New AI Webinar and Course Available

I have just added to my catalogue a new two-hour webinar and full-day course, Using AI as Your Writing Assistant. The basis of this program is my article "Using AI to Improve Writing Creativity, Productivity, and Quality," which appeared in ACS Chemical Health & Safety for the American Chemical Society.

The course focuses on these objectives:

• Using artificial intelligence in work-related writing.
• Plan with AI to enhance creativity.
• Draft with AI to increase productivity.
• Revise, edit, and proofread with AI to improve quality.
• Identify ethical implications of AI usage.

I can offer "Using AI" in multiple formats and durations and customize it to the writing of your organization. If this program is a fit for you and your team, you can contact me at Phil@PhilVassallo.com. 

Lighthouse International Film Festival at LBI

I have been staying in Beach Haven, New Jersey, for the seventeenth annual Lighthouse International Film Festival. While the weather has not been kind to visitors this year, the movies have been. You could do worse than watch a movie on a rainy day. I've done just that many times over by watching 60 films: 3 feature-length narratives, 3 feature-length documentaries, 43 short narratives, and 11 short documentaries over five days. 

The LIFF is an internationally renowned juried event that screens excellent independent movies from around the world. I will not review any of them here. Enough to say that they're worth watching. You can get a brief description of all of them here. 

But I do praise the festival itself. It is well organized, reasonably priced, and content rich. The 200-plus staff  members are gracious and accommodating, and the venues are comfortable. It doesn't hurt that the LIFF takes place on Long Beach Island, commonly referred to as LBI, a barrier island legendary for its spectacular beach the full length of its 18 miles. The restaurants, bars, and shops are plentiful, and you can take early morning beach walks even in the June drizzle. The LBI vibe is positively chill. You'll feel a cool sense of community and as much entertainment as you can handle from Wednesday to Sunday. Remember the LIFF for next year.

Twentieth Anniversary of WORDS ON THE LINE

I figured I would keep this blog alive for a year. Or two. Then five. Maybe ten. After 1,162 posts and 20 years of WORDS ON THE LINE, I'm still here. I have written most of these posts in half of the United States (Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Washington, DC, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Ohio, Iowa, Illinois, Colorado, Louisiana, Texas, Arizona, Nevada, California, and Hawaii), but I also wrote some of them in a dozen other countries too (Canada, Cuba, Iceland, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Malta, Greece, India, China, and Australia). 

WORDS ON THE LINE has focused on writing at work, school, and home. In a sense, you can see this blog as a professional autobiography, as I have written about many of my activities, ideas, interests, and goals. The topics listed on the sidebar offers numerous tips on a wide range of writing-related topics, including book reviews, diction, grammar, and style. Searching a topic in the Search This Blog bar will reveal the depth of information I've collected over these past two decades. You can also write me at Phil@PhilVassallo.com if you have questions about writing.

Nineteenth Anniversary of WORDS ON THE LINE

On January 4, 2005, 19 years and 1,110 posts ago, WORDS ON THE LINE was born. When I began adding topics, tips, and tales to this blog, I wasn't thinking of keeping it going until 2024. I was simply using it as a vehicle for staying in touch with clients and encouraging effective and efficient writing. But here I am, still connecting. Throughout the years, the blog has been cited by numerous reputable sources including Kaplan Education and universities. 

To review posts here, you have three choices:

1. Scroll down to the Topics on the right.
2. Scroll down to the chronological Blog Archive above the topics on the right.
3. Use the Search bar at the upper right.

To check some of my work as an author, click on the links below: 

• Amazon Author Page
• Dramatists Guild
• New Play Exchange 

Free Article on Writing Effectively and Efficiently

An article I wrote for the science community, “Crafting Articles: Guidance to Authors for ACS Chemical Health & Safety,” is for a limited time freely available online. 

The publisher awarded "Crafting Articles" Editor's Choice designation because of the value it offers writers hoping to publish their work in ACS Chemical Health & Safety. The article discusses the challenges of professional and techniques for managing those issues. It covers the writing process as well as best practices throughout the rewriting phase, when we revise, edit, and proofread. And it concludes with ways to continually sharpen one's writing skills.      

The tips in this article are useful for any type of business or technical writer. If you know someone who can benefit from the reading, please pass it on to them as well.

WORDS ON THE LINE: Seventeenth Anniversary

On January 4, 2005, I started WORDS ON THE LINE. Seventeen years to the day and  1,004 posts later, I still have a lot to say about the writing landscape, thanks to the writers I read, the writing I do, and, most important, the writing students I teach. My aim remains the same: to improve the quality of written messages in all professions.

You can get a helpful overview of this blog by reading the thousandth post, which links to 34 series on a wide range of writing topics. A better way of getting information is by searching your topic in the search window on the upper right.

Here's to another 17 years of WORDS ON THE LINE!

The Thousandth Post: WORDS ON THE LINE

I started WORDS ON THE LINE nearly 17years ago, on January 4, 2005, when my plan for it was to write casually about my passion for writing and to help people write better.

