This page contains writing and editing tips and links to resources for writers. It is not intended to be comprehensive. Since the links below cover far more than I could hope to, I will instead highlight the most common errors I see in student papers and will also focus on advice for creative writers. More content will be added to this page when time allows.

Common Errors in English: http://www.wsu.edu/~brians/errors/index.html

The Slot: http://www.theslot.com

Comma Splices: Commas cannot be used to connect two grammatically complete sentences. Here's how to know if you have written a comma splice: Pretend that the comma is a period and ask yourself if the left half, before the period, is a complete sentence. Yes? How about the right half, after the period? Also yes? In that case, a comma is not correct. Instead, use a period and make it two sentences, use a semi-colon, or use a conjunction with the comma.

Avoid Clichés: As a general rule, you should avoid using phrases that you are used to seeing in print or hearing in conversation. It is better to find an original way of saying something, or to express your point directly.

"Omit Needless Words: Vigorous writing is concise. A sentence should contain no unnecessary words, a paragraph no unnecessary sentences, for the same reason that a drawing should have no unnecessary lines and a machine no unnecessary parts. This requires not that the writer make all sentences short, or avoid all detail and treat subjects only in outline, but that every word tell" (Strunk and White, The Elements of Style, p. 23, 4th edition, 2000).