Common writing mistakes #20

#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

I asked for poetry advice once and…

I asked for poetry advice once. Gave out a few poems. Out of the two that answered, only one responded. What I got was: "Read more poetry books." I've read poetry, but I asked for a critique. So, I only assumed that my work was terrible. A disaster. I'm not sure what else to think … Continue reading I asked for poetry advice once and…

A tip for a troubled writer

The road is rough; I know. But think about the last time you saw a mountain and freaked out. It stood so much higher than you, but now you stand so much higher than it. This is another mountain you can get past. Whether it's finding a literary agent, finding time to write, or other … Continue reading A tip for a troubled writer

Waiting forever

After writers send their work out to be critiqued, it can feel as if forever stands in front of them. Time has stopped. Even as life goes by, nothing happens. They wait, filled with butterflies. Days and months and years all feel like lifetimes. Perhaps it's because they're nervous. They sent their work—their child—out for … Continue reading Waiting forever