iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Vanessa Macfarlane | Proofreader | Proof-editor @myproofreadinglife.bsky.social · 26/06/2025

Well, that's it from me… your reminder that English is a beautiful disaster and we're all just doing our best! Keep a cheat sheet, embrace the chaos, and remember that spell-check is your frenemy… it'll catch "you're" vs "your" but miss when you use "martial" instead of "marital"!

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Vanessa Macfarlane | Proofreader | Proof-editor @myproofreadinglife.bsky.social · 26/06/2025

🔟 Crevice vs. Crevasse Small crack vs. massive glacier split. Size matters (and so does your survival). Memory trick: CrevaSSe = Super Sized crack Example: The coin fell through a crevice, unlike the climber who fell into a crevasse.

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Vanessa Macfarlane | Proofreader | Proof-editor @myproofreadinglife.bsky.social · 26/06/2025

9️⃣ Tortuous vs. Torturous Winding/complex vs. causing torture. Both could describe IKEA… shop vs building furniture. Memory trick: Torturous = torture + us = causes extreme pain Example: The tortuous mountain road was torturous to drive.

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Vanessa Macfarlane | Proofreader | Proof-editor @myproofreadinglife.bsky.social · 26/06/2025

8️⃣ Marshal vs. Martial The lawman vs. relating to war. Both involve people who could kick your butt. Memory trick: Martial = is partial to combat Example: The marshal declared martial law.

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Vanessa Macfarlane | Proofreader | Proof-editor @myproofreadinglife.bsky.social · 26/06/2025

7️⃣ Faze vs. Phase To disturb vs. a stage/period. One messes with your head, the other messes with your calendar. Memory trick: Faze rhymes with "daze" – both involve your brain going "???" Example: The lunar phase didn't faze the werewolf.

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Vanessa Macfarlane | Proofreader | Proof-editor @myproofreadinglife.bsky.social · 26/06/2025

6️⃣ Chord vs. Cord Musical harmony vs. rope/wire. Both can get tangled. Memory trick: Musical cHord has an "h" for harmony Example: He struck a chord while tripping over the extension cord.

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Vanessa Macfarlane | Proofreader | Proof-editor @myproofreadinglife.bsky.social · 26/06/2025

5️⃣ Baited vs. Bated One involves worms, the other involves barely breathing. Both involve waiting uncomfortably. Memory trick: Bated breath = abated breath (held back) Example: She baited the hook with bated breath.

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Vanessa Macfarlane | Proofreader | Proof-editor @myproofreadinglife.bsky.social · 26/06/2025

4️⃣ Populace vs. Populous The people vs. describing lots of people. Both involve crowds you'd rather avoid. Memory trick: PopuLACE = the people in this pLACE Example: The populous city had an angry populace.

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Vanessa Macfarlane | Proofreader | Proof-editor @myproofreadinglife.bsky.social · 26/06/2025

3️⃣ Canvas vs. Canvass One's for painting, the other's for pestering people about their political opinions. Memory trick: CanvaSS = Stupid Survey (or an extra s for super annoying) Example: She painted on canvas while volunteers canvassed the neighbourhood.

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Vanessa Macfarlane | Proofreader | Proof-editor @myproofreadinglife.bsky.social · 26/06/2025

2️⃣ Palate vs. Palette vs. Pallet Your taste buds, your paint colors, or your shipping platform. Memory trick: PalaTe = one T for Taste Palette = ETTE is an artist flair Pallet = needs ll to slide the fork lift in Example: The artist's palette pleased my palate while I sat on a pallet.

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Vanessa Macfarlane | Proofreader | Proof-editor @myproofreadinglife.bsky.social · 26/06/2025

1️⃣ Hoard vs. Horde One's a pile of treasure, the other's an army. Both involve questionable life choices. Memory trick: You hoard things in a pile (think "oa" = "oh, all my stuff") Example: The dragon's hoard attracted a horde of adventurers.

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Vanessa Macfarlane | Proofreader | Proof-editor @myproofreadinglife.bsky.social · 26/06/2025

#writersky #amwriting #amediting #writing #authors #proofreading #writingcommunity Question: Which HOMOPHONES make even experienced writers question their entire existence? Answer: Here are 10 word pairs that humble us all ⬇️

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Vanessa Macfarlane | Proofreader | Proof-editor @myproofreadinglife.bsky.social · 21/06/2025

If you’re one of my lovely followers and have a book listed on the UK site, drop it in the comments. I’d be delighted to add it to my storefront.

