Category: Projects 2017

Companions

On By Editor Karolyn HIn Editing Projects, Projects 2017Leave a comment

companion

Project quote

“With that warm body to his chest, Chikunda’s laughter turned to tears and then to sobs once more. Sobs at having something living that cared about him, something that, through its desperate whimpers and excited relief evidently needed care.” (Michael Smorenburg, 2017; The Reckoning)

My thoughts

This paragraph is about a dog, Jack, one of the secondary characters in the story. I love stories that incorporate a pet or animal companion as a substantial character. Books written directly from an animal’s perspective are few in number and are always enjoyable to read, as well. However, animals as main or secondary characters are especially appreciated by me, personally. They highlight how much color pets and other animals add to our lives and how each has their own distinct personality and worth.

Editing projects for weeks ending October 22, 2017
Fiction Book Critique, Academic Research Article, College Application Personal Statement, Fiction book
Client countries: US, China, South Africa

 

 

Immersion

On By Editor Karolyn HIn Editing Projects, Projects 2017Leave a comment

foreign_language

Project quote

“In an era of rapidly changing economic, sociocultural and political contexts around the world, learning a language entails complex and often contradictory relationships that challenge conventional practices and beliefs.” (Feng Teng, M., 2017; Identities, imagined communities … in learning Chinese as a third language during study abroad.)

My thoughts

From Spanish and German language courses, along with some personal study of Arabic, I’ve learned that mastering a foreign language involves more than simple memorization and substituting one word for another. It also requires education about culture related to the language speakers, and the history behind the origins of common words and phrases. I would love to get the opportunity to practice Spanish in Spain, and learn a couple other European languages in their native countries. I’ve always heard that being immersed in the language and culture on a daily basis is a much faster way to gain a real understanding and mastery of a foreign language. My future plans involve testing this theory.

Editing projects for week ending September 24, 2017
Academic Research Article
Client countries: China

 

Autonomous Learning

On By Editor Karolyn HIn Editing Projects, Projects 2017Leave a comment

unrestricted

Project quote

“Autonomous learners are often motivated learners and autonomy often leads to better, more effective work.” (Feng Teng, M., 2017; Learner autonomy: An educational goal of teaching English as a foreign language.)

My thoughts

Individuals learning any topic or skill will always learn faster and work more productively if they are personally interested in what they’re learning and free to study it and learn about it without restrictions or outside influence. This is often difficult to find in standard traditional education systems, in my opinion. Structure is important for many aspects of life. But when it comes to learning, I feel that breaking free from structured instruction is the best motivation to explore and truly examine a subject fully.

Editing projects for week ending September 17, 2017
Academic Research Article
Client countries: China

 

 

Just Browsing…

On By Editor Karolyn HIn Editing Projects, Projects 2017Leave a comment

justlooking

Project quote

“Some people use in-store shopping for entertainment, bonding or reasons other than just getting a specific product. The value this provides to the shopper should not be overlooked and may be harder to reproduce in current online retail experiences.”
(Paul Corrado; eCommerce: Theory, Elements, Experience, Nuance and Change in the Retail Landscape)

My thoughts

Online shopping is great. Buy a new computer in your pajamas. Find the best deal on quality art supplies after quick online comparisons. Order a T-shirt with your favorite show’s main character on it, something impossible to find at local stores. But…. Does anyone remember cruising the mall with your friends, spending an hour or two in Hot Topic or Spencer’s looking at the weird and wacky? What about wandering around Target looking for great Christmas gift and decorating ideas? Shopping at the bookstore so you can drool over all the new books and accessories that you wish you could afford to buy and having a heart to heart with your bestie at the coffee shop over a pastry and beverage. Window shopping that turns into a spree and spa day. Oh, and don’t think I forgot about guys’ favorite addictions: hardware and sporting goods stores, where projects and dreams take shape.

Yes, of course people still do these things. But it sure seems like online shopping has become much more prevalent and more heavily promoted. The internet is fantastic – I sell my own services online! But there is still so much value to be found by shopping in physical stores. Just last week, I popped into a local art gallery and found a variety of beautiful and unique gifts and items that just wouldn’t have had the same impact on me if viewed on a monitor or phone.  I also love the local Farmer’s Market and visit at least a couple times every summer, preferably with friends, when music is playing, and the sun is shining.

Editing projects for week ending September 3, 2017
Non-fiction book, Academic Research Article
Client countries: US, China