You may have heard it said that good writers are those who read. Chances are you already love reading. Each of us has our own tastes and preferences when it comes to reading. Some love action books, others prefer a sweet romance. And within each book genre there are many flavors, so that one action […]
Writing Lesson 2.15 – Weasel Words
December 10, 2010 By Leave a Comment
A weasel is a small carnivorous mammal with short legs and elongated body. We associate them with sneaky tendencies. The term can also describe a treacherous or deceptive person. Writers use the phrase “weasel words” to denote unnecessary phrases or extra words that sneak into a manuscript and ruin our well-crafted sentences. Every writer has […]
Writing Lesson 2.10 – Metaphor
November 5, 2010 By Leave a Comment
(Guest Post by Shelly Dippel) . . . or How to Take the Shortcut to Brilliance The sun was a ball of fire. The road was a snake slithering through the countryside. What did you picture when you read these two sentences? Flames lapping at the sky? Clouds lit up with a pink glow? A […]
Writing Lesson 2.9 – 10 Common Mistakes Writers Make
October 22, 2010 By 1 Comment
After teaching writing and critiquing many chapters for the past several years, I’ve come up with a list of the common mistakes I see in manuscripts.
Writing Lesson 2.5 – The Five Senses in Fiction
September 24, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Good fiction writers make use of the five senses to immerse readers deep into the story world and to layer in emotions and moods.
