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”
Revision & Grammar
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”
Clean copy: What it is, why it matters, and how to produce it
Submitting copy that needs little fixing is an editor’s dream. Here is how you can start writing cleaner. Read More “Clean copy: What it is, why it matters, and how to produce it”
Ask The Writer: Is it alright to use multiple question marks?
We answer a reader’s question about the best way to show that a character is confused. Read More “Ask The Writer: Is it alright to use multiple question marks?”
Drafting those many drafts: The 10 revision phases
Before your novel is ready for publication, it should endure each of these draft phases first. Read More “Drafting those many drafts: The 10 revision phases”
The hard edits: Why every writer needs an editor/friend
Good friends save us from embarrassment. A good editor should, too. Read More “The hard edits: Why every writer needs an editor/friend”
Ask the Writer: Cumulative sentences
The Writer explains what cumulative sentences are and how authors used them to enhance their short stories. Read More “Ask the Writer: Cumulative sentences”
Cut the fat: Make your writing lean and clean
No one wants to slog through entangling vines, no matter how pretty. Here are some common offenders. Read More “Cut the fat: Make your writing lean and clean”
Featured Posts
Opportunities for Writers: February 2023 Calls for Submissions
February 2023 Calls for Submissions These are the writing opportunities and contests that caught our eye and are published in the February issue of The … Read More “Opportunities for Writers: February 2023 Calls for Submissions”
Consistency across your YA series
The key to writing a great YA series (or MG series) is knowing your characters and plotlines inside and out – while giving yourself the flexibility to modify things when needed. Here are four things to live by when writing a series, based on tips from middle grade and young adult authors who have been there. Read More “Consistency across your YA series”
25 Sensory Writing Prompts to Improve Detail & Description
By most accounts, there are more than five senses. Some experts say there are seven, some as many as 20. But narrowing in on at least the five classical senses can lend a much-needed “sense” of detail to your writing. Here are five prompts for each of those five classic senses. Read More “25 Sensory Writing Prompts to Improve Detail & Description”