Since Xomba is a writing community, learning how to be a better writer is something of interest to all of us. Even though I've been writing for more than two decades there are still aspects of grammar that I just can't seem to get right. (When Antonia Dwells explained the subjunctive in a comment last week, I actually saved it to my hard drive for future reference.) Since I have an aversion to reading grammar texts and reference guides, I was glad to come across a useful podcast on writing the other day called "Grammar Girl's Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing."

Grammar Girl a short, friendly, four-minute audio program that covers a different aspect of grammar, punctuation, usage, or business writing in each episode, often using handy tricks to help you remember. It comes out a couple of times a week and you can subscribe for free through iTunes and other podcast programs, which means that each episode is delivered right to your computer. (If you don't want to download the episodes, you can listen online at the Grammar Girl Web site [above], which also includes transcripts of each episode.)

I haven't listened to all the episodes, but some recent ones have tackled topics such as:
* how to use acronyms and other abbreviations
* when to use "affect" and "effect"
* using prepositions properly
* when and how to use commas
* how to use measurements (liters, inches, etc.) and abbreviations for them when writing
* good ideas for an opening sentence for an article or paper

Every so often she answers questions sent in by readers.

And yes, Grammar Girl has an episode on using the subjunctive, in case you don't want to go digging through the bowels of Xomba to find Antonia's comment.