An index, while never the glamorous part of any writing project, is essential to the readability and usability of longer non-fiction and technical works. Building one need not be a chore, but it should not be an afterthought either. Here's how to make an index useful to readers without it becoming an unduly large project:-

1. Understand the purpose of an index. An index is an alphabetical listing of key words and concepts in the text. It contains "pointers" to those words and concepts, which are usually page, section, or paragraph numbers. An index generally appears at the end of a document or book. This is distinct from a table of contents, a bibliography, or other supporting materials.

2. Begin with a completed text. If the text is not yet complete, you can still begin the process of building an index as long as the text has most of its final structure.

What Would We Do Without Grammar

No one is crazy about grammar, except me. It's a good thing because I teach grammar. It is the basis for all good writing. So between writing and teaching, I've learned to love those pesky words called hyperboles, similes, metaphors, and personification. Oh no, not those things again! Yes, those things again. They are the work horses of figurative speech.

Running a club? You may want to consider starting a club newsletter, as it’s a great way to keep members up-to-date on news and upcoming events. Many members tend to grow apart with their clubs primarily due to a lack of staying in touch. Having a newsletter ensures everyone keeps abreast.

I had a dream about dangling participles last night; probably because I had a bowl of chocolate-chip, fudge brownie, chocolate ice cream followed by a second bowl of hand picked sweet cherries, before I went to bed. Instead of sugarplums dancing in my head, there were dangling participles hovering over the bedpost. It sounds kind of kinky doesn't it?

What is a participle? It is a word ending in "ing" and sometimes "ed". It looks like a verb but acts as an adjective. A participle is used to describe other words in a sentence.

What do I call you?

by Margaret Watson

A recent report in the Telegraph told of the ultra-politically correct plans contained in a leaflet circulated to Members of the European Parliament. The aim is to ban the use of terms such as Mrs, Miss, Frau, Fraulein, Senora, Senorita and Madame, Mademoiselle. Instead females are to be addressed only by their full name.

What can I say?  This is potty, mad, insane, lunatic – just add your own words here. I was recently in a French café. I ordered two drinks. The waitress charged me for two, but only bought one. I had no idea what her name was, so called her back ‘Mademoiselle!’ What else could I have done, shouted "Oi you!"?