In my current story, my grammar check keeps adding “and” before some of my sentences that include “then.” For example: “We took off, then he called.” It happens a lot with this narrator. When I add the “and,” the sentence sounds wrong. Is there another way to deal with this?
Also known as the serial comma, this one pesky punctuation mark can cause a lot of confusion.
And what about the past tense?
“Writers are often instructed to use only one point of view in a novel. However, I note that some authors use multiple points of view – often in the same chapter. Are multiple points of view OK if transitions are not jarring and the reader isn’t overloaded?”
We offer some advice to help you untangle the distinctions between the two categories.
We answer a reader’s question about the best way to end each book in their series.
We answer a reader’s question about the best way to show that a character is confused.
How should you name the fictional places in your story?
Are historical fiction and creative nonfiction interchangeable or are there definite differences between the two?
Should I improve my writing before I really get too far into my novel to avoid major rewrites?
A quick-and-dirty guide for finding an agent.
Can I use spelling that a character would write in a text?
How can a writer keep current events fresh and meaningful to later audiences?
Ask The Writer: At what point are classes no longer useful?
Ask the Writer: What tense should I use when describing a novel?
There’s no right answer, but some choices are definitely better than others.
It’s important to clarify for the reader what kind of information he or she is getting when you repurpose true events.
Not sure if your query needs a cover letter? Our “Ask The Writer” expert weighs in.
Pay attention to where your mind and imagination wander. You will find your inspiration there.
Add to FavoritesQ: How do I begin a story that needs a lot of explanation? For example, when it takes place in another time or … Read More “How do I begin a story that needs a lot of explanation? For example, when it takes place in another time or if the character has an extraordinary skill?”
And what happens if you write a poem about a poem?