Are you anxious about sending emails? Have you ever rewritten a sentence to avoid using a semicolon? Does employing an em dash make you nervous? It’s okay, you’re not alone.

And that’s precisely why local author Nancy Miller has written a new book aimed at helping others be more confident in their writing.

Be a Better Writer: A Go-to Grammar Guide & How-to-Write Handbook demystifies the complexities of grammar and empowers readers to conquer their writing fears.

“As I say in my book, sometimes English is a jerk. It can be confusing and contradictory. But with some understanding of parts of speech and punctuation and guidelines about construction and composition, anyone can be a better writer,” says Nancy Miller.

The owner of a local copywriting and editing business, Miller has leveraged her expertise to create an accessible guide that she hopes both educates and entertains.

“Words are my passion, but I know that grammar and syntax can be a tough sell. That’s why I offer practical tips and amusing examples in a conversational way,” explains Miller. “Not your typical dry grammar guide, it has a genuine voice – one that’s sometimes sassy but never condescending.”

Divided into two sections, the ‘Go-to Grammar Guide’ covers parts of speech, punctuation, style conventions, word choice and includes a glossary of common terms and issues. Then the ‘How-to-Write Handbook’ provides practical tips on prewriting, sentence construction, essays, business communication and the art of revision.

“I’d say it’s comprehensive without being overwhelming,” says Miller. “Whether you’re a student, teacher, professional or business owner, this book will help you unlock your writing potential or at least eliminate those nervous moments before hitting send.”

Be a Better Writer is now available for purchase at the Laughing Oyster Bookshop, as well as online in print and e-book formats through Amazon.ca. For more information about the book and the author, visit www.rpcopywriting.com.