5 Words Even Writers Get Wrong!

A new year! Whatever you're doing today, I hope you're taking some time to celebrate life. I work far more weekends than I like to admit. The holidays are the one time of year when I like to meet up with friends, watch tons of Netflix in bed with the bunnies, and eat chocolate and ice cream without feeling guilty.
In fact, that's my New Year's resolution: to be a little more relaxed. I feel like I spend so much time pushing myself: Get more done. Eat healthier. Get more exercise. No sugar.
So maybe my New Year's resolution for 2026 is to not make a resolution. Sort of. But it's more about leaning back and relaxing and trusting that everything will turn out okay. 

There is so much going on in the world right now and so much of it is out of our control. I want the world to be better and people to be kinder and for AI not to take over the world. I want the best for people in Southern California struggling through the floods right now. I want the planet to go back to feeling safe and for the natural disasters to stop.

I can want all of these things but wanting them makes me feel helpless and miserable. So I've decided to take a deep breath, love the people close to me and live my life. And donate what I can to charity.
If there is one thing I've learned as a memoir-writing coach, it's that we're all basically the same. We all want the same things. We all want the best for each other. We just sometimes get distracted by pain. So I've decided to let go of the pain. Or at least I plan to try.
I wish the same for you in 2026. Be kind to yourself. Spread the love. Let go of the pain.
I deal with pain in the form of humor--or at least I do on a good day. This week's video is a bit sillier than usual and it's really just for fun. It's on common words that even smart people get wrong. But that doesn't mean I care if you screw them up. I love language and understanding how it works. That doesn't mean I'm a snob about it.
So watch the video and laugh. That's why I made it.
But please stop saying, "I feel badly." The correct way to express this sentiment is "I feel bad." Really! Don't believe me? Watch my explanation in the video.

https://youtu.be/-TDa3KhNOtw?si=yj4_F50wirMrdB8J 
Wishing you a joyful 2026 
Warmly,
Wendy

P.S. I am offering the two-day mastermind one final time. This is your last chance to take part in this live class. Learn more here: https://www.memoirwritingforgeniuses.com/jan2026