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Writing Tools & Applications
Here is a list of valuable tips and tools you can use for the various phases of your manuscript process.
And Sammy, Too? Oh, No!
Elizabeth MacDonald
You think I don’t have trouble with grammar? Everybody has trouble with grammar. But my biggest problem is with punctuation. When I was a little tot, I was taught that when you put “too” at the end of a sentence, you put a comma in front of it. Simple. Here’s an example. “I like artichokes, too.”
What NOT to Do When Beginning Your Novel
No one reads more prospective novel beginnings than literary agents. They’re the ones on the front lines — sifting through inboxes and slush piles. And they’re the ones who can tell us which Chapter 1 approaches are overused and cliche, as well as which techniques just plain don’t work. Below find a smattering of feedback from experienced literary agents on what they hate to see the first pages of a writer’s submission. Avoid these problems and tighten your submission.
The 8 Habits of Highly Successful Young-Adult Fiction Authors
Best-selling writers including John Green and Veronica Roth share their strategies for crafting authentic, relatable teen characters — even in fantasy worlds.
You Can Write A Short Story: Part 1 The Story Idea
Linda S. Dupie
So, you want to write a short story. There is more to writing it, than just telling a story. Have you heard the phrase “Show, don’t tell?” If you haven’t, then remember it. Show; don’t tell means to use your characters to convey the story through their actions and dialogue.
You Can Write A Short Story: Part 2 The Meat of the Story
Linda S. Dupie
Many writers call the middle the meat of the story, but I like to think of it as an OREO cookie. The creme filling is what holds the ends together, just as the middle of your story should bring the beginning and ending of your story together.
You Can Write A Short Story: Part 3 The Climax
Linda S. Dupie
You’ve worked hard on your story, now it’s time to round out the story with your ending. This is the time to exit your story gracefully.
Various Types of Writing for Young Writers
Mary Ellen Allen
So often we or our students think of writing as composing poetry and fiction stories. Usually we don’t consider non-fiction pieces, interviews, reports, essays, letters, and other similar forms. When youngsters say, “I can’t think of a story,” suggest other types of writing which might dispel their “writer’s block.”
Keeping an Idea Book
Mary Emma Allen
Youngsters often are intimidated by the idea of writing, whether it’s a story, poem, book report, non-fiction article. However, there are a number of ways to take away some of the dread of writing.
Keep a Clipping File
Mary Emma Allen
I keep a clipping file for my own writing and suggest that teachers do this to use in the classroom. Also encourage older student writers to keep their own files. When I teach writing in schools, I often pull out my clipping folder for youngsters to use.
Ideas Escape Me
Linda S. Dupie
Have you ever said, “I have nothing to write about.” It’s just not true. You have plenty look around. Everywhere you go; everywhere you look there are hundreds of ideas. You have to open your eyes and mind and let them in.
Beyond the Basics
Linda S. Dupie
The tools of a writer go beyond pen and paper or your word processor. Writers also use non-tangible tools like observation and ideas. You need to be aware of your surroundings, recognize and capitalize on ideas, and have the ability to conduct research.
Working with a Critique Group
By Shirley Kawa-Jump
Not all of us are objective about our work. In fact, if you asked even top authors if they are the best voice of reason over what works and doesn’t work in a given story, they’d probably say no. Why? We are too close to our writing to see the flaws. And to be quite honest, a piece of writing is a lot like a child–even if your kid is ugly in the eyes of other people, you see the beautiful creation of your genes. You don’t see the missing plot lines, the stilted dialogue, the flowering descriptions. You see art.
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