay? I’m sure once we leave here word will spread they got to put their hands on what’s mine without getting their heads smashed in.” “And who says I’m yours? I don’t think I gave you an answer yet,” she teased. “However, you did ask me to come here with you, so if I get excited being touched by your fellow fighters then it’s all your fault. I’m starting to think I might enjoy it.”

6. She loved to tease me; she always had, but I fucking loved it. Her torture would come soon, and I was going to make sure she begged before I gave her what she wanted.

7. Sliding the box of strawberries to my side, I grabbed one of the dark chocolate ones and rubbed it across her swollen lips. “Sweetheart, I don’t think this is torture, but I am getting ready to show you what torture is.”

8. “It just feels like every step forward we take there’s always something that tries to hold us back.” “And that’s why we’ll keep pushing,” he murmured low. “Nothing is going to hold us back because I’m not going to let it. I’ll fight for what’s mine, and you, my angel, are mine.”

9. “I want to be the only man to have the privilege of touching you like this, of making love to you. Because this right here,” he murmured, placing his other hand over my heart, “is where I want to be. It’s where I’ve always wanted to be … it’s where I belong.”

10. We only had to go down two more doors before he pressed me up against the wall and thrust his tongue in between my lips. Reaching between my legs to the waist of his jeans, I undid them and he let them fall to the floor. If only mine were gone I’d get him to take me against the wall and fuck me hard. I didn’t want it gentle tonight, I wanted it hard and fast.

 

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USA TODAY Bestselling author, L.P. Dover, is the author of the Forever Fae series, as well as the Second Chances standalone series, and her NA romantic suspense standalone called Love, Lies, and Deception. She lives in the beautiful state of North Carolina with her husband, her two wild girls, and her rambunctious kitten Katrina.

Before she began her career in the literary world, L.P. Dover spent her years going to college and then graduated to cleaning teeth, which she loved doing. At least until the characters in her head called her away. She has never been the same since.

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First Glance - L.L. Hunter

Title: First Glance

Series: The Adelaide Paige Saga

Genre: NA contemporary/ romantic suspense/ crime

Warning: Contains violence and sex scenes. Not suitable for readers under 18.

Formats: eBook and Paperback

Release Date: Available Now!

Buy links:

Amazon: http://amzn.com/B00I2ZF5KU

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00I2ZF5KU

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/402368

Blurb

What if you had the ability to see into the future? What if you knew how someone might die?

Would you do something about it?

This is Adelaide Paige’s dilemma.

She wakes up one day with the ability to see into the future, but she has no desire to be a savior. All Adelaide wants is to graduate college and to become a Forensic Scientist… maybe even date a little. She just wants an ordinary life.

But her world is turned upside down when two dead girls turn up at the local morgue where she works. Adelaide soon discovers that these cases are not your everyday cases, but there is a serial killer out there.

Someone who is murdering young women just like her.

She has a decision to make.

Choose to reveal her secret and risk losing those closest to her? Or remain in the background and let the police handle it?

Will Adelaide make the choice in time to save those she loves… or even herself… from a similar fate?

A thrilling NA contemporary novel from the author of The Garden of Eden, The Legend of the Archangel Series, and Treacherous.

Add to your Goodreads shelf: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18405105-first-glance

Excerpt

Getting a call to come into work at three in the morning is not a new thing for me. I often expect it.

But I didn’t expect this.

“This better be important, Jim, if I’m giving up my warm bed for this.”

“It is Addy. I can assure you.”

“Ugh! Why are you so perky this time of morning!”

“I’m a vampire. I sleep during the day.” I shoot ice missiles at my unnaturally perky assistant as he strolls over the fridge to retrieve the reason I was called down here. In less than a minute he has the body bag on a gurney and wheeled in front of me and sliding onto the metal slab.

“It still gives me the heebie jeebies just thinking about it.”

I glance at him in confusion and anticipation and start to unzip the bag.

The face that greets me is not what I was expecting. I jump back with a shriek. Normally I am fine around dead bodies, being a morgue technician and studying forensic science, but nothing I have seen previously prepares me for this.

Lying on the slab in front of me pale and cold is a face more familiar to me than anyone else’s. It’s my face.

Author Bio

L.L. Hunter is the author of over 20 published works, including The Legend of the Archangel Series and The Garden of Eden. She has studied everything from veterinary nursing, forensic science, and dramatic arts, but has always known her true calling was to be an author. 

She has been writing since her teens - everything from fan fiction, to song lyrics, to plays and musicals. When not working on her next paranormal romance, she can be found at home in Australia, reading somewhere comfortable with one or both of her “fur babies.” Follow her on Facebook, Twitter @llhunterbooks, and her blog - http://llhunter.blogspot.com.au.

