The Saturday Miscellany: How to write a 'how to'; American spelling; Tom Rob Smith's bookshelf; journalists on stamps
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.How to: Write a 'how to'
By Oscar Quine
The 'How To' guide is obviously a highly-distinguished artform. With that in mind, here's how to educate the people in absolutely anything, courtesy of Claire Ruston of the 'For Dummies' series...
"Focus on what the reader needs to know to get the job done. Don't give them 50 ways to do something, give them the best way. Choose the easiest, most appropriate method and maybe include one alternative."
"Remember that most readers don't read how-to guides in a linear way; many will turn straight to the section they need for the task at hand. Keep your sections and chapters modular so that readers can get in and out."
"Write with your five best friends (or your granny) in mind; be conversational and personable. Use everyday, casual language and avoid jargon as much as possible."
Rotating column: Bloody 'L'
By Mark Forsyth
Of all America's actions on the world stage, perhaps the most peculiar is to spell instalment, installment. American spelling tends to simplify; indeed their great dictionary writer, Noah Webster, tried to get them to write soop, bred, wimmin and tuf. But it never caught on.
Webster managed to get them to drop the L in travel[l]er and jewel[l]er. But he didn't drop it in other words, like propeller or instilled. He consequently made Americans very confused about the Ls. And thus, I suppose, the overcompensation of installment.
On the same principle, if Hillary Clinton should give Ed Miliband one of her Ls, the special relationship would be much improved.
Follow Mark Forsyth, author of 'The Etymologicon', on Twitter @Inkyfool
Dear Ellen
By Ellen E Jones
Q. I am leaving my company, do I have to pretend to care about my former colleagues?
A. Moonwalking out the front door, while flipping a double V-sign and screaming "Later, losers!" might seem like the classy option. But given the general lack of job security these days, you'd be wiser not to burn any bridges.
Micro extract: Wolf whistle
"Wolves will persist in trying to solve a difficult task through cunning using different solutions, whereas the dog will typically give up earlier and try to recruit the help of its master."
From 'The domesticated brain: A pelican introduction' by Bruce hood (£7.99, out May)
Four play: Journalists on stamps
1. Martha Gellhorn*
2. Richard dimbleby
3. Nellie Bly
4. Edward Murrow
*died today in 1998
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments