Posts tagged writing

McSweeney's: Seven Bar Jokes Involving Grammar And Punctuation

English class as the new stand-up:

6. The bar was walked into by the passive voice.

AP: AP Offers World Series Style Guide

Just so we’re clear, writers…

Better to say a player hit a home run, rather than he “walloped” or “blasted” or “cracked” it. Home runs are also homers, but avoid calling them “dingers,” “jacks,” ”bombs,” ”taters” and “four-baggers.”

Not that it matters much, as the Cubs are once again out of it… as of April. (via)

Go, Brewers! (begrudgingly)

McSweeney's: I Am The Actor Appearing In Nearly Every Commercial This Year

A funny piece from writer David Henne, for the TV commercial actors in your life.

As commercial actors, we alone possess the tools necessary to reach the highest levels of theatrical discipline. Our ability to recognize sensory stimulation, for example, is quadrupled that of the standard actor. During my tenure I have acquired over 10,000 facial reactions to register the three most prominent sensations of the trade: cotton-twill comfort, bargain attainment and chicken tonight. 

NYT: Paddy Chayefsky's Notes For "Network"

It’s not often we get a peek at Hollywood screenwriting sausage being made, especially from a master craftsman. One of my all-time faves.

Howard Beale’s iconic line from Chayefsky’s brilliant screenplay.