Hello Visual Thesaurus subscribers: I'm pleased to announce we have appointed a new editor! His name is Ben Zimmer, and he comes to us from Oxford University Press, where he was editor for American dictionaries. Ben's very accomplished background is in linguistics and lexicography, and he blogs regularly at the respected Language Log. Ben also had a weekly column on the OUP blog called From A to Zimmer about words and usage. And if his name rings a bell, you're right! We published a fascinating interview with Ben last month about his work at OUP. We're extremely excited that Ben has joined our team. You'll see lots of new features and articles in the coming weeks, plus Ben will be working closely with the Visual Thesaurus team to continue developing our award-winning software.  Continue reading...

You can use the Visual Thesaurus seamlessly with other applications such as word processors and web browsers

Copy and Paste. Copy the word you'd like to look up in the Visual Thesaurus from another application. Open the Visual Thesaurus. Type Ctrl+v for Windows and Command+v for Macintosh.

Drag and Drop. To drag words into the Visual Thesaurus, select the word in your word processor (or other applications) by clicking on it. Then click again, and hold down the mouse button. Drag the word to the Visual Thesaurus and let go of the mouse button. (Please note: not all applications support drag and drop)

To drag a word from the Visual Thesaurus into your word processor (or other applications), click the word in the Visual Thesaurus, holding the mouse button down. Drag the word into the window of the other application and let go of the mouse button.

As an SEO copywriter and marketing consultant, I look at a lot of Websites. When I'm asked to assess a company's site, the first question that often crosses my mind when I review it is, "Hmmm... what exactly do you do?"  Continue reading...

"Create a virtual shelf to show off your books," announces the innovative website Shelfari, which allows you to share what you're reading and browse other people's books, too. Click here to check it out.

Like music, writing has rhythm. Think of Shakespeare. He wrote his plays in iambic pentameter: Da dum, da dum, da dum, da dum, da dum. Okay, I know you're not Shakespeare but you and yours sales letter or your school essay or your e-zine article have rhythm too -- whether you know it or not. The beat that exists behind your writing is a key part of what we call your writing voice. It makes your work unique and recognizable. It expresses your personality. It's part of what makes you, you.  Continue reading...

These nonprofit groups aim to empower kids and grownups through writing and storytelling. Please check them out - and give them your support!

WriteGirl

826LA

StoryCorps

If you're interested in writing about music, these books will give you guidance and inspiration:

A Short Guide to Writing About Music

Best Music Writing 2007

Writing About Music

Writing About Music: An Introductory Guide