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The Importance of Asking “How”
Most writers are familiar with the six journalistic questions. The first four are who, what, when, and where. Every writer, whether they write fiction or nonfiction, needs to answer these questions in every story or book. As a practical matter, writers almost always do answer them...
Rhyme and Meter
Today, I’m writing about two devices many poets struggle with; rhyme and meter. Both concepts have for the most part been abandoned in modern poetry, but both can still be productive and effective when used correctly. Poetry is all about voice and word choice; rhyme...
How to be a Superb Commenter at your Writing Group
Writers’ groups are meetings where authors gather to read their work and get critiques from others. They often meet weekly or every other week. Usually, writers of just about any genre and skill level are welcome. Whether you are reading or commenting you can learn...
Getting the Most Out of a Writing Group
Writers’ groups are meetings where authors gather to read their work and get critiques from others. They typically meet weekly or every other week. Usually writers of just about any genre and skill level are welcome. Whether you are reading or commenting you can learn...
Using Foreshadowing and Tie Backs
Foreshadowing and Tie Backs are two useful literary tools. Foreshadowing means a writer provides a hint about an upcoming event. Here’s an example from my first novel, with a news reporter speaking to my protagonist. The foreshadowing passage goes like this “I ran across Bradshaw...
Show or Tell, But Not Both—Usually
Showing instead of telling is one of the first tips new writers learn. Newbies may write, “he looked embarrassed,” but as they gain experience they write, “he covered his face with his hands.” Now we know he’s embarrassed without having to be told. However, for some...
Use The Psychology of Threes to Enhance Your Writing
You’ve no doubt noticed how often items are grouped into threes. Because you’re a writer, think about well-known stories . . . Goldilocks and the Three Bears . . . the Three Little Pigs . . . the Three Musketeers. Marketing slogans often use three...
Real Consequences, Real Heroes
Here’s a common story in literature: A rebellious child goes against the wishes of a parent. As a result, this child causes all kinds of trouble for the family and society. This theme is present within two stories I enjoyed reading, both with a female protagonist who...
Who is Your Target Audience?
There’s an old story about a man who invented a new product. Someone asked him, “who is your product for?” “It’s for everybody!” he replied. It wasn’t, because no product, no matter how vital it may seem, will appeal to every person on the planet. The same...
Using Proper Punctuation and Structure in Dialogue
I recently edited a book that included the sentences below. Both contain common punctuation errors. (I changed the details to protect the writer’s privacy.) “I can see you’re surprised,” he raised an eyebrow. “Tell me more about your day.” She said with a...