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Get Skilled

June 13, 2019 by Fiction Editor Beth Hill

You’ll find a lot of articles at this blog that encourage the new writer. Writers come to writing for many reasons, and not all will have a background in writing, fiction, or literature. And while I will forever encourage writers to begin writing at any time and for whatever reason, I do want to further […]

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Hold Off on Polishing

May 30, 2018 by Fiction Editor Beth Hill

Don’t bother trying to polish a first or second draft. Because of the changes you’ll make to subsequent drafts, a polish before its time is a waste of time.

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Practice Leads to Strong Performance

July 17, 2017 by Fiction Editor Beth Hill

Practice for both ball players and writers is a necessary activity. Don’t shortchange yourself and your skills by skipping writing practice.

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Be Bold and Assertive

March 4, 2017 by Fiction Editor Beth Hill

Don’t apologize for your characters or try to hide or downplay the kind of people they are. Write characters and story events without hesitation.

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Your Own Something Special

February 4, 2017 by Fiction Editor Beth Hill

Many writers have a “something other” that makes their writing style and their stories stand out. Explore your own something other and learn to play it up to create memorable fiction.

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Please Learn the Rules

December 19, 2016 by Fiction Editor Beth Hill

Help your readers by learning the rules. Sometimes even big publishers don’t edit as they should—therefore you’ve got to do it yourself. Bad grammar and punctuation can turn away even the most determined reader.

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Welcome Students and Educators

September 8, 2016 by Fiction Editor Beth Hill

Links to useful articles on grammar, punctuation, and writing fiction, especially helpful for students and educators beginning a new school year.

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Entertain the Reader

June 5, 2016 by Fiction Editor Beth Hill

Entertain the reader by telling a good story. Make readers want to read what you write.

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When the Emperor is Naked, Tell Him

May 14, 2016 by Fiction Editor Beth Hill

When you’re in a position to tell writers that a story needs more work before it’s published, tell them. Don’t let writers strut proudly around thinking they’ve mastered storytelling techniques, the fiction elements, and grammar if they haven’t. Share your knowledge.

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No Golden Words or Sacred Cows

November 19, 2015 by Fiction Editor Beth Hill

Any word or line of text in a fiction manuscript can be changed. There are no golden sentences or sacred utterings that should stand unchallenged as you rewrite and edit. Writers should expect that the first draft will need extensive changes.

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