Articles written by Jared Garrett in Arts & Humanities

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What is Helium

About me - Jared Garrett

I am a writer, educator, and public speaker. I am passionate about the written word, my country, self-reliance, compost, organic gardening, telling stories and family.

My professional experience spans many years and much of the globe. From 1997 until 2007

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Arts & Humanities > Writing Tips Getting comfortable with timed essays: 1 of 13
For two years I taught English composition classes to groups of twelve to sixteen adults. These were intense, content-focused classes wherein excellence was demanded. Students would often, on the first day, leave class with heavy hearts and a slight feeling of dread. Why? Because I would tell them that they would be writing ... More..
Arts & Humanities > Writing & Rating at Helium Helium's spring 2007 Write to Win Contest has been a huge success: 1 of 10
The Write to Win Contest sponsored by Helium this past spring has indeed been a great success, despite the foibles and weaknesses that have been pointed out. Here is why: Firstly, Helium is a website that is seeking success. Success for Helium means a massive amount of content and a large number of independent hits so that a... More..
Arts & Humanities > Who & What is Helium Helium writer autobiographies: 8 of 73
I have tried to write an autobiography for years. Why? Because only when it is all on paper (or screen) will it all seem real. From where I sit today, my life seems as odd and ethereal as a dream or non-linear movie. In University, I tried writing the autobiography as a series of personal essays. That was a lovely place to s... More..
Arts & Humanities > Writing Tips Breathing life into your fictional characters: 8 of 72
Four months ago I attended a workshop done by an acquaintance of mine named Dave Wolverton. You may have heard of him; he is an enormously successful science fiction and fantasy writer. His presentation was about how to bring characters into snapping, memorable life. The ideas shared therein reinforced some principles that m... More..
Arts & Humanities > Asian Languages Keys to understanding Chinese language character meanings: 1 of 9
What is that squiggle? This is writing? These are the frustrated questions I asked far too many times at the beginning of my process of learning how to read and write in Chinese 'hanzhi'. 'Hanzhi' is the system of writing that is used by both mainland China and Taiwan. It is a system of characters that do not really connect ... More..
Arts & Humanities > Internet Writing & Blogging How to write effective SEO copy: 2 of 12
If you're one of the millions trying to make some cash on the side as a freelance writer, you have almost certainly encountered the phrase "SEO Copy." Does it intimidate? Make you turn away quickly? What about 'effective SEO copy'? Does that phrase make your boots quake? Never fear, writer-man is here to allay your fears and... More..
Arts & Humanities > Language Resources Evaluating the Rosetta Stone approach to foreign language study: 1 of 6
Rosetta Stone is a language learning software produced by Fairfield Language Technologies out of Harrisonburg, Virginia. The software has received several awards, including a Deloitte & Touche Technology Fast 50 prize. This program has been featured in the New York Times as well. But what is it? Rosetta Stone calls its appro... More..
Arts & Humanities > Thoughts on Writing Examples of metaphors and how to use them: 6 of 35
For any author who wants to perfect the craft, metaphors are one kind of figurative language that cannot be done without. So, my friend authors, first let's take a look at what a metaphor is, then see some examples of good use of metaphors in both classic and original literature. METAPHORS DEFINED A metaphor is a type of fig... More..
Arts & Humanities > Language Resources Why a full immersion experience is essential for language mastery: 4 of 22
A full immersion experience is absolutely essential in order to master a language. However, when I say immersion, I am not talking about those good school immersion programs. Those programs are a nice beginning, but full immersion needs to happen in the country where your target language is the native language. Why? The reas... More..
Arts & Humanities > Writing Tips How to write an inspiring graduation speech: 3 of 16
I delivered my first public speech at my high-school graduation when I was eighteen years old. With the inside of my robe damp from sweat and the papers I held shaking like a dog eager for a walk, I stood at the podium and had to clear my throat several times before I could say anything coherent. For the first few minutes, I... More..