11/19/2008: Here’s the Scoop on Good Grammar
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Margie Blumberg, DC-area author and publisher, proudly debuts The Scoop on Good Grammar (www.mbpublishing.com), a photo- and culture-packed reference e-book for readers of all ages.
The Scoop was born when, 18 years ago, Blumberg began to notice that members of the media were repeatedly making grammatical mistakes. One day, Blumberg asked herself this question: “Why are the rules so difficult to understand?” Her answer (along with the proverbial light bulb), followed by a thrilling decision, came to her in an instant: “Because grammar books are too stuffy and overwhelming! I have to write one that’s user-friendly and fun!”
As Blumberg’s states in The Scoop’s introduction: “In the beginning, you learn how to express yourself from family members. Then friends, teachers, television programs, theaters, books, and movies join in to shape what you think and how you speak and write. If you're lucky, the influences on one important aspect of communication—your grammar—have been good. But what if you haven't been so lucky? Well, that’s where this book comes in.”
She continues: “With the help of The Scoop, featuring such cultural mainstays as Neil Armstrong, the Mona Lisa, William Shakespeare, Emma Lazarus, Arthur Ashe, Leave It to Beaver, bagels, and chocolate cake, good grammar will always be just a click away.
Soon, choosing the correct pronoun (it’s between you and me, not I) and the appropriate descriptive word (it’s really sweet, not real sweet) will become second nature. Communicating will become easier (not, more easier). Your invitations will be as cordial as that statue that lifts her torch in the harbor: Please join the Ghirardellis (not, Ghirardelli's) for a party! Greeting people on the street or on the telephone will become an occasion to shine: -How are you? -I'm fine, and you (not, yourself)?
When you write, you will always point your readers in the right direction with proper punctuation marks. And at the end of each day, you'll lie (not, lay) down, relax, and take pleasure in the knowledge that your prized possession—your artful way with words—has been, in its (not, it's) own way, as beautifying to the landscape as a masterpiece by Renoir.”
Here are some more of the everyday mistakes covered in this book:
- The Lopez's are here. (page 27)
- Welcome mat: The Ghirardelli's (page 32)
- Our mother-in-laws are wonderful! (page 36)
- Here's the childrens menu. (page 48)
- Let's keep this conversation between you and I. (page 59)
- On behalf of the group and myself, I want to thank you. (page 74)
- I appreciate you calling. (page 86)
- It's a two day class. (page 107)
About the Author
A native Washingtonian, Margie Blumberg resides in Bethesda, Maryland, where, when not writing or reading, she enjoys inventing, collecting first-edition novels and plays, and playing piano and Ping-Pong.
The Scoop on Good Grammar
Publisher: MB Publishing, LLC
ISBN: 978-0-9624166-6-8
On-Sale Date: June 16, 2008
Price: $9.99
Category: trade reference
Audience: 13-adult
Publicity
Traci Bisson of Bisson Barcelona
traci@bissonbarcelona.com
603.664.5776 x401
11/10/2008: Sunny Bunnies
