A lot of us are in the habit of writing and saying what we know other people want to hear from us. This is very necessary and good when it comes to some things like schoolwork and chores – but the habit doesn’t grow a writer who can speak from the … [Continue reading]
Writing Lesson 25 – Use Comparisons to Show
February 26, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Using Comparisons Brings Life to Dead Adjectives Whether you are writing a short story, a novel, or a non-fiction essay, you will need to give description, and often times to do so you will use comparison. It’s been said that “nothing means anything … [Continue reading]
Writing Lesson 24 – Unique Character Voices
February 19, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Today we’ll focus on your character’s speech and mannerisms. In past lessons, we’ve discussed external and internal goals, core values and conflicts, physical details, and personality traits. Another layer in a character’s personality is speech. Each … [Continue reading]
Writing Lesson 23 – Framing Your Story
February 12, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Story Structure Structure in your story is like the frame of a house. It both holds it together and gives it shape. Sometimes we creative types don’t appreciate the word structure. We may view it as something to stifle our imagination. However, … [Continue reading]
Writing Lesson 22 – The Color Editors Hate
February 5, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Purple Prose It may be a pretty popular color for your bedroom if you’re a teenager, or it may look awesome on an electric guitar, but for a writer, the color purple is to be shunned. I’m talking about a figurative color, something that we call … [Continue reading]
