Adverbs – Part Three
The Dreaded LYs
When discussing adverbs in regards to writing fiction, the kind we’re usually talking about are the ly words – like clearly, dearly, and madly.
Many high-brow critics complain that the use of… Continue reading
Adverbs – Part Two
What Words Serve as Both Adjectives & Adverbs?
Yes, some words can serve as both adjectives and adverbs.
- He swung hard with a right hook.
Here, hard serves as an adverb which modifies the verb swung.
- When… Continue reading
Adverbs – Part One
What is an Adverb?
An adverb is a word that modifies a verb, an adjective, or another adverb.
Here’s some examples:
Adjective Form:
- happy
- clear
- close
- dear
- perfect
Adverb Form:
- happily
- clearly
- closely
- dearly
- perfectly
Of course,… Continue reading
World Building – Information Dumps in Your Story
Are You Overwhelming Your Readers?
Have you ever run across a prologue like this:
(usually in sci-fi books)
Captain Briggs took the helm and began shouting orders. “Ensign, optimize the traspositional filtration valves to ignite the gravitational destabilizers.”… Continue reading
Sentence Fragments – Stylistic Choice?
Should I Use Sentence Fragments?
Sentence fragments.
Who cares? You? Me?
Anyone?
Depends.
Writing nonfiction?
Probably wouldn’t.
Work, that is.
Writing fiction?
Could be.
Depends.
On what?
Style.
Rewriting and Revising Before You Edit
How Many Manuscript Drafts Should You Go Through?
When working on a book of any kind, if you haven’t gone through a minimum of three drafts, you probably don’t have a finished product.
The first draft should be… Continue reading
Edit Your Book
Why You Should Edit Before You Send to An Editor
Whether you’re publishing your book yourself, sending to an agent, or to a publisher follow these important tips.
When you’re getting ready to send your manuscript off, always… Continue reading
Active Versus Passive Voice
Engage Your Reader with Active Voice in Your Writing
While it has it’s uses – mostly in business writing – passive voice is considered weak and unappealing.
Technically speaking, voice is determined by the property of a transitive… Continue reading
Fine Tuning Your Manuscript – Part Three
Engage Your Characters in Their Setting
When you’re characters interact through dialogue, make them interact as well with their surroundings.
There should be a continual interplay of character and setting. Examine your dialogue sections to ensure they don’t… Continue reading
Fine Tuning Your Manuscript – Part Two
The Three S's - Scene, Setting, and Senses
Stories don’t occur in a bubble.
They have to be set in a real and believable place. And what makes a scene or setting, is detail.
And what makes the… Continue reading
Fine Tuning Your Manuscript – Part One
You've Written "The End" - But Is Your Book Ready?
Okay, so you’ve finally reached the magic words, The End.
But is it really?
Are you done?
Have you really finished your book?
Chances are, you haven’t.… Continue reading
Simple Steps to Editing Success
Editing Your Final Draft
Whether you’re self-publishing your book, sending to an editor, or to a publishing company — ideally you want to send your ultimate best work — even if you’re having someone else edit it for… Continue reading