In my previous lesson, we looked at homonyms or homophones. In particular, we focused on contractions. Let’s look at more misused words. This section contains words that sound alike but have an entirely different meaning—more homonyms to confuse the English language. Alter (to change) Altar (a table used for a holy rite) Example: For weddings, […]
Writing Lesson 2.20 – Back to Basics
February 4, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Today, let’s talk about . . . Homonyms Huh? Sounds like grammar. <Pause here for groans> Yes! Creative writing is a LOT more fun than grammar drills, but if you intend to submit your writing for publication, Rule #1 is that it must be “clean”–properly punctuated with no misspellings or inappropriate word choices. You want […]
Writing Lesson 2.17 – Weasel Phrases
January 14, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Last month I posted about “weasel words”—those unnecessary words that sneak into your manuscript. These weasels have companions that accompany them. Their friends are phrases or words that spoil the ‘show vs. tell’ aspect of your work. I’m talking about words like: thought wondered felt knew saw noticed observed realized noted […]
Writing Lesson 2.15 – Weasel Words
December 10, 2010 By Leave a Comment
A weasel is a small carnivorous mammal with short legs and elongated body. We associate them with sneaky tendencies. The term can also describe a treacherous or deceptive person. Writers use the phrase “weasel words” to denote unnecessary phrases or extra words that sneak into a manuscript and ruin our well-crafted sentences. Every writer has […]
Writing Lesson 2.7 – Creating “Real” Characters
October 8, 2010 By Leave a Comment
To write a character-driven story, the writer must understand what makes people, in general, and characters, uniquely, behave as they do.