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Vanessa Macfarlane | Proofreader | Proof-editor @myproofreadinglife.bsky.social · 21/06/2025

It’s Indie Bookshop Week here in the UK, and to celebrate, Bookshop .org is offering FREE SHIPPING all weekend. The perfect excuse to show some love to the brilliant independent bookshops that keep our literary world spinning. 💛📚 #booksky #readersky #amreading uk.bookshop.org/shop/vanessa...

uk.bookshop.org

Vanessa the Proofreader Bookshop UK

Welcome to my bookshop! I love supporting indie bookshops and featuring books I have worked on whenever possible. As a freelance proof-editor and proofreader, I appreciate great stories across all gen...

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Vanessa Macfarlane | Proofreader | Proof-editor @myproofreadinglife.bsky.social · 20/06/2025

Well, that's it from me… Good pacing isn't about constant action; it's about constant tension. Every page should either answer a question (while raising new ones) or promise that answers are coming soon. When readers think “just one more chapter,” you've mastered the dark art of addictive pacing…

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Vanessa Macfarlane | Proofreader | Proof-editor @myproofreadinglife.bsky.social · 20/06/2025

🔟 End Scenes Mid-Action Don't wait for natural stopping points. Stop in the middle of the good stuff. Examples: She lunged for the bat. Her fingers, so close— [SCENE BREAK] "Behind you!" he screamed. She spun around to see— [SCENE BREAK]

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Vanessa Macfarlane | Proofreader | Proof-editor @myproofreadinglife.bsky.social · 20/06/2025

9️⃣ Raise New Questions While Answering Old Ones Every answer should spawn three new mysteries. Keep them chasing. Examples: "Your father didn't die in the accident. He was murdered." "By who?" "That's... complicated." The DNA test proved he wasn't the father. It also proved something much worse.

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Vanessa Macfarlane | Proofreader | Proof-editor @myproofreadinglife.bsky.social · 20/06/2025

8️⃣ The Almost Reveal Get them 99% of the way to the truth, then make them wait for that final 1%. Examples: "I know who you really are," she whispered. "You're—" "Not here. Too dangerous." The file contained everything: names, dates, photos. Everything except the one page that mattered most.

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Vanessa Macfarlane | Proofreader | Proof-editor @myproofreadinglife.bsky.social · 20/06/2025

7️⃣ Switch POV at Peak Tension Right when readers are dying to know what happens next, show them someone else's crisis. Example: The gun is raised, finger on trigger... CUT TO: Three hours earlier, someone else was planning this exact moment.

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Vanessa Macfarlane | Proofreader | Proof-editor @myproofreadinglife.bsky.social · 20/06/2025

6️⃣ The Ticking Clock Nothing speeds up pacing like a deadline that seems impossible to meet. Examples: "You're getting married tomorrow. This is our last chance." "You have until midnight." She glanced at her watch. 11:47 PM.

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Vanessa Macfarlane | Proofreader | Proof-editor @myproofreadinglife.bsky.social · 20/06/2025

5️⃣ Micro-Cliffhangers Every Few Pages Don't save the tension for chapter ends. Sprinkle it everywhere like addictive seasoning. Examples: She opened the envelope. Her blood ran cold. "You recognise him, don't you?" The photo fell from her trembling fingers.

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Vanessa Macfarlane | Proofreader | Proof-editor @myproofreadinglife.bsky.social · 20/06/2025

4️⃣ The Interrupted Answer Start to give them what they want, then snatch it away with perfect timing. Examples: "The killer is—" The phone line went dead. "I love—" The explosion cut off her words.

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Vanessa Macfarlane | Proofreader | Proof-editor @myproofreadinglife.bsky.social · 20/06/2025

3️⃣ Drop Bombs in Quiet Moments Hit them with revelations when they least expect it, not during action scenes. Examples: They were making pancakes when she casually mentioned, "Oh, by the way, I'm pregnant." "Pass the salt," he said. "And I killed your brother."

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Vanessa Macfarlane | Proofreader | Proof-editor @myproofreadinglife.bsky.social · 20/06/2025

2️⃣ The False Resolution Let them think the problem's solved... then pull the rug out from under them. Examples: The bomb was defused. Finally, they could breathe. Then she noticed the second timer. "We're safe now," he whispered, pulling her close. The footsteps in the hallway suggested otherwise.

