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Set Story into Motion—Use Meaningful Verbs

October 11, 2013 by Fiction Editor Beth Hill

Verbs power your stories. Use accurate verbs to create the motion and emotion you want your story to have. This article includes tips for choosing verbs, including use of the passive voice.

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Dig Deep and Push Harder

September 17, 2013 by Fiction Editor Beth Hill

A reminder to layer on the emotional hits so the reader will feel them. Use knockout lines or zingers when that works for a scene, but don’t be hesitant about pushing, about hitting the emotional button again and again.

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Getting Back to Work and into the Rhythm of Writing

August 28, 2013 by Fiction Editor Beth Hill

It’s time for a bit of encouragement. After a summer filled with activities that eat into your writing time, it’s time to get back into the rhythm and flow of creating, of linking events and characters and details into stories that readers clamor for.

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Introduction to Description

August 9, 2013 by Fiction Editor Beth Hill

Description in fiction paints the story world and characters for readers, gives substance to a world wholly unfamiliar to the readers. Learn some tips for working with description.

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Setting Details—Mastering Technology

August 3, 2013 by Fiction Editor Beth Hill

Technology is part of a story’s setting. Remember to include technology, especially in contemporary stories, if you want setting and background to feel authentic.

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Grammatically Correct or Culturally Acceptable Wording

July 27, 2013 by Fiction Editor Beth Hill

The use of there’s for there are—is it acceptable?

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Overflow Comments for Post on Manuscript Format

July 25, 2013 by Fiction Editor Beth Hill

An overflow article for comments and questions regarding manuscript formatting.

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You Gotta Start Somewhere

July 15, 2013 by Fiction Editor Beth Hill

A discussion of where to begin writing, especially when you don’t know where to start. Included a reminder to decide on foundational issues before putting pen to paper.

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Treating Dependents and Subordinates Properly

July 12, 2013 by Fiction Editor Beth Hill

Help for setting up and using dependent (subordinate) clauses. Tips include when to use commas.

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Light a Fire Under Your Characters

July 8, 2013 by Fiction Editor Beth Hill

Characters need motivation to compel them to act when they otherwise wouldn’t. And writers have to supply the right motivation for the story events, the character, the genre, and the setting.

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