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Image of How Not to Write a Novel: 200 Classic Mistakes and How to Avoid Them--A Misstep-by-Misstep Guide

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What About Adverbs—A Reader’s Question

on January 15th, 2012 by Fiction Editor Beth Hill

Many modern writers are discouraged from using adverbs. But adverbs have their uses. And no part of speech should be banned from the writer’s toolkit.

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Tags: adverb, dialogue tag Posted in: A Reader Asks..., Craft & Style

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Use and Misuse of Dialogue Tags

on December 25th, 2010 by Fiction Editor Beth Hill

We’ve all laughed at humorous dialogue tags, at the Tom Swifties and wacky phrases produced by creative tags. Learn more about dialogue tags and why simple is best.

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Tags: attribution, dialogue tag Posted in: Craft & Style, Writing Tips

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Punctuation in Dialogue

on December 8th, 2010 by Fiction Editor Beth Hill

Punctuating dialogue correctly can help readers follow your story with fewer distractions. Check out the rules of dialogue punctuation.

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Tags: dialogue, dialogue tag, writing tools Posted in: Grammar & Punctuation

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So maybe it's not only about the words. It's about syntax. And plot. And action. It's voice and pacing and dialogue...

It's about characters with character.

It's about putting the words together to touch, to entertain, to move the reader.

So, yeah, maybe it's all about the words...

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The reader will focus on what stands out. Turn the reader's attention where you want it to go.

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