From mess to success: A writer’s guide to revision
A no-fear guide to revising your novel. Read More “From mess to success: A writer’s guide to revision”
Revision & Grammar
Ask The Writer: Does my character’s voice need to be grammatically correct?
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? Read More “Ask The Writer: Does my character’s voice need to be grammatically correct?”
Ask The Writer: What’s the Oxford comma?
Also known as the serial comma, this one pesky punctuation mark can cause a lot of confusion. Read More “Ask The Writer: What’s the Oxford comma?”
Spring-cleaning your fiction: How to tidy up a messy draft
Two surefire ways to ensure your manuscript is lean & clean before it meets an editor’s eye. Read More “Spring-cleaning your fiction: How to tidy up a messy draft”
How to be a good critique partner for another writer
Employ these best practices when you don an editorial cap. Read More “How to be a good critique partner for another writer”
Ask The Writer: Is “OK” or “okay” the correct spelling?
And what about the past tense? Read More “Ask The Writer: Is “OK” or “okay” the correct spelling?”
From the front lines: The magic of ekphrasis
Sometimes, good writing is about the pictures. Read More “From the front lines: The magic of ekphrasis”
Re-breaking the bone: Hard revisions lead to stronger manuscripts
In theory, we all know revision is hard. In practice, it’s downright devastating…but your writing will be all the better for the pain. Read More “Re-breaking the bone: Hard revisions lead to stronger manuscripts”
10 questions to help you hire an editor
Need an expert hand to whip your draft into shape? These questions can help you find the consultant that is best suited to help you. Read More “10 questions to help you hire an editor”
Recognize and make nominalizations work for you
Learn why nominalizations aren’t all bad, and how to actively choose to include them in your writing and not accidentally fall into their use. Read More “Recognize and make nominalizations work for you”
Featured Posts
5 things a personal essay needs to succeed (and sell)
Here are the five components that should be in any truthteller’s toolkit. Read More “5 things a personal essay needs to succeed (and sell)”
Gigi Will Know: Are editors sick of COVID-19 pitches yet?
“I want to write about the COVID-19 pandemic, but I’m worried literary journal editors are saturated with similar submissions.” Read More “Gigi Will Know: Are editors sick of COVID-19 pitches yet?”
Virtual learning opportunities for writers
Since conferences aren’t back on the table for most writers just yet, here are some online learning resources for craft-hungry scribes. Read More “Virtual learning opportunities for writers”