Lay/lie. Affect/effect. Apostrophe where? Writing is hard work, even for those of us with a Journalism degree (me) or a Masters in English (Gwinn). Have you seen the grammar errors we’ve made so far – weeped vs wept, libel vs liable?! Gross.
Helping people write without overwriting or making silly gaffs is really tough. Luckily, we have Word It Wisely LLC, a writing consulting service, to help guide us. Do you need advice on how to start? Need clarity or focus? Tips on grammar and editing? Lisa M. De Sanctis and Word it Wisely LLC are here to help. Without further (ado, or is it adieu, or maybe a-do)….
How long have you lived in PVB or Beaches area?
I moved here from California six years ago. Somehow I still feel like a newbie—probably because Ponte Vedra Focus wasn’t here to educate me.
What is your favorite thing about PVB?
The warmth of the ocean still blows my mind. Until my toes confirm otherwise, I fully expect the freezing cold sting of my childhood beaches.
What made you start Word It Wisely LLC?
It was the natural outgrowth of my career in law and education, along with my interest in writing. My final incentive to formalize and found the business came while I was volunteering in the community and, week after week, heard the high school volunteers chattering worriedly about their college admissions essays.
How long have you been editing?
I founded Word It Wisely LLC 2 years ago and have an additional 13 years of experience editing written work as a career advisor, law professor, and lawyer.
What should people know about Word It Wisely LLC?
Word It Wisely LLC edits “all things written,” including college and graduate school admissions essays, resumes and cover letters, scholarship applications, web content, newsletters, and full-length manuscripts.
Our clients include high school students, college and graduate-school students, entrepreneurs, young and established professionals, and people in transition, including authors, lawyers, realtors, project managers, engineers, IT professionals, and more.
What are your hobbies outside of your profession?
Mid-morning escapes: Jacksonville’s MOCA, a walk on the beach, or a good talk with an old friend.
If you could have lunch with anyone, who would it be and why?
My 8-year-old son as his 18-month-old self. I’ve loved every stage, but still I would choose just one more round of high chair banging, sweet potato flinging, and the shrieks and squeals of delight that accompanied it all.
What was your favorite subject in school?
Evidence. I’ve never been able to part with my tabbed and tattered, now essentially useless, 1991 version of the Federal Rules of Evidence.
What is your favorite football team?
The underdog.
What is your favorite book?
I Know This Much Is True, Wally Lamb (1998). It had me at first glance of its beautiful cover and delivered on every page.
Favorite and least favorite trend in your business?
Favorite
There are so many exciting things happening in the world of writing and editing. In terms of manuscripts, many new authors are self-publishing and have more choice when it comes to selecting their editor. Whether fiction, or non-fiction, working on a manuscript is always a lot of fun for me.
As to college applications, it is exciting to see more and more young women who have participated in internships and other opportunities in the fields of math, science, and medicine and who bring these experiences to the table when drafting their admissions essays.
Of course the explosion of social medial can’t be overstated and is another exciting venue for writers and editors alike.
Least Favorite
While I’m well aware that using two spaces between sentences screams, “I’m over 40,” I can’t deny that my eye still longs for that second space.
If you could change one thing about Ponte Vedra, what would it be?
I would move my parents into the house across the street from me.
Last time you laughed out loud uncontrollably? And why?
Just the other day when my husband chattered his teeth like Kumar from Disney’s 2015 Earth Day release, Monkey Kingdom.
Your suggestion for a Ponte Vedra mascot?
The Climate Flag—so that our great grandchildren will be able to enjoy it too. (Editor note: For more information on the flag or to order you one of your own click here.)
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There is a great need for your talent! I am so offended by TV announcers using bad grammar!