One Space or Two Spaces After the Period at the End of the Sentence?

Posted in Article, good writer, helpful author tips, writing, writing tips by R. Lynn

I decided to do a little research about that pesky question of whether to use one or two spaces after the period at the end of a sentence. As a lifelong proponent of the two spaces camp, I now grudgingly yield to the 21st century and advances in typography to move to using only one space after the period.

Every major style guide–including the “bibles” of the Modern Language Association Style Manual and the Chicago Manual of Style–prescribes a single space after a period. The two-space rule began during the age of typewriters, when the spacing of letters was not proportional (as it is now) and using two spaces at the end of a sentence made documents more readable. The only computer font that is not proportional is Courier, which we do not use. (I don’t think anyone uses it anymore.)

According to an article in Slate (http://www.slate.com/articles/technology/technology/2011/01/space_invaders.html) which addressed this very issue, “because we’ve all switched to modern fonts, adding two spaces after a period no longer enhances readability, typographers say. It diminishes it.” This same point was made by every major source that I researched.

So, I am waving the white flag of surrender in my ancient, Tyrannosaurus Rex hands to say that I think the switch to one space is the better and updated rule to follow.

I feel I can adapt to change okay, however, if you find yourself having great difficulty in making this transition, I saw the following suggestion in the online version of the Chicago Manual of Style: once the document is finished, use the Find and Replace feature to eliminate all double spaces. In the “Find” box, type two spaces, and in the “Replace With” box, type one space. Hit “Replace All” and you’re done.

R. Lynn Archie

www.rlynnarchie.com

14Jul2015

Suggestions on How to Get Out of a Writing Rut

Posted in Article, helpful author tips, indie author, self publishing, writing, writing tips by R. Lynn

Has there ever been a time when you wanted to get essential thoughts down on paper but just could not get yourself moving to do so? Whether you are a writer, student, or simply someone wanting to inscribe a thank you note, it can happen. The magic question is what can be done to get out of the rut?

Helpful Suggestions

Think about what you are trying to write about in the first place. Start by focusing on the task at hand and then begin mentally de-cluttering your mind of everything else.

Put your thoughts down on something tangible like paper or a computer. If you are anything like me, as soon as a great inspiration pops into my head I have to immediately write it down. When you have a busy schedule, it’s very easy to forget things. With this method, you then have the option to go back to your notes later on. It’s a helpful way to kick-start your creative juices to get it flowing again.

Select a means to push your productivity. This can be a special room, a selective piece of furniture like a bed or chair, a special music playlist, or even something straightforward as a change of scenery like sitting in the park or going to a coffee shop. Whatever you decide to do it should be something that is refreshing, and will give you the ability to concentrate.
All it takes is the decision to get started, and as long as you stay motivated and passionate you have the foundation to work through getting out of a rut.

R. Lynn Archie

Website: www.rlynnarchie.com

20Apr2015

Just a quick Update

Posted in Article, ebooks, Free, indie author, writing by R. Lynn

Sunday was a busy day, but I made time to work on Trial of Marriage 3. Slowly but surely, I’m making progress. Since this is the final book of the series, it’s kind of sad to have the story ending because I’ve really enjoyed the characters. Nevertheless, I’m striving to make sure that all loose ends are cleared up and thoroughly explained. I really wanted to have the book ready by Mother’s Day; however, I’m afraid that’s not going to happen. But, I’ll keep you updated, and I’ll have a better feel about the release date around the middle of May.

The fact that someone other than myself enjoys reading my books means a lot, so thank you for your support. Oh before I forget, I wanted to mention that you should sign up for my website mailing list at www.rlynnarchie.com . I plan on doing spontaneous giveaways and freebie stuff for my mailing list participants.

Talk soon, and enjoy your day!

R. Lynn

16Apr2015

FREE 4/16-4/18 ~ Trial of Marriage (Interracial Romance eBook)

Posted in Article, ebooks, Free, indie author, self publishing, writing by R. Lynn

Click Here & Get Your Copy Today

Trey Moretti has it all, dream job, loving wife Angelique, and finally a baby on the way. What he does not plan on is his past sneaking up on him. Gradually things start to unravel as Trey fight to keep his family intact. But when that last big skeleton is finally out of the closet will it mean the end for Trey and Angelique?

