Reading & Writing Web Finds

Will Allison's ode to his wife's editing skills.
My personal experience attests to the beauty of harmonious marital writing and editing. I have benefited from my husband's helpful editing since before we married and have enjoyed our joint efforts on copy and content for three years.

Austin Kleon's advice to writers and creatives everywhere: How to Steal Like an Artist. Encouraging and inspiring.

Robert Lane Greene's post on the flexibility of English grammar. Sometimes rules aren't always clear, but one of my favorite things about English as a language is it's adaptability.

The last typewriter factory in the world is no more!

A group of Federal employees banding together to eliminate ridiculous acronyms in Acts of Congress.

Bossypants by Tina Fey

Bossypants is exactly what a reader expects from an autobiographical book by Tina Fey. You open it hoping to laugh until you pee your pants a little. You may need a spare pair of pants.

And you're dying to know, How autobiographical is 30 Rock, really? If you're a fan of the show and re-watch episodes repeatedly on Netflix Watch Instantly like I do, then you'll quickly realize that Fey borrowed from her personal experiences for material. And by borrowed, I mean like how I borrowed change from my older sister's bank as a kid and used it to buy candy cigarettes. (Do they even make these sticks of pure sugary coolness anymore?)

Fey's writing in Bossypants is deeply personal, occasionally vulgar and constantly hilarious. Amidst the revealing childhood stories and confessions are Fey's personal views on controversial and divisive subjects like parenting, feminism, gay marriage, abortion. Her practical tone and lack of rhetoric will make these ideas palatable to even those who disagree with her. She works her normalcy-mojo on unusual experiences, too, like photo shoots and hanging out with stars. This is why we love her. Fey is a celebrity, but through self-deprecating comedy, she makes it okay for us to be imperfect.

Anyone who liked Fey on SNL, Mean Girls, or 30 Rock is likely to be as crazy about this book as I am. Readers who vaguely recall who she is will have no problem enjoying themselves. Some of the book will be more appealing to women, but male fans should not hesitate to read it. It is super short and could easily be finished in one long, glorious day on the beach, but I recommend savoring it and reading a little at a time. It will be funnier that way.