Write well. Write often. Edit wisely.
Even professional writers might need a review of comma use. See what the wrong use of commas can do to a reader who otherwise loves your story.
Continue reading No Comma Necessary—Coordinating Conjunctions Don’t Always Need Commas »
Plot, setting, and character are the three major elements of fiction. Get an overview of what they do and how they interact.
Continue reading Plot, Setting, and Character—Fiction’s Top 3 »
Rules are important in writing—of course they are—because they help the writer convey meaning and emotion and story in the best possible manner for his readers. Yet, adherence to the rules at the wrong time can create soulless fiction. A reminder to create with abandon.
Writers have dual sides to their creativity. Both freewheeling Creative Genius and stern Editing Witch are necessary for the crafting of quality fiction and entertaining novels.
In good fiction, characters act in ways that make sense for who they are. When their actions are out of character, the fiction is weakened and readers no longer believe the words on the page. Learn about character motivation and how to weave it into your story.
Writing teachers pound it into us. Books on writing repeat it until we feel we’ve been beaten. And if we’re brave enough to put our work in front of our peers for review, we are pounded yet again—Show, Don’t Tell, our critics intone. But what is meant by this frequently repeated advice?
We all need help with the rules of grammar and punctuation, but sometimes we don’t know what we don’t know. This list can help you with a few rules you might not be familiar with.
Continue reading Rules of Grammar & Punctuation—The Weird, Odd, or Unfamiliar »
Want to know if your reason for writing a novel is valid? It is. Whatever gets you to start and then complete your story is a legitimate reason to write.
Continue reading Why Write a Novel—Your Reason is the Right One »
We add dialogue to our fiction so our characters can communicate. But we also use their dialogue to mis-communicate, to increase tension, to get our characters into trouble. Learn what dialogue can and should do.
Story-specific words add an extra dimension to a story. They are beyond correct punctuation and grammar. They are deeper than plot and characterization. They go to a third level of writing, a level that deals with layers and symbols and meaning and rhythm. Mastery of the elements at this level assures the writer that each story is not only a good read but a great work.
Continue reading Story-specific Words—Fitting Word to Story »
The reader will focus on what stands out. Turn the reader's attention where you want it to go.
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freelance editors, and everyone who loves words
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Copyright © 2010-2018 E. A. Hill Visit Beth at A Novel Edit
Write well. Write often. Edit wisely.
