#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: repeat
A poem of mine got published!
One of my poems got published with Sheila-Na-Gig, and it's up! I am one of eight poets chosen for the Under Age 30 section. You can check it out here. I had the first stanza stuck in my head while wandering around a Target back in 2020. I'm not sure where the words came from. … Continue reading A poem of mine got published!
Common writing mistakes #14
#14 — Misusing commas I've done one of these on commas before. I had talked about using commas to continuously add information to a sentence. But I haven't talked about when to use a comma and when not to. Commas are complicated. What tends to get overlooked with them though is independent clauses and dependent … Continue reading Common writing mistakes #14
Brave to mention (haikus)
i. They knew the kind youBut I knew you when your handsShouted your anger ii. My words could repeatYour actions but no one wouldBelieve a small mouse Copyright © Robin LeeAnn
Common writing mistakes #6
#6 — Unnecessary details The plot is coming along. We're getting to an important moment—but wait! I forgot to mention something. Let me write it down because it's important. But now the reader is wondering why I stopped the story to describe something in the middle of the chapter. As a writer myself, I get … Continue reading Common writing mistakes #6
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
Inspiration for the late bloomers
I found a great quote from Sarah Anderson, and I thought I'd repeat it for all my fellow artists out there: It's okay to be a late bloomer. Everyone moves at their own pace. The pressure to do things at a specific time in your life takes away the vital space and thoughtfulness needed to … Continue reading Inspiration for the late bloomers
2020 writing goals
Happy New Year (a day early), everyone! Since it's a new year, it's time to make some writing goals. I wasn't able to complete my goals from last year. But I did take a lot of steps to complete them, and I have a pile of rejection letters to prove it. So, 2020 is a … Continue reading 2020 writing goals
Common writing 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 writing mistakes #3
A different kind of story
I don't know about you, but I always like different kinds of stories. Not the same love stories that repeat on the radio, movies, and books. But rather stories that you can't quite describe by saying, "Oh! This story's like my other favorite show." It has a bit of uniqueness that is hard to describe. … Continue reading A different kind of story
Robin LeeAnn 