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Vanessa Macfarlane | Proofreader | Proof-editor @myproofreadinglife.bsky.social · 20/06/2025

1️⃣ End Chapters Mid-Conversation Nothing says "just one more page" like cutting off dialogue at the worst possible moment. Examples: "There's something I need to tell you about your father—" [CHAPTER BREAK] "The test results came back. You're going to want to sit down for this." [CHAPTER BREAK]

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Vanessa Macfarlane | Proofreader | Proof-editor @myproofreadinglife.bsky.social · 20/06/2025

#writersky #amwriting #amediting #writing #authors #proofreading #writingcommunity Question: How do you write pages that are PHYSICALLY IMPOSSIBLE to put down? Answer: Here are 10 PACING TRICKS that turn readers into sleep-deprived zombies ⬇️

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Vanessa Macfarlane | Proofreader | Proof-editor @myproofreadinglife.bsky.social · 19/05/2025

Well, that’s it from me. Remember, protective characters will burn the world down for the one they love… then deny it for 300 pages. Think tough on the outside, marshmallow on the inside! They’ll never say “I love you” – but they will throw themselves in front of a dragon for you.

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Vanessa Macfarlane | Proofreader | Proof-editor @myproofreadinglife.bsky.social · 19/05/2025

🔟 Small Touches, Big Meaning A hand on your back. Fingers brushing yours. A touch that lingers a moment too long. Example 1: He adjusted her necklace, hands careful, expression unreadable. Example 2: She brushed the hair from his face, pretending not to care that her hand trembled.

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Vanessa Macfarlane | Proofreader | Proof-editor @myproofreadinglife.bsky.social · 19/05/2025

9️⃣ Soft Words Only in the Dark Vulnerability comes out when no one else is around… and only if you don’t make it weird. Example 1: “If something ever happened to you…” He didn’t finish the sentence. Just looked at her like that said enough. Example 2: “You matter to me. More than you should.”

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Vanessa Macfarlane | Proofreader | Proof-editor @myproofreadinglife.bsky.social · 19/05/2025

8️⃣ Loyalty That Feels Like Gravity They don’t leave even when it would be easier. And especially when it wouldn’t. Example 1: “You don’t have to stay.” “I know,” he said, sitting beside her anyway. Example 2: “I’m fine,” she whispered. “Liar,” he said, wrapping the blanket around her shoulders.

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Vanessa Macfarlane | Proofreader | Proof-editor @myproofreadinglife.bsky.social · 19/05/2025

7️⃣ Takes Hits Without Complaining They get hurt and act like it’s nothing… especially if it meant protecting someone else. Example 1: Blood dripped from his hand. “It’s fine,” he muttered, eyes still on her. Example 2: “You’re bleeding.” She shrugged. “Yeah, but you’re not. So we’re good.”

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Vanessa Macfarlane | Proofreader | Proof-editor @myproofreadinglife.bsky.social · 19/05/2025

6️⃣ Anger When You’re in Danger Fear comes out sideways… usually as yelling! Example 1: “What were you thinking?” he snapped, voice cracking. Example 2: “Next time you run into a fight without backup, I’m dragging you out myself.”

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Vanessa Macfarlane | Proofreader | Proof-editor @myproofreadinglife.bsky.social · 19/05/2025

5️⃣ Practical Gestures That Feel Like Love They’ll never say “I care.” They’ll just hand you a knife, a jacket, or a sandwich. Example 1: “You didn’t eat.” He slid the plate toward her without looking. Example 2: “It’s going to rain.” He dropped a coat over her shoulders and walked off.

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Vanessa Macfarlane | Proofreader | Proof-editor @myproofreadinglife.bsky.social · 19/05/2025

4️⃣ The Long Silence Before “Be Careful” They don’t do feelings. But the world might end if you’re not okay. Example 1: “Just… text me when you get there.” Example 2: “I don’t care what you do. Just don’t be stupid. Or get hurt. Or… just don’t.”

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Vanessa Macfarlane | Proofreader | Proof-editor @myproofreadinglife.bsky.social · 19/05/2025

3️⃣ Pretend Indifference, Actual Alarm They’ll act like it’s no big deal, while spiraling inside. Example 1: “It’s fine. You’re fine,” he said too fast, already checking her arm for bruises. Example 2: She rolled her eyes but had already memorised the face of the guy who made him uncomfortable.

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Vanessa Macfarlane | Proofreader | Proof-editor @myproofreadinglife.bsky.social · 19/05/2025

2️⃣ Watching Without Hovering They don’t smother… but they notice everything. Example 1: He didn’t join the conversation, but his eyes flicked to her every time she laughed. Example 2: She sat beside him, silent, but her gaze kept drifting his way – just checking, just in case.

