#20 — Small, repeating phrases Sometimes, small phrases end up repeating themselves. But if they're shortened, that will tighten up the story's prose. Here are some examples: Climbed up -> Climbed If you climb something, you're usually going up toward the top. So, can drop up and leave climbed by itself. I climbed up the … Continue reading Common writing mistakes #20
Tag: long
Book review – Bone Crier’s Moon (Spoiler Free)
“I picture the shark's grotesque face. I see her trying to wring the life out of Ailesse. She isn't majestic like the alpine ibex or beautiful like the peregrine falcon. She isn't even charming like the fire salamander. I won't mourn to see her dead. But does that mean she deserves to die?” Title: Bone … Continue reading Book review – Bone Crier’s Moon (Spoiler Free)
First lines given – #4
Welcome to First Lines Given! If that sentence confuses you, here's a link to where I explain what this is. Today's first line is by LJ! She said: Love the imagery in this one. Here's the result: I looked out the window at the rain trickling down the glass. The droplets raced each other down. … Continue reading First lines given – #4
The Real Neat Blog Award
A huge thank you to Nen and Jen for nominating me! It was such a lovely surprise. If you haven't checked out their website, go do so. They have an awesome blog about everything books over on their side. Please check them out! The Rules: Display the award logo.Thank the blogger who nominated you and … Continue reading The Real Neat Blog Award
Can you stop writing—take a break—for “too long”?
On the first day of class, eighteen students sat in a circle, facing each other as awkward as can be. We didn't really look at each other, and most of us had no idea what we were doing there. Our teacher leaned forward and turned to look at each of us. She asked how long … Continue reading Can you stop writing—take a break—for “too long”?
“Freelancer” or another title?
Sometimes using the term freelance editor makes the job seem easier than it actually is. Carefree. Simple. But it's more like running a small business than anything else. Freelancers have tax assessments to do, cliental to keep up with, projects to handle, breaks to plan, money to manage, etc. It's not something people think about … Continue reading “Freelancer” or another title?
Keep on writing
A great writing quote I've found is from Octavia Bulter. “You don’t start out writing good stuff. You start out writing crap and thinking it’s good stuff, and then gradually you get better at it.That’s why I say one of the most valuable traits is persistence.”― Octavia E. Butler Writing is a craft that takes … Continue reading Keep on writing
One of the greatest mistakes
I've mentioned that beta readers are useful on here before, which most of them are. But some can be harmful. A beta reader edited my novel a couple of years ago. He didn't read through it all though, but instead tore it apart and asked me to write it again. I thought through his advice … Continue reading One of the greatest mistakes
Lost by the train
Life is unattainable sometimesIt’s just out of desires’ reachNothing more than another billAnd another time to clock in After a while, the rhythm lingersNot in difficulty, but in tensionPressure comes from all directionsAnd it doesn’t stop for anything So, we’re back at the railroad againDid you see when the next train comes?I’m not sure I … Continue reading Lost by the train
NaNoWriMo Update!
We're a bit over halfway through National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) right now. No matter how many words you've written, remember that you're an amazing writer and have accomplished something. I'm proud of what you've done so far. You've done an awesome job! For me? I'm at 25,099 words. I still got a long way … Continue reading NaNoWriMo Update!
Robin LeeAnn 