Words & Deeds

July 18, 2015

Top 5 Grammar Rules Not to Break

Last week, I wrote about how you can break a few grammar rules for books and the internet (See How Good Does My Grammar Need to Be?). In the past week, however, I have seen a lot of writers who take the informal style a little too far. Here are my top five grammar rules you shouldn’t break for understandable...

Categories Grammar & Editing/Literary Devices & Writing Techniques Comments: 6

July 17, 2015

Show – Don’t Tell

The title of this blog was inspired by a bit of advice that I used to hear over and over again in undergrad: “Show – don’t tell.” Similar sayings include “actions speak louder than words” and “words are cheap.” Personally, I like “show – don’t tell” best because it gives a solution. Show. If I want Mr. Morris from next door...

Categories Characterization, Plot, & Setting/Creative Process/Literary Devices & Writing Techniques Comments: 2

July 16, 2015

Finishing Move!

Robert A. Heinlein’s rules of writing: You must write, You must finish what you start, You must refrain from rewriting except to editorial order, You must put your story on the market, and You must keep it on the market until it has sold.

Categories Quotes, Words, & Phrases Comments: 0

July 15, 2015

Going to Book Signings

If you want to be an author, one of the most helpful ways to learn besides writing is to talk to published authors – listen to them speak, ask questions, etc. Fortunately, many authors do book signings or talks as a way of making money or marketing their work. These are great opportunities to see them talk and ask them...

Categories General Thoughts & Updates Comments: 0

July 14, 2015

Fun Word #1: Water Doesn’t Count

Categories Humor & Wordplay/Quotes, Words, & Phrases Comments: 0

July 13, 2015

What Does the Story Need to Be Told?

Again and again in novel-writing classes, they talk about “what the story needs to be told.” What details need to be there and what don’t. Their main point is that every scene and every moment of the book should be adding to the setting, characterization, plot, mood, etc. This is something I have had trouble with from the beginning. The...

Categories Creative Process/Literary Devices & Writing Techniques Comment: 1

July 12, 2015

Writing Prompt: First Lines

A popular method of writing prompt is to give the first line and let the author take it from there. Here are 5 first lines for you to choose from: “There’s only two of them.” Somehow, Leonard was sure he could have handled the situation better with two socks on. 4 AM was quite possibly the worst time to be...

Categories Dialogue/Just for Fun/Writing Prompts Comments: 0

July 11, 2015

How Good Does My Grammar Need to Be?

The answer to this question is complicated. When it comes to blog articles, I write pretty casually. I use “I” and “you” all the time. My paragraphs are full of contractions and fragments. From a grammar perspective, I’m definitely breaking a lot of rules. What level of grammar is appropriate depends on what you’re writing and for whom. If you’re...

Categories Grammar & Editing/Literary Devices & Writing Techniques Comments: 0

July 10, 2015

Who’s Driving This Plot?

How often have you gotten mad at a book because a character did something he just wouldn’t do? Let’s call him Joe. After reading about Joe for a couple hundred pages, I feel like I know Joe pretty well. He’s a tough guy who loves the old farmhouse he renovated. If Joe suddenly decides to sell his house to developers...

Categories Creative Process/Literary Devices & Writing Techniques Comments: 3

July 9, 2015

Easy Schmeasy

Categories Creative Process/Humor & Wordplay/Quotes, Words, & Phrases Comments: 0