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1. Comma Use #6: Nonrestrictive Elements

We are continuing with the series on the uses of the comma. To see the uses we discussed previously, click on the link below to the newsletter archive.

To understand this use of the comma, you need to understand what nonrestrictive means in terms of grammar. A nonrestrictive element is a word, phrase, or clause that is not essential to the meaning of the sentence.

Some meats, like turkey, have lower fat content than others have.

In the sentence above, the words like turkey can come out of the sentence without altering the meaning. Some meats have lower fat content than others, is the message. The bit about turkey is incidental.

This use of the comma allows you to show your reader the importance of information.

Example: Churned milk, butter, tastes great on toast. (Since butter is churned milk, it's not essential to the meaning of the sentence, so the commas are necessary.)

The dairy product cream comes in a cardboard carton. (Cream is essential to the meaning of the sentence, so there is no comma.)

The pasta spaghetti sat on the table. (Since there are no commas, the writer shows that there are a variety of pastas and the one on the table is spaghetti.)

The pasta, spaghetti, sat on the table. (Since there are commas, the writer shows that there is only one pasta and that it is spaghetti.)

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2. Get Your Writing Fighting Fit

With great joy and a smidgen of fear, I'm announcing the upcoming publication of my e-book, Get Your Writing Fighting Fit.

If you are a writer, you'll understand the mixed feelings. Working on a book can be fun and frustrating. Finishing a book can be terrifying.

I'm not finished yet, but I have set myself a deadline of January 20 and I wanted you to be the first to know.

Get Your Writing Fighting Fit shows how a writer can self-edit. I've done the outline and filled in much of the text. I still have more writing ahead and I have to deal with the illustrations and the formatting.

I'll keep you posted and let you know when you can get your copy.

If I can reach my deadline on time, I should be able to let you get an advanced copy at a discount. Stay tuned.

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3. How To Market Your Book: An Interview With Lee Fodi

I have huge respect for Lee Fodi's ability to sell his books, so I was thrilled when he allowed me to interview him. This successful self-publisher generously shares what he does to increase sales. https://www.writershelper.com/how-to-market-your-book.html

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