Dialogue is critical. It’s not necessary, but in stories where it’s present, it needs to flow and keep the story going. That can be hard though. Small talk keeps the story still. Sometimes dialogue can feel like an info dump. So, how do we keep it interesting? Goals Give every character a goal—usually a different … Continue reading 3 tips to spice up your dialogue
Tag: helps
One big tip for knowing how you’ve gotten a good editor
Editing is essential. As writers, we all need some type of editing. Even me, who is trained in editing, is not the best editor for my own work. There are mistakes that our brains cannot find in our stories, our children. So, editors become our biggest helpers. What's great is that some editors will give … Continue reading One big tip for knowing how you’ve gotten a good editor
Common writer mistakes #3
#3 — Repeating words for emphasis In some cases, repeating words helps. “Please, Elie,” I begged. “You have to do this. You know how much it means to me. Please.” Notice how please repeats? It doesn't overdo the dialogue since they're separated out. It feels smooth. On the other hand, I’ve seen writers use the word … Continue reading Common writer mistakes #3
Common writer mistakes #1
#1 — Using multiple adjectives "The house on the hill was old, broken, and abandoned. I always passed it on my way home. It stared back at me with its empty, death-glaring, sick eyes." Adjectives help, but too many of them back-to-back can weigh down a story. It sounds more like a bumpy ride on … Continue reading Common writer mistakes #1
What writers need to know about developmental editing (basics)
Confused about editing? Editing has many more forms than just "editing." There is "developmental editing," "copyediting," "proofreading," and more. At the ACES conference, I learned more about developmental editing. Developmental editing is about the bigger picture. It helps the writer with their plot, scenes, voice, structure, and more. This kind of editing cares about looking … Continue reading What writers need to know about developmental editing (basics)
How a doctor’s appointment helped me think about marketing
My phone buzzed. Reminder: your doctor’s appointment is scheduled for tomorrow, March 27th, at 2:00pm. I nodded along, half paying attention. I already had two different reminders from my wall calendars. I opened up another tab on Google Chrome when my laptop dinged. Doctor’s appointment is tomorrow. Thanks. My laptop ran slow though since my … Continue reading How a doctor’s appointment helped me think about marketing
Where to meet other writers and get connections
Writing is an isolated lifestyle since most of it happens alone. But making connections and getting yourself out there is a key for writers. One of the best ways to meet other writers/editors is at conferences. At conferences, you can learn new concepts and understand your craft better. You'll also get to meet a variety … Continue reading Where to meet other writers and get connections
Difference in success
At an English Major panel, I got advice for success in life-after-graduation. It was a cozy room, stuffed with English nerds. Afterwards, I talked with a professional author. One of the first sentences she said was, "I don't agree with what she said during the panel." She pointed towards a CEO in the publishing field. … Continue reading Difference in success
A writer’s journey (part six) – editing jobs
Being able to write well isn’t the only thing it takes to be a writer. I’ve found that being a valuable editor has helped me with my writing as well. Editors have a keen eye for a troubled story. They know the difference between when to use a comma and when to leave the words … Continue reading A writer’s journey (part six) – editing jobs
Writing exposure help
The writing world can feel disconnected. We sit in a room and edit by ourselves, wishing for the best. But we can't get our stories out there if we don't have at least a few more conversations than that. One of the best ways I've found to connect with other writers is through Facebook groups. In … Continue reading Writing exposure help
