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Don’t Explain, Don’t Explain, Don’t Explain

March 3, 2015 by Fiction Editor Beth Hill

Excessive and unnecessary explanations can weaken the dramatic and emotional impact of sentences. Learn why explanations are often unnecessary and annoying.

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Twist Words to Surprise Readers

April 27, 2013 by Fiction Editor Beth Hill

Use word choices to make your stories stand out, to involve readers in the fiction. Tips for twisting common words into memorable passages.

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Cut the Flab—Make Every Word Count

January 22, 2013 by Fiction Editor Beth Hill

Unnecessary words can burden your stories with flab, make them sag. The wrong words can even diffuse the impact you’re trying to create. Be alert for these phrases and words that can dull your fiction.

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Purposes for Connecting Words into Story

October 2, 2012 by Fiction Editor Beth Hill

Why write? Why sit at a desk and connect words into scenes and stories? One reason is to entertain readers. But writers don’t only entertain readers. Great writers and good stories can change a reader’s life.

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That’s Not a Real Word

July 2, 2012 by Fiction Editor Beth Hill

You’re a fiction writer? Then by all means feel free to make up words for your story world.

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Novel Writing Isn’t Paint by Numbers

February 5, 2012 by Fiction Editor Beth Hill

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.

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Clothe Characters Well—Choose Words that Fit

October 7, 2011 by Fiction Editor Beth Hill

Stories can gain strength and meaning when the words we use suit characters and genre and story events. Create memorable stories by clothing characters with words that fit.

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Character Voices Shouldn’t Sound Like Yours

September 15, 2011 by Fiction Editor Beth Hill

Characters should use words specific to their backgrounds and histories, and not sound like the author who created them. Explore the importance of word choice for characters.

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Word Choices—Contractions and Dialect

June 28, 2011 by Fiction Editor Beth Hill

Using contractions and writing in dialect are only two categories of word choices a writer must face. Explore the use of contractions and dialect in fiction.

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Write What You Know? Maybe Not

June 17, 2011 by Fiction Editor Beth Hill

Most writers have heard the instruction that says to write what you know. I suggest that writers instead write about subjects that move them. Write from your passions.

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