If you had to eliminate one word or phrase from the English language, what would it be? Why?

I don’t think there is a word or phrase that I would eliminate. As it is, the English language has over 200,000 words, but the average English speaker only knows and uses less than 20,000. If anything, we should be frantically adding words to our own vocabularies. I would, however, appreciate it if people started using the words and phrases English already has correctly. Take, for example, the expression “I could not care less.” This is correct. “I could care less” does not make any sense, although this is what many people end up saying instead.

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What person in your life helped you understand the importance of choosing words carefully? What would you say to them if you met them today?

It is difficult to pick just one person as having that much influence in my life. My freshman college English professor required that we circle all to-be verbs in each paper we turned in. We were only allowed so many per page. However, at that time I was pursuing a career as a teacher. When I was pursuing a career as an editor, I did have a very challenging professor who taught me a lot, but by then I knew the importance of words and was focusing my life on working with them.

Though many people did influence my life, I would want to thank them all. If it weren’t for each of them, I would not be exactly the person I am today.

Communication breaks down when words are misused. What is the funniest or worst break-down you’ve ever observed?

Once, I had a long argument with my grandmother while we were driving in her convertible about why I couldn’t possibly put her umbrella in her boot because it wouldn’t fit. Never mind the fact that I was highly confused as to why she would want her umbrella in her shoe. I finally figured out that she was referring to the car boot.

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What word, said or unsaid, has or could change your life? How?

A sincerely said “thanks” can really make my day. It’s a way to show that you acknowledge the fact that someone has done something courteous and that you are returning that courtesy. Sometimes, it’s enough to know that your actions are appreciated in this world, no matter how small. Small events can set off chain reactions leading to major events.

Writers craft words into memorable phrases, stories, poems, and plays. Who are the writers who make your heart sing? Why?

I truly enjoy Muriel Barbery. She can effortlessly weave philosophy into her narratives, and her eloquent prose brings the highs and lows of French society to life. She also has a sharp wit that adds a bit of quirkiness to some otherwise serious subjects.

Of course, I also admire Neil Gaiman. His talent for using words in unconventional ways adds a dream-like quality to both his poetry and prose.

I also enjoy reading Ayn Rand and Wally Lamb. Their books can be ready simply for the story, but they can also be read for deeper meanings.