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Communication:
The hope of humanity and the joy of being human.

I love words, whether written or spoken. However, they have to be strung together well or it drives me crazy. I’ve taught communication skills for decades, written plays, short stories, novels, e-books, and grants for local nonprofits. While teaching others and improving my own communication, I learned the things shared here.


For a quick guide to effective writing, M.A.P.P. Your Writing.

Mechanics: Grammar-check: some think it eliminates mistakes, but... Read More

Audience: Writing is very personal, but selling writing is... Read More

Purpose: Purpose is everything in writing because... Read More

Pacing: Written work has a rhythm, perhaps more discernible when... Read More

 For a quick guide to better speaking, G.I.F.T.ed Speaker.

Goal: Some people enjoy giving oral presentations; others... Read More

Interaction: Modern audiences are not good passive listeners. Read More

Format: How should the presentation be organized and presented? Read More

Timing: To give a decent presentation a person has to... Read More


Macbeth's Niece Lesson Plan

Attention Teachers:

I have prepared a lesson plan to be used along with Macbeth's Niece.

Included in the lesson plan are 5 sets of questions:
  • 25 Reading Check Questions, to assure that students are reading the material;
  • 25 Comprehension Questions, to allow thought about the book and show understanding;
  • 15 Application Questions, which allow discussion or writing about issues in the story;
  • 5 Research Questions that encourage further study, and
  • 5 Comparison and Contrast Questions for those who read both Macbeth by Shakespeare and Macbeth’s Niece.
See the lesson plan and printable documents.

Macbeth's Niece Book Discussion

Attention Book Groups:

I have prepared a discussion to be used along with Macbeth's Niece.

Included in the discussion are 15 questions, such as:
  • Describe Tessa’s father, Kenneth. How did he balance somewhat her mother’s animosity toward Tessa?
  • Jeffrey’s brother William is an unpleasant character. How do we see this in his treatment of his brothers?
  • Tessa is without resources in London, but friends rally to help her. Would you have acted differently at any point? Explain.
See the discussion for questions and printable documents.