Melissa Maygrove

Vein vs Vane vs Vain Vein (n.) is one of many vessels forming the path for blood returning to the heart; tissue forming the framework of a leaf; a clearly defined stratum of ore, etc. Phlebotomists draw blood by puncturing a vein . Vane (n.) is a blade, fin, or plate on a fan, turbine, etc., that moves or is moved by water, steam or air. A weather vane indicates the direction of the wind . Vain (adj.) excessively proud of one's self; conceited; without real value or importance; worthless; futile. You're so vain, you probably think this example is about you .  (Ha! Couldn't resist. :P)

I'm back amongst the cyber-living with GPM and an announcement.  I missed a lot while I was gone, even though I lurked a bit. That's the downside to a hiatus.  : ( Wanna know what the upside is? I finished the draft of my current WIP, Come Back . Woot! :D Of course, we all know that's not really THE END. I still have a long way to go. But I'm stoked. Why? I don't want to jinx it, but... *squinches eyes shut*  I've set a tentative release date. God willing and the creek don't rise (and a million other things that could — and probably will — go wrong), I'll publish my debut HR sometime this spring. *sqweeee* ...*faints* Over the last few weeks, I've discovered what all is truly involved with self-publishing. I'm serious when I say, to any of you who've done it, I stand in awe of you — wide-eyed, mouth-gaping, hero-worshiping awe. I'll tell you more as things go along, but for now, please , wish me luck.  I'm gonna...

Before I get started, I have to comment on the drawing.  My daughter is currently taking German. She had to complete a project listing all her family members, including a few details about them (in German, of course). She drew pictures of us, too. You guessed it. This is me...complete with glasses.  As my husband said about his drawing, "I wish I was that skinny." :P So what do you think? Should this become my new Grammar Police avatar?

Eminent vs Imminent Eminent (adj.) means high in rank or repute; prominent, distinguished; conspicuous; protruding. He is one of several eminent professors at the university . Imminent (adj.) means likely to occur at any moment; impending. The baby's head was crowning; birth was imminent . Fateful vs Faithful Fateful (adj.) means having great significance or consequences; disastrous; prophetic; ominous. Although often used to describe something dismal, a fateful day or event can be positive or negative . A pile of melted metal and charred wood stood as an eerie monument to that fateful day . Faithful (adj.) means reliable, trusted, true to one's word; true to fact, an original, accurate. Sue is a faithful member of our group. He gave a faithful account .  ### That's all for today. Thanks for visiting. :) 

Here's a quick and relevant usage lesson... Empathy vs Sympathy Empathy (n.) is an intellectual identification with another person's feelings, thoughts, or attitudes because one can relate to their situation. Sympathy (n.) means having a general compassion for; feeling sorry for.  And then there's s ympathies (n.), which means support or loyalty. I wish I knew where his sympathies lie . 

I have a short, quick lesson today. ( You can stop cheering now. :P ) Reign vs Rein   A king reigns.      (sovereign rule)   A cowboy reins .      (leather straps on a bridle) Just remember a King has lots of gold, so give him the G.

*Don't worry. You didn't lose a day, or your mind either. This lesson is being posted one day early so I can host Carrie Butler's cover reveal for her debut novel, Strength, tomorrow. :) ~~~ Have you ever had to eat crow over a comment you made in a critique?  I have ... more than once. *blush* :P   Today we're going to start with one of my goofs and go from there, covering a few common usage errors. In the process of swapping chapters with a critter of mine, I commented on his use of the word myriad .  I had always heard it used with the word of following it, as in a myriad of stars in the sky, and I marked it as such . He said nothing.