In college writing classes, we sit in a tight circle, facing each other. Sometimes, we critique our own works; other times we discuss writing. But one time—and only once—everyone raised their voices against what I suggested. I disagreed with the author using the word said for every single dialogue tag. I raised my hand and … Continue reading Is “said” worthless?
Tag: should
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?
Should we keep writing ideas written down?
I have my own stash of writing ideas hidden away, but it's like I'm storing them for nothing. I don't even think I've looked at my journal ideas for over a year now. I check the ones on Pinterest every once in a while, but sometimes that's even is rare. It's like I find all … Continue reading Should we keep writing ideas written down?
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”?
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?
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)
Want to write great characters?
I found a great quote about writing characters on Pinterest the other day. "Something I recently learned about writing is that a character should never stop feeling flawed. It doesn't matter how much (positive) development they go through, a realistic character doesn't completely erase their flaws at the end of the story, and that's okay! You're never … Continue reading Want to write great characters?
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
Getting rid of Shakespeare
As an English major, I have joined the clubs of I-have-read-too-many-Shakespeare-plays-to-count and when-can-I-stop-reading-Hamlet-even-though-it's-my-favorite. It seems that I can't spend a semester without Shakespeare. But one of my professors, who is also an English advisor, discussed making Shakespeare not a requirement with my senior class. Both sides explained their opinions. Some students felt Shakespeared out and some … Continue reading Getting rid of Shakespeare
Robin LeeAnn 