Actually, JP isn’t going to be on YouTube, but my new channel, which starts today, is called “Tales from Old Japan”. The idea is to release video-book readings of Japanese folktales along with video essays about Japanese history, the lessons and importance of folklore, and other stories about and from old Japan. Expect to eventually…
Category: Writing
How to Understand Research Papers
Research papers follow a regular structure that helps you find what matters for your project. Most papers have the following sections: Abstract – the summary of the study and its findings. Literature – a sketch of background information and where the study’s hypothesis fits in this literature. Methodology – a breakdown of how the study…
The Importance of Owning a Blog
If you write or consider writing a novel, you’ve likely ran against the idea of the platform. This creature acts as the steed that carries the author to success if you believe the platform-oil salespersons. Email lists stand at the saddle for this steed. Honestly, it’s a lot of bunk. I’ve found the process of…
Anime Blogging 101: Writing an Informative Essay
I love writing informative essays. I never know what goodies I will find when I set out to research for an informative essay. Informative essays involve all the gobbledygook about citations, quality of information, and copyright we’ve discussed. They also use the same writing techniques as reviews and critiques. The phrase informative essay sounds boring,…
Anime Blogging 101: Citations, Attributions, and Libel
Citations aren’t bad. I promise. Formal and semi-formal citations are important for anime blogging. Luckily, you don’t have to have every comma and period perfect for blog citations. The main purpose of citations isn’t to protect against plagiarism. They help readers find your sources. Citation design maximizes the ability of readers, and you, to find…
Anime Blogging 101: Using Adverbs and Respecting Readers
Adverbs add detail to verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs. Many grammar wonks tell us to cut adverbs unless they are necessary. I mostly agree (see what I did there?). Most –ly words are unneeded and weaken writing. Rukia said quietly. Rukia whispered. Saying something quietly is the same as whispering. Whispered is a stronger word…