Communicating in a Word Desert

[Editor’s note: The content of this blog is the opinion of the author, writer Miriam Ruff, and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of AceReader, Inc. or its employees.] The word “communication” comes from the Latin noun communicatio, which meant a sharing or imparting having to do with an exchange or goods possessed by more than one … Continue reading “Communicating in a Word Desert”


Are Humans Hard-Wired for Reading?

A while ago we posted a blog describing how humans are hard-wired for speech and language, but not for reading and writing, which is why the former can be passively learned while the latter must be expressly taught. Now, however, researchers out of Ohio State University have concluded that humans are hard-wired for reading, as our … Continue reading “Are Humans Hard-Wired for Reading?”


Guest Blog: Online Tools to Improve One’s Literacy

[Editor’s note: Today’s blog was written by Jane Miller, a freelance writer, part-time high school English teacher, and a graduate student based in Seattle, Washington. It has been lightly edited for clarity.] Literacy goes beyond just reading and writing. These skills allow us to communicate effectively, and, just as importantly, they give us the ability … Continue reading “Guest Blog: Online Tools to Improve One’s Literacy”


The Science of Reading – Part 1: Unlocking Language

[Editor’s note: This is the first part of our five-part series on the best practices of learning to read and learning to read better.] There’s a long-standing debate about how best to teach children to read, which has led to what is colloquially known as the “reading wars.” On one side of the battle are … Continue reading “The Science of Reading – Part 1: Unlocking Language”


Authors, Developing Words – Mary Oliver

[Editor’s note: This post is part of a continuing series on how writers craft words to express their ideas and to connect with readers.] “I had a very dysfunctional family, and a very hard childhood,” poet Mary Oliver told O: The Oprah Magazine in 2011. “So I made a world out of words. And it … Continue reading “Authors, Developing Words – Mary Oliver”


Real-Time Language Change

We spent a good part of last year looking at how writing — and therefore reading — changed since its inception thousands of years ago till the present day (for links to all those blogs, click here). What’s interesting now, is there is at least one language that is changing in real-time, the language of Laos. The … Continue reading “Real-Time Language Change”


Study Skills Part 4 – Taking Notes

Note taking, whether in school or in a job meeting, is a crucial skill. It not only forces you to think about what is being said, but it also serves as material you can review when you want to revisit key topics or details. For the purposes of this blog, we’ll discuss taking notes as … Continue reading “Study Skills Part 4 – Taking Notes”


Authors, Developing Words – Chris Ward, Part 2

[Editor’s note: This post is part of a continuing series on how writers craft words to express their ideas and to connect with readers. The interview with Mr. Ward was conducted by Miriam Ruff on June 27, 2019, and is divided in two parts. You can read Part 1 here. It has been lightly edited … Continue reading “Authors, Developing Words – Chris Ward, Part 2”


Authors, Developing Words – Elmore Leonard

[Editor’s note: This post is part of a continuing series on how writers craft words to express their ideas and to connect with readers.] In a 2011 interview with Justified producer Graham Yost, Elmore Leonard said, “The way I write is always from the character’s point of view. I make up my characters as I … Continue reading “Authors, Developing Words – Elmore Leonard”


Authors, Developing Words – Rhett Bruno, Part 1

[Editor’s note: This post is part of a continuing series on how writers craft words to express their ideas and to connect with readers. The interview with Mr. Bruno was conducted by Miriam Ruff on June 6, 2019, and is divided in two parts. It has been lightly edited for length and clarity.] MR: Welcome to … Continue reading “Authors, Developing Words – Rhett Bruno, Part 1”