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Vanessa Macfarlane | Proofreader | Proof-editor @myproofreadinglife.bsky.social · 19/05/2025

1️⃣ The Silent Shield They don’t make a scene… they just show up between you and the threat without a word. Example 1: He stepped in front of her without looking back. Just one small movement that said: not today. Example 2: She shifted slightly, standing closer, like muscle memory. Like habit.

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Vanessa Macfarlane | Proofreader | Proof-editor @myproofreadinglife.bsky.social · 19/05/2025

#writersky #amwriting #amediting #writing #authors #proofreading #writingcommunity Question: How do I show a PROTECTIVE (but secretly soft) character without saying it? Answer: Here are 10 subtle ways ⬇️

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Vanessa Macfarlane | Proofreader | Proof-editor @myproofreadinglife.bsky.social · 01/05/2025

For the first time ever, I’m offering 20% off all #proofreading services for July, August, and September 2025 bookings! First come, first served basis. Interested? Please fill out a contact form on my website and mention #writersky #discount in your message. vanessatheproofreader.com/contact/

vanessatheproofreader.com

Contact

Looking for expert proofreading and proof-editing services? Get in touch with Vanessa Macfarlane for professional services tailored to authors, businesses, and publishers. Whether you need manuscri…

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Reposted by Vanessa Macfarlane | Proofreader | Proof-editor

Mark Rees @reviewwales.bsky.social · 29/04/2025

Vampire caught unawares by sudden British heatwave. 🧛‍♂️🌞

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Reposted by Vanessa Macfarlane | Proofreader | Proof-editor

Tom Gauld @tomgauld.bsky.social · 28/04/2025

My latest @newscientist.com cartoon

Title:
SOME GRAMMATICAL VOICES FOR USE IN SCIENTIFIC WRITING

ACTIVE VOICE
e.g.
Our team collected samples and then we tested them.

CLICKBAIT VOICE
e.g.
We collected some samples...
You won't believe what happened next!

PASSIVE VOICE
e.g.
Samples were collected and tested.

HAIKU VOICE
e.g.
Quiet science lab.
Workers arrive with samples.
The testing begins.

PASSIVE-AGGRESSIVE VOICE
e.g. We did all the collecting and testing.
No need to thank us.
Just doing our job.

CONSPIRACY VOICE
e.g.
Mysterious "Samples" were harvested and covertly "tested" by so-called scientists.

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Reposted by Vanessa Macfarlane | Proofreader | Proof-editor

Elle @elleisanisland.bsky.social · 31/03/2025

In the 14th century, someone who didn't have a highlighter handy thought to use octopus tentacles to mark the most important parts. I love it so much (Manuscript from the Bankcroft library, UC Berkeley)

An ancient manuscript. Along the left margin is a drawn-on octopus whose tentacles point out important sentences on the page.

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Vanessa Macfarlane | Proofreader | Proof-editor @myproofreadinglife.bsky.social · 26/04/2025

That’s it from me… your morally grey guide to characters who make bad decisions for the right reasons. Villain? Hero? Depends who you ask. Not fully good, not fully evil. They make hard choices, sometimes for the wrong reasons, but with the right intentions. Deliciously complex.

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Vanessa Macfarlane | Proofreader | Proof-editor @myproofreadinglife.bsky.social · 26/04/2025

🔟 The Line They Won’t Cross They’re willing to cross many lines, but there’s always one they’ll never step over. It’s the one thing that makes you question their true nature. Example: He set the building on fire, but only after luring the guard outside first.

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Vanessa Macfarlane | Proofreader | Proof-editor @myproofreadinglife.bsky.social · 26/04/2025

9️⃣ Hidden Soft Spot They have one thing or one person that they care about more than they’ll ever admit. They’ll deny it, hide it, but when push comes to shove, it’s the one thing that’ll get to them. Example: He handed the child a piece of bread, eyes darting to see if anyone noticed.

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Vanessa Macfarlane | Proofreader | Proof-editor @myproofreadinglife.bsky.social · 26/04/2025

8️⃣ Emotional Armour They don’t do feelings, at least not where anyone can see. Vulnerability is deflected with a joke, a jab, or silence sharp enough to cut. Example 1: “That hurt, didn’t it?” “I don’t have time to bleed.” Example 2: “You’re not a monster.” “Don’t be so sure.”

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Vanessa Macfarlane | Proofreader | Proof-editor @myproofreadinglife.bsky.social · 26/04/2025

7️⃣ Shadows in Their Reputation Rumours cling to them like smoke – half-truths, full lies, and something in between. They let people wonder and whisper. It’s easier than explaining. Example: “Is it true what they say about you?” He didn’t answer. Just lit a cigarette and watched the smoke curl.

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