**Warning, story contains profanity and scenes of sexual content. Intended for mature readers only.**

26Mar2015

Coming Soon ~ Love vs. Career (Second Edition) plus a Giveaway

Posted in Article, cover reveal, ebooks, indie author, promotion, raffle, self publishing, writing by R. Lynn

Love vs. Career (Second Edition)

Giveaway

(10) Kindle copies and (2) $10 Amazon Gift Certificates

CLICK HERE TO ENTER RAFFLECOPTER

Book Description:

Marissa Andrews thinks her life is on target after graduating from college summa cum laude and landing her first successful marketing job. She feels happy with her dream job, along with caramel hunk James, her older boyfriend “slash” boss. Things for her are not looking too shabby. Unfortunately, everything praiseworthy does not always stay that way. And, when James’s freshly college graduated daughter Becky steps into the picture and starts working for her dad, with her comes nothing but trouble, topped off by a nasty attitude.

The strong woman that Marissa is factors into a decision to walk away from a job that she loves because the drama isn’t worth it. It is a move that brings unexpected consequences into her life. If there is one thing that she has learned from her partnership with James, it is that work and personal relationships entwined are bad karma, and definitely should not be combined. A rule that she vows to live by from here on out. Only, the one thing she doesn’t know is that entrepreneur Roaman Stuart is about to make her acquaintance and put that promise to a test.

Love vs. Career (Second Edition)

This is the re-edited copy of Love vs. Career (Second Edition). It will be released Friday, April 3, 2015. If this title looks familiar to you, then you are correct because the first edition was released July 2013. I chose to re-edit and do a second edition because I kept feeling the novel wasn’t quite right. I cringe at how much work it was redoing it; however, I went through it page by page analyzing and adding more “creative love” into the writing. In the new version, I also made some minor changes in the storyline that I feel make it a stronger and sensual read. I wasn’t able to do it today, but I’ll have a teaser from the book for you in a day or two.

R. Lynn Archie

29Jan2015

15 Grammar Goofs

Posted in Article, indie author, self publishing, writing, writing tips by R. Lynn

In visiting Copyblogger.com, I came across the article about 15 Grammar Goofs That Make You Look Silly. It’s a list of words that seem relatively easy, but can cause confusion if used the wrong way. Unfortunately, even I am guilty of making a few of these blunders at one time or another. However, since I am all about sharing information, I’m passing it along to you, complements of Copyblogger.com.

I hope that it will be a helpful reference guide.

R. Lynn

Like this infographic? Get more content marketing tips from Copyblogger.

13Aug2014

Why Is It Like Pulling Nails To Get A Book Review?

Posted in Article, ebooks, self publishing, Uncategorized, writing by R. Lynn

Come December 2014 it will be two years since I began writing. All in all, I’ve enjoyed sharing my thoughts and stories, but one thing I’m still struggling with is getting book reviews on Amazon.

It puzzles me because my books get a decent amount of sells. In addition, even with giving away free copies I still only manage to get between five to ten reviews. Don’t get me wrong, I’m grateful for the ones that take a moment of their time to leave one. Yet, I remain amazed when I see other self-published authors such as myself getting huge numbers of reviews and it really peaks my interest in learning what their secret is in achieving such a productive response?

I do know that Goodreads is a good source and they have groups that offer read for reads or book swaps in return for an honest review; unfortunately, with my busy schedule that option just won’t work for me.

Honestly, I don’t think readers realize just how valuable their input is for authors. Their response helps a lot because it reaffirm if an authors book have gone in the right direction or not. In reading up on this topic I came across a few great tips that readers should know:

Don’t be afraid of being honest. Do, however, remember to be helpful (and not mean). Don’t just say “it sucks” but tell everyone why it sucked.
Don’t give away the ending of the book. You can allude to it very vaguely (“the ending surprised me”) but don’t say specific plot details.
You’re not being graded. Write a review as long or short as you want. It doesn’t have to be a masterpiece of art—think of it more as a conversation or what you might tell people you know about this book.
Make sure that you read the book before you review. This seems like it should be obvious but… it’s not.

I can only speak from my standpoint but if you’ve experienced the same or can shed some light on the question I would love to hear from you.

R. Lynn

27Jun2014

Beat the Heat Summer Giveaway

Posted in donation, ebooks, self publishing, writing by R. Lynn

Today, Friday June 27 through Sunday June 29, stop pass and visit Facebook giveaway threads from 76 amazing authors (25 per day). There’s a wide variety of genres and writers… something for everyone; you don’t want to miss out! All you have to do is click here!

See you there:D

R. Lynn

9May2014

Mother’s Day Reading Blitz – All Books $.99

Posted in ebooks, good writer by R. Lynn

Mother’s Day Reading Blitz Sale Starts Today!!

My book, Trial of Marriage and over 70 others by 60 female authors, will be ONLY .99 cents from May 9-May 11th for the Mother’s Day Reading Blitz! There’s all different genres for you to choose from. Please share with your reader friends!

CLICK HERE