A thousand posts later, my passion and objective have not changed. The content in this blog will keep you learning tips for writing at work, school, and home. I will follow this post with part 10 of a 25-part series on The Resourceful Reporter. Other topical series in this blog, in chronological order, include:

• The Employment Application Process (2005, 5 parts)
• Summarizing Successfully (2006, 8 parts)
• Logical Fallacies (2006, 20 parts)
• Constructive Criticism (2007, 6 parts)
• Tips for Better Email (2007, 20 parts)
• Grammatical Guidelines (2007-2008, 7 parts)
• Breaking Writer's Block (2009, 12 parts)
• The Virtues of Reading Your Writing Aloud (2010, 5 parts)
• An ESL Guide (2010, 7 parts)
• Voice (2010, 11 parts)
• Getting Creative (2010, 7 parts)
• Staying Creative (2011, 7 parts)
• 120 Influences (2011, 14 parts)
• Why and How I Teach Writing (2011, 12 parts)
• Finding Inspiration (2012, 5 parts)
• Punctuation Pointers (2012, 4 parts) 
• Five Things I Learned from Teaching in China (2012, 5 parts)
• Style Standards (2013, 4 parts)
• The Reading-Writing Continuum (2014, 11 parts)
• Why We Get Words Wrong (2015, 10 parts)
• Writing in Plain Language (2016, 9 parts)
• Things Writers Do (2016-2017, 21 parts)
• What Writers Say (2017, 25 parts)
• Starting with What Matters (2017-2018, 20 parts)
• Tone Tips (2018, 14 parts)
• Splendid Sentences (2018-2019, 15 parts)
• Do You Know How to Argue? (2019, 3 parts)
• On Taking Notes (2019, 8 parts)
• On Writing for the Web (2020, 4 parts)
• Improving Style Through Syntax (2020, 20 parts)
• Improving Style Through Diction (2020, 20 parts)
• Using the Writing Process Effectively (2020, 4 parts)
• Surprising Sentences (2021, 18 parts)
• The Art of Writing (2021, 6 parts)

And many more standalone pieces in this blog will surprise, stimulate, and inspire you to becoming a better writer. Happy reading—and learning!

WORDS ON THE LINE: Sixteenth Anniversary

This post is the 949th and this day the 16th anniversary of WORDS ON THE LINE. Since January 4, 2005, I have posted at least once a week about practical tips, useful resources, and inspirational ideas for developing, experienced, and reluctant writer at work, school, and home.  

In this blog, you can read about books, grammar, punctuation, email tips, active and passive voice, parallel structure, famous writer viewpoints, and much more. If you don't find what you're looking for, feel free to reach me at Phil@PhilVassallo.com.    

Happy 15th Birthday, WORDS ON THE LINE!

On this day 15 years ago, I began WORDS ON THE LINE with the aim of offering resources for business and academic writers. With this post, the 894th, I remain true to that purpose by providing links to my greatest hits:

• The Books section offers 68 reviews of books that may inspire you or guide your writing.
• In Diction,  you'll get a lot of advice in 26 posts on word choice and etymology.
• Email renders copious tips throughout 25 posts on employing the most common mode of business writing today.  
• Many of your Grammar questions will be answered in this section of 54 posts. 
• Reading this 20-part series on Logical Fallacies will enable you to avoid rhetorical blunders.
• The Style section (109 posts) covers an exhaustive range of topics, including active-passive voice, parallel structure, and sentence construction.
• Theory and Writing Process comprise 169 posts abundant with advice on the greatest writing challenges and their solutions. 
• The 11 posts in Websites is a clearinghouse for a legion of excellent websites for writers.

And there is much more in this blog for developing writers in any field and discipline based on my 24 years of full-time and 21 years of part-time writing consulting to business, government, nonprofits, and academia. Here's to the next 15 years of WORDS ON THE LINE!

Twenty-third Anniversary for Philip Vassallo, Ed.D.

On August 2, 1996, I quit my secure job of 19 years at a nonprofit agency after giving a one-month notice to start my own communication consulting business. I had a mortgage to pay, college bills ahead with a daughter in high school and another in middle school, my own continuing educational bills as a doctoral candidate, two car payments, and no guaranteed income. Discounting my decision to marry and to become a father, creating my own business was the best life choice I have ever made. 

I knew that half of small businesses fail within five years, and I was humble enough to realize that the business world was not waiting for me. But the decision was not a rash one. I resolved to quit my job (I put it in writing) seven years before I actually made the bold move. My willingness to work hard was a huge factor, for sure, yet I took many small steps while I still had a job. I enrolled in a doctoral program to enhance my credentials. I researched the sorts of industries and businesses that required my skills. I offered my services, sometimes for free, to consulting businesses similar to the one I wanted to run. I spoke to people who were where I wanted to be. Most important, I had the support of my wife, a schoolteacher who knew how much this dream meant to me.

