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Interview with an Exclamation Point

Miss Exclamation Point, thank you for coming to this interview. Let’s talk today about your life, the sources of your joy and strife. Today—No, every day—I’m tired. Without reprieve, I am required to punctuate line after line for those who think I am divine. Do you derive no sense of pride from knowing writers far and wide make use of you repeatedly? Do you not wish yourself to see? This may sound strange. I feel abused. These modern writers have refused to cease their reckless use of me. I should be used—but sparingly. These wayward writers, please advise. They will adhere if they are wise. To you who inundate your writing with ME, this charge may seem quite biting: Don’t use me as a substitute for words well-chosen. Be astute when strong emotions need expressing. Stop using me as window-dressing. Thank you for being here today. May your advice come into play each time we lift our pens to write, and may our use of you be slight!

Copyright © | Year Posted 2025




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Date: 5/5/2025 8:02:00 AM
Dear Janice, What a witty and insightful interview that gives voice to the often-overused exclamation point!!! With clever humor, that this punctuation mark is best reserved for true emotion and emphasis, not as a substitute for careful word choice. I remember the advice of grammar experts: use exclamation points sparingly, or risk diluting their power and turning strong writing into mere window-dressing. Amen! Spring Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel
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Janice Canerdy
Date: 5/5/2025 9:07:00 PM
Thanks a million for this GREAT review, Daniel!! OOPS! A college professor once told me to stop using so many exclamation marks. Janice
Date: 5/4/2025 1:41:00 PM
absolutely delightful, janice! (and yes, i think it's very much needed here...)
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Janice Canerdy
Date: 5/5/2025 7:09:00 AM
Thanks so much, Ilene! There, I used one too! And another . . . A college professor once told me what is basically the theme of this poem: I was using too many exclamation points. Janice
Date: 5/4/2025 12:52:00 PM
Ah this is such a creative and clever write dear Janice! I love it. I often tend to use exclamation marks alot when im commenting or messaging. But never when writing poetry. However the response of exclamation mark in your poem really made me smile and i thought its so creative! Pleasure reading this! Best wishes! Sending you light always
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Janice Canerdy
Date: 5/5/2025 7:13:00 AM
Thanks so much, Ink!! :-) A college professor told me to stop using so many exclamation points. I'll never forget that, though it happened over fifty years ago. Janice
Date: 5/4/2025 12:51:00 PM
Very nice. Thanks for sharing!
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Janice Canerdy
Date: 5/5/2025 7:14:00 AM
Thanks so much, Benjamin. Janice

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