Writing Without Style

Style manuals are all well and good, and in fact, highly desirable for newspapers. The average reading level of newspaper readers is the sixth grade. Over the years it became imperative that newspaper writing be simple, consistent, and use basic punctuation, even when that violated some elementary rules. The end... Read More

Pairs/Groups Of Words Often Confused - Part 5 of 6

PASSED, PASTPassed is the past tense of pass. Past means a time that has gone. "Time passed and we all forgot the incident." "In times past it was the custom for women to wear hats in church."PEACE, PIECEPeace means the absence of war (or even noise); piece is a... Read More

Does Your Story Have A Theme?

Creative Writing Tips ?It should.A theme is a one-line explanation of your story.. Every story should have one because our stories are about something.When I say should, I mean that this isn't always the case. Especially so for beginner writers, who may not know, that the theme carries the story.... Read More

Writing Made Them Rich #1: JK Rowling

Joanne Kathleen Rowling was born in Chipping Sodbury,England in 1965. She began writing at the age of 6 with astory called 'Rabbit', which she never finished.In high school her favorite subject was English. From HighSchool, Rowling went to Exeter University where she earneda degree in French.After graduating, she spent a... Read More

Character Motivation - Always Ask WHY

For many years, I've been a tutor for students undertaking courses in writing romance, crime or children's stories. In that time, I've marked thousands of assignments. I've seen hundreds of plots, thousands of scenes, millions of words. And if I had to give writers one piece of advice after seeing... Read More

Editing for Perfection ? The Personal Statement

This article contains a short guide on how to edit your personal statement and create tension and suspense within your writing. For most potential students there are some clear reasons why they wish to embark on university. Writing the personal statement for university submissions is one of the most difficult,... Read More

Dialogue Tags - A Study in Common Errors

Verb and SubjectIncorrect:"I bet you two had a fine time," said Ben.When using tags, it's unusual to have the verb before the subject. The general rule of thumb is to use this construction sparingly, as a rare change in pace or flow. In addition, many editors are asking this construction... Read More

Seven Suggestions To Develop a Superb Writing Style

Every writer eventually develops her own unique style of writing. As you struggle to create your own voice, while focusing on the required standards, you may want to consider the following tips for improving your style and establishing a professional formula for success.Edit your work continuously to eliminate all those... Read More

Creative Writing Tips - Does The Name You Chose Suit Your Character?

How do you choose a name? Do you put down the first name that pops into your mind? Initially that's what I used to do, until someone pointed out to me that there are a few things to take into consideration when choosing a name?1. You Have To Be Comfortable... Read More

How Long is a Chapter?

How long should your chapters be?I can't resist... I have to say it. "How long is piece of string?"Of course, that smart-aleck answer is of no use to you whatsoever if you're sitting there, frozen over the keyboard, wondering where you should end Chapter One and start typing 'Chapter Two'.Fact:... Read More

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How NOT to Get a Freelance Writing Job

In the business of freelance writing, it's not enough to... Read More

Recipe for a Style Guide

Wired Online has recently announced its plans to drop capitalization... Read More

Hero?s Journey ? The Herald

Beyond three and four act story structure, lies the Hero's... Read More

Tell the World About You

You have a new website, or a new business, or... Read More

Journaling

How many of you take the time to really write... Read More

Best Writing Advice I Ever Got

I've been in the communications business a long time?over 25... Read More

Revising Your Manuscript: Fourteen Questions to Ask Yourself

1) Can you summarize the story in about a sentence... Read More

Turbo Charge Your Career! Write And Produce Your Own Stage Play!

Have you ever wondered how you can adapt your screenplay... Read More

Basic Writing Tips ? Some Controversial, All Correct

As a previous article ("Making Better Word Choices ? 4... Read More

How to Write Funny -- Its All About Timing

My Dad has this old joke that goes, "What's the... Read More

Do I Have To Be A Good Writer to Market My Own Business?

Many of the most effective low-cost marketing strategies require writing.... Read More

When I Grow Up

I've just come back to work after nine glorious, sun-drenched... Read More

How to Pitch a Story

Ever wonder why we refer to convincing an editor a... Read More

Top 7 Writers Sites for 2005

If you dream of turning your book into a best... Read More

Knock-Out Writers Block: Listening To Your Inner Voice

When I was young, I used to talk to myself.... Read More

Writing About Writing

What am I going to write about?Which topic is the... Read More

10 Secrets For Everyday Writing Success

During my 25-year career in a variety of professional positions... Read More

First Priority

No matter what you are writing, the first priority is... Read More

Persisting With Bulldog Determination

Persisting With Bulldog Determination [Book excerpt from Successercising} by Rick... Read More

Write For Yourself First

It would be very selfless or noble of me to... Read More

What is Screenwriting?

Simply put, it is the art of writing scripts for... Read More

Starting a Freelance Writing Career (or Thoughts About Taking the Plunge)

Nike's ad has taken on new meaning for me of... Read More

Open a Vein

If you want to be a writer, you must write... Read More

Becoming the Total Package

Being a great writer is no longer enough if you... Read More

Apostrophe Usage Made Simple

According to one of my previous articles, whenever a Southerner... Read More

Ten Ways to Get Cheap (and Free) Magazine Samples

1 - Join a reading or writing group. Ask members... Read More

An Inside Look at Proofreading

This is the ideal topic for us all to think... Read More

How To Filter Description Through Your Characters

How do you describe a scene without slowing down the... Read More

Creative Problem-Solving: Following Your Stream of Consciousness

Having trouble finding a solution to a nagging problem? Try... Read More

7 Devastating Writing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Writing engaging articles and energizing ad copy takes... Read More

Uncommon Advice for Beginning Novelists

1) Convince yourself you want to do something else. If... Read More

Have You Completed A Character Questionnaire?

Creative Writing Tips ?Complete a character questionnaire for each of... Read More

The Top Five Mistakes That Companies Make with Regard to Technical Documentation

I've seen it time and again. One of the most... Read More