The Tuesday Tip for today is a simple but common mistake.

Sell is a verb. It is used when an action is taking place. In this case, the transfer of goods or services using money as an exchange.

Sale is a noun. It is used to describe the act of selling goods or services.

The bookstore clerk will sell the book to you since the book is on sale.

It’s Fall break and the kids are home for two weeks. Because of this, we have a guest blogger. My daughter will be offering today’s Tuesday Tip. Her only guideline — something that will help authors.

**I did no editing, and my only comment is in italics. Everything else is hers alone. Here’s what she came up with.

There are three ways to write a hook for a fiction book. (I love her rhyme here.)

Most authors have one, but may use the same hook each time.

For instance, you may use imagery and precise language to vividly illustrate the scene to your reader. Or, you could start with a conflict and reveal it later in your story. You could also hook your reader with a question. But, if your hook is a yes or no question, readers won’t ponder it and think in depth.

By successfully using one of these three hooks, your fiction book will be well received.

What do you think? Do you use hooks with your audience?

With an upcoming inauguration, today’s tip explains the differences between two words that sound and may even be related:

Precedent refers to something that went before; it precedes something or serves as an example.

President refers to the leader of an organization. Records show the term was first used in the American colonies and is used in that manner in the U.S. Constitution.

So you could possibly say America set a precedent by creating the role of president.

This Tuesday Tip is a common mistake I see and it’s a bit tricky as well.

Envelope is a noun. It is a flat piece of paper you put a note in and seal. It is used to envelop documents.

• You put your love letters in an envelope.

Envelop is a verb. It means to surround completely.

• You envelop your loved ones in a hug.

And I would never forget your visual…

I love to use visuals for my Tuesday Tips and today is no exception. This morning Pickle asked if I’d used desert vs. dessert as a Tuesday Tip yet because she can never remember which is which. After telling her my tip about always wanting more dessert, she laughed and replied she’d never forget again. So, for Pickle, here is today’s Tuesday Tip.

Today’s Tuesday Tip will be short and sweet. I’m only going to use a graphic this week because I think it’s such a great explanation.

He threw the ball through the net.

It’s been a few weeks since we have had a Tuesday Tip. Today I’m sharing a tip that I ran across while working. Hopefully it helps someone.

Pail: A pail is a noun and it refers to a container or bucket that is used for holding or carrying something.

Pale: Pale is an adjective, verb or a noun. As an adjective it means weak or light in color. As a verb it means to become pale or seem less important. As a noun pale means a post or a boundary.

And you know I love visuals so here you go.

The Tuesday Tip this week is short and sweet.

A vial is a noun. It is a small (typically glass) container, usually with a cap.

Vile is an adjective. It means disgusting or morally reprehensible.

Here is a quick photo to help remember the distinction.

Today’s tip is short and sweet.

Here is an adverb meaning in, at or toward a location or position.

Hear is a verb meaning to listen or perceive sound.

A quick tip to remember the difference? Hear has the word ear in it. You use your ears to listen.

This week’s Tuesday Tip is short and sweet.

Aloud means using the voice.

Allowed is the past tense of the very allow. It means to give permission or let happen.

Here’s the picture for you visual learners.