#11 — Different types of dashes In writing, there are three main dashes you come across: a hyphen (-), an en dash (–), and an em dash (—). I've seen writers confuse them all the time. However, these are easy fixes. It's all about understanding the difference between them. A hyphen (-) is the most … Continue reading Common writing mistakes #11
Tag: number
First lines given – #9
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 Innerdialects! She said: I decided to go in a different direction than I normally go in. Here's the result: It seemed like a good start. It had that edge, that … Continue reading First lines given – #9
What credentials should you put in your query letter?
At the end of a query letter, it's important to write something about yourself. But...what do you write? Some people write about where they got their college degrees from. Or perhaps how long they've been working on this manuscript. But is that necessary? Let's find out! Degrees (BA OR MFA) Degrees are usually only necessary … Continue reading What credentials should you put in your query letter?
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
For your new literary agent
When searching for a literary agent, some people think about only their query letter. But usually agents ask for more. Synopsis These are not always the most fun, but they do point out your plot right off the back. Does it all flow together? Does it make sense? Is there a spot where it may … Continue reading For your new literary agent
Should we write what we read?
They say to write what you read, but I think that confines us in a way. If we only write what we read, must we always read something we love? I'd only read fantasy/sci-fi then, never knowing any nonfiction or poetry much. I'd limit myself the number of stories I dive into. My world would … Continue reading Should we write what we read?
Happy birthday
Heyyyyyy! Happy birthday!I hope your day is going good so far.Even though this moment is the lastPart of the day I’ll consider “your day.” Uh, here’s a gift—just for you!I put in the considerable amount of time.I hope you shop where everyone shops.Here’s a gift card to Target, Walmart…Amazon?I guess it matters that you made … Continue reading Happy birthday
Book review – To Be or Not To Be: A Chooseable-Path Adventure (Spoiler Free)
“This was a really amazing part of your adventure, Hamlet. You’re sure that, should you ever one day write a book about this story or perhaps a stage production, you’d DEFINITELY include this scene. Why, you’d have to be literally [ridiculous] to write a story where you journey to England, get attacked by pirates—actual pirates!—but … Continue reading Book review – To Be or Not To Be: A Chooseable-Path Adventure (Spoiler Free)
A writer’s inner fight
There are deadlines for my deadlinesShould I set another one?Print the page out and mark it upIs one word the difference betweenAcceptance and rejection? A house or a home?A school or a dictatorship?What's the difference betweenNinety-nine words and a hundred?Should I edit this another day? The deadline was thirty days awayNow it's six or sevenI … Continue reading A writer’s inner fight
My number #1 trick to editing novels
Manuscripts are hard to edit. There's tons of notepads and factual lists to keep up with. The whole editing process can seem overwhelming. The best tip I've found is almost not even considered editing at all. Because instead of editing, I rewrite. I’ve mentioned rewriting on here before. I put my old manuscript on the top … Continue reading My number #1 trick to editing novels
Robin LeeAnn 