Drawing on years of experience of writing, teaching and publishing, this book offers essential tools for writers interested in honing their craft. Whether you're a poet, non-fiction writer, novelist, journalist, student or simply a lover of words, it will take you on an exciting and challenging journey to becoming a sophisticated writer. As in the learning of any true craft or art, first the focus is on specific skills, then on consolidating those skills, which by the end will be innate. Through a variety of exercises and freewriting prompts, Playing with Words will help you develop your writing, trying out new styles and approaches along the way. Use this book in a class, in a group, or alone in a writer's attic.

Wordplay involving several linguistic codes is an important modality of ludic language. This volume offers a multidisciplinary approach to the topic, discussing examples from different epochs, genres, and communicative situations. The contributions illustrate the multi-dimensionality, linguistic make-up, and the special interactive potential of wordplay across linguistic and cultural boundaries, including the challenging practice of translation.

A Play on Words is a lively, knee-slapping romp through the inherent vagaries of the English language. Readers can let the book drop open at any page and find an invitation to appreciate the absurdities with which real life is packed and to enjoy a giggle from John Does’ clever take on them. Dr. John F. Does is also the author of a series of conversation-starter books for children on a range of sensitive social topics. The Weather’s Shitty, Kitty is an adorable exploration of words. Words are not good or bad. They are just words. But how we use our words can make people feel uncomfortable. Uncle Funky’s a Drunk, Skunk is a warm and loving way to help young children understand the issue of problem drinking by adults. Those Hens are Cliquey, Chickie is a fun, action-packed look at youth cliques and bullying. That Salmon’s not so Dumb, Chum warmly explores dyslexia from the perspectives of children, parents and teachers.

Learn the origins of popular phrases in the English language through this exciting book of games perfect for language lovers. Do you know the connection between the expression A HARROWING EXPERIENCE and agriculture, between BY AND LARGE and sailing, between GET YOUR GOAT and horses, or between STEAL YOUR THUNDER and show business? You probably have heard the comparisons HAPPY AS A CLAM, SMART AS A WHIP, PLEASED AS PUNCH, DEAD AS A DOORNAIL—but have you ever wondered why a clam should be happy, a whip smart, punch pleased, and a doornail dead? Through the fifty games included in The Play of Words you'll discover the answers to these questions as well as hundreds of other semantic delights that repose in our marvelous English language.

A playbook to build literacy for younger readers, including word recognition, listening and speaking skills, all shown with bright and engaging pictures.

Playing with Words: the spoken word in artistic practice is an anthology of works from over forty leading contemporary sound artists and composers who use words, particularly spoken words, as their material and inspiration.