I started this new feature about two months or so ago, but various tiny things (publishing a new book, pneumonia, stuff like that) got in the way of a lot of my blogging. So, now that at least the Kindle version of That Darkest Place is out there, and the print version is underway, I thought I’d try to get back to my normal blogging routine.

As it happens, I just noticed (for the third time, recently) a misused word. Perfect fodder for today’s #WhyWriteWrong post. And here it is: Unchartered vs Uncharted.

Almost always, the writer is trying to say something is new territory. Unexplored. Unknown. Unmapped. It’s that last one that should help the most. Maps = charts. If you are describing a new place, idea, or even a situation, uncharted is what you want.

A charter is a contract, agreement, or license. If you are writing about a corporation or other group entity that is newly formed, then you might actually want to describe it as unchartered.

For the most part, however, something akin to “uncharted waters” is likely the direction you’re heading.

And there you have it. Sail on with your day now, hopefully not into uncharted waters . . . unless you are up for an adventure. In that case, happy explorations!