Bon Journal

The joys and pains of writing

I've compiled the first issue of Le Bon Journal for 2003 on writing. To be released today.

The two page PDF file contains a compilation of what I've written about my own thoughts and experience on this subject. And I'm dedicating it to my friend Joan who has just embarked on a writing career. And my friend Leslie who is in the middle of it.

Before I forget, I must mention that my Diary of Anne Ku entry on "Neighbours" was selected by Chancerel International Publishers and published in their New Millennium English work book for the Russian market. So I did get something positive out of those neighbours from hell!

And for my own sake, let me copy and paste some words of wisdom.

Grammar lessons from Daddy Ku:

"this" vs "that"

I'll tell you one of the uses of the word "this" and "that" by quoting the following example sentences in a grammar book I compiled years ago:

This was what he said: "Go away, or I will scold you."

To be, or not to be; that is the question.(Shakespeare)

More examples:

That's all. Thank you for listening. "How dare you!" that is what he said.

You need my advice? All right, this is most important: Honesty is the best policy.

So the word "this" refers to what comes later; while "that" refers to what was mentioned before.

this, that, these, those are called demonstrative pronouns when used in this way. The same is true of their plural form:

For days, and those the saddest of her life, she wept over the grave of her mother.

27 January 2003 Monday