Twenty-three years later, the business is doing fine, and I am doing precisely what I want to do. The work hours are long, but I enjoy the occasion to learn that those hours bring. Clients can be demanding, which makes the reward of fulfilling their requirements even greater. The industry is constantly changing, affording me the continual opportunity for professional development. The income is not guaranteed, but I did well enough to get my daughters through colleges I would not have been able to afford had I stayed at my job. I strongly recommend taking a chance on yourself if the desire is there.

Online Learning: "Using Parallel Structure in Audit Points"

Kaplan Financial Education wants you to learn quickly. This online education leader offers nanocourses that run 10 minutes for 0.2 Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits. Nanocourses are perfect for professionals who have limited time and prefer learning in short bursts. Kaplan Professional allows one year of mobile-friendly access.

Featured Nanocourse
Using Parallel Structure in Audit Points helps you to identify the value of parallel structure in writing and to edit for clarity and conciseness.

Online Learning: "Using Active Voice in Audit Reports"

Kaplan Financial Education wants you to learn quickly. This online education leader offers nanocourses that run 10 minutes for 0.2 Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits. Nanocourses are perfect for professionals who have limited time and prefer learning in short bursts. Kaplan Professional allows one year of mobile-friendly access.

Featured Nanocourse
Using Active Voice in Audit Reports helps you to distinguish between active voice and passive voice and to use voice effectively in audit reports.

Online Learning: "Shaping an Audit Report"

Kaplan Financial Education wants you to learn quickly. This online education leader offers nanocourses that run 10 minutes for 0.2 Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits. Nanocourses are perfect for professionals who have limited time and prefer learning in short bursts. Kaplan Professional allows one year of mobile-friendly access.

Featured Nanocourse
Shaping an Audit Report helps you to create an audit report template and to structure ideas precisely.

Online Learning: "Putting an Auditor's Checklist to Work"

Kaplan Financial Education wants you to learn quickly. This online education leader offers nanocourses that run 10 minutes for 0.2 Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits. Nanocourses are perfect for professionals who have limited time and prefer learning in short bursts. Kaplan Professional allows one year of mobile-friendly access.

Featured Nanocourse
Putting an Auditor's Checklist to Work helps you to determine content for an audit report and to draft thorough workpapers.

Online Learning: "Shaping Successful Stories"

Kaplan Financial Education wants you to learn quickly. This online education leader offers nanocourses that run 10 minutes for 0.2 Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits. Nanocourses are perfect for professionals who have limited time and prefer learning in short bursts. Kaplan Professional allows one year of mobile-friendly access.

Featured Nanocourse
Shaping Successful Stories helps you relate content to the premise of your stories and edit to enhance your storytelling.

Online Learning: "Using Story to Drive Home Your Premise"

Kaplan Financial Education wants you to learn quickly. This online education leader offers nanocourses that run 10 minutes for 0.2 Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits. Nanocourses are perfect for professionals who have limited time and prefer learning in short bursts. Kaplan Professional allows one year of mobile-friendly access.

Featured Nanocourse
Using Story to Drive Home Your Premise helps you connect story to your premise and to identify storytelling techniques that engage your audience.

Online Learning: "Avoiding Persuasive Missteps"

Kaplan Financial Education wants you to learn quickly. This online education leader offers nanocourses that run 10 minutes for 0.2 Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits. Nanocourses are perfect for professionals who have limited time and prefer learning in short bursts. Kaplan Professional allows one year of mobile-friendly access.

Featured Nanocourse
Avoiding Persuasive Missteps helps you to identify numerous persuasive missteps and to employ alternatives to rhetorical fallacies.

Online Learning: "Persuading by Building Alliances"

Kaplan Financial Education wants you to learn quickly. This online education leader offers nanocourses that run 10 minutes for 0.2 Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits. Nanocourses are perfect for professionals who have limited time and prefer learning in short bursts. Kaplan Professional allows one year of mobile-friendly access.

Featured Nanocourse
Persuading by Building Alliances enables you to identify successful means of persuasion and recognize how to embrace them.

Online Learning: "Using Influence to Grow Your Network"

Kaplan Financial Education wants you to learn quickly. This online education leader offers nanocourses that run 10 minutes for 0.2 Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits. Nanocourses are perfect for professionals who have limited time and prefer learning in short bursts. Kaplan Professional allows one year of mobile-friendly access.

Featured Nanocourse
Using Influence to Grow Your Network helps you recognize different means of influence and determine how to cultivate relationships through collaboration.

Online Learning: "Making Yourself an Influencer"

Kaplan Financial Education wants you to learn quickly. This online education leader offers nanocourses that run 10 minutes for 0.2 Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits. Nanocourses are perfect for professionals who have limited time and prefer learning in short bursts. Kaplan Professional allows one year of mobile-friendly access.

Featured Nanocourse
Making Yourself an Influencer helps you to identify sources of influence in your life and to establish realistic networking strategies that will expand yours sphere of influence.