Stalk links:

Facebook:

Author page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/LL-Hunter/110104129132865

Series Page: https://www.facebook.com/Legendofthearchangel

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LLHunterbooks

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/L.L.-Hunter/e/B00B2B701I/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1379386637&sr=8-1

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6559537.L_L_Hunter

Blog: http://llhunter.blogspot.com.au

Website: http://llhunter.moonfruit.com

Authorgraph: http://www.authorgraph.com/authors/LLHunterbooks

Giveaway Time!

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Cover Reveal - Finding Evan - By Lisa Swallow

Coming January 2014...

SYNOPSIS

* Book #2 in the Butterfly Days Series *

She killed a part of me – the part which trusts when someone tells you they love you, and allows you to trust that person with your heart.

Ness and Evan return to Leeds from Europe, and begin their new life together. But the past Evan has buried for years resurfaces and threatens their future.

After fifteen years, Evan doesn’t want any contact with the woman who abandoned him, but is unwillingly pulled into his mother’s life by Lucy.

Feeling pushed aside by Ness’s focus on her studies and new friends, Evan can’t confide in Ness about what’s happening. This return to his old behaviour adds more distance to their relationship. When Ness’s new friend Ollie picks up the pieces because Evan is away, Evan’s insecurities threaten their relationship further.

Ness becomes aware of Evan’s situation, and she questions whether he will ever be able to break his ties to those dragging him down. If he can’t put himself first, and live the life he wants, she is unable to see how their relationship could work. In return, Evan struggles with Ness’s inability to get close to people, and her distance pushes him further away.

The decision about the future of the relationship is taken out of their hands - by something which could end things between Ness and Evan forever.

* Book #1 in the Butterfly Days Series *

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lisa was born in the UK and she moved around Europe with her military family before completing a BA (Hons) in English at the University of Leeds. Her home is now in Perth, Australia with her husband and three children. Lisa has written since she was a child - moving from writing poems and short stories aged nine to writing novels in the last few years. With the encouragement of her family and local writers group, Lisa found the confidence to share her latest paranormal romance series with the world.

In between running her home based craft supplies business, looking after her family, and writing, Lisa sometimes finds spare time to do other things. This often involves swapping her book worlds for gaming worlds. She even leaves the house occasionally, enjoying walks with her dog and time with her family. She loves all things from the Whedonverse and preferred vampires before they sparkled.

Lisa enjoys reading both classics and modern fiction. Her favorite genres are gothic, paranormal and urban fantasy, but she also enjoys contemporary new adult. She is currently working on more books in the Soul Ties series, and has other projects lined up waiting.

CONNECT WITH LISA

* Facebook * Twitter * Goodreads * Website *


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Cover Reveal - The Ghost Files Two - By Apryl Baker

Coming January 2014...

 

SYNOPSIS

* Book #2 in The Ghost Files Series *

At seventeen years old, Mattie Hathaway has survived her mother attempting to kill her, multiple foster homes, and a serial killer. Oh, and she sees ghosts on a regular basis too. You’d think Fate would give her a break right? Umm…nope, not Mattie. 

Dan Richards is the only person in the entire world Mattie trusts, but then the boy goes and breaks her heart. Mattie does what she does best, she runs and lands herself slap in the middle of a haunted house full of ghosts turned vengeful that want Mattie to join their ranks. 
 
Only bright spot in all this?  Eli Malone – the gorgeous boy with the beautiful aqua eyes that makes her feel things she’s never even imagined before.  She’s not sure what to do with him, especially when Dan shows up glowering at him. 
 
She’ll figure Eli out if she can survive the house. The ghosts are bound and determined to kill her so she’ll be one of them. Now if she can just figure out how to survive them and the demon stalking her, she might be able to decide what to do about her feelings for Dan and Eli. 

That is if she can survive the night in the house.

Get Book #1 in The Ghost Files Series Here:

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

So who am I? Well, I'm the crazy girl with an imagination that never shuts up. I LOVE scary movies. My friends laugh at me when I scare myself watching them and tell me to stop watching them, but who doesn't love to get scared? I grew up in a small town nestled in the southern mountains of West Virginia where I spent days roaming around in the woods, climbing trees, and causing general mayhem. Nights I would stay up reading Nancy Drew by flashlight under the covers until my parents yelled at me to go to sleep.

Growing up in a small town, I learned a lot of values and morals, I also learned parents have spies everywhere and there's always someone to tell your mama you were seen kissing a particular boy on a particular day just a little too long. So when you get grounded, what is there left to do? Read! My Aunt Jo gave me my first real romance novel. It was a romance titled "Lord Margrave's Deception." I remember it fondly. But I also learned I had a deep and abiding love of mysteries and anything paranormal. As I grew up, I started to write just that and would entertain my friends with stories featuring them as main characters.

Now, I live Huntersville, NC where I entertain my niece and nephew and watch the cats get teased by the birds and laugh myself silly when they swoop down and then dive back up just out of reach. The cats start yelling something fierce...lol.

I love books, I love writing books, and I love entertaining people with my silly stories. 

CONNECT WITH APRYL

* Facebook * Twitter * Goodreads * Website * Amazon *

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