Write well. Write often. Edit wisely.
There is not only one way to write a sentence, a scene, a chapter, or a story. Writing a novel isn’t only about plugging in words and events and scenes in accordance with a formula. It’s writing with skill and artistry.
Apparently some in the writing community think semicolons have no place in fiction. But all punctuation has a purpose and can be put to use in novels and short stories.
Continue reading Punctuation in Fiction—Are There Prohibitions? »
Some writing rules are not rules, certainly not rules that must be followed to craft understandable and engaging stories. Let’s look at some of the rules we can toss out.
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.
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 »
The reader will focus on what stands out. Turn the reader's attention where you want it to go.
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Write well. Write often. Edit wisely.
