Refer to the following checklist for critiques and personal edits.
Revision Checklist
REMOVE OR REVISE
1. Passive phrasing
2. Redundant words or phrasing
3. Extra words (watch your adjectives and adverbs)
4. Words you don’t understand
5. Common phrases
6. Scenes not necessary to the progression of the story
7. Changes in past and present tense
8. Changes in perspective (keep # of perspectives appropriate to your target audience)
9. Dangled participles
10.Common cliches
CHECK
1. Grammar
2. Words like "since and because"
3. Vocabulary, is it the appropriate reading level for the targeted audience?
4. The meter of your work, does it flow well?
RESULTS
1. More concise work.
2. Shorter text.
3. A Better story.
Showing posts with label Tips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tips. Show all posts
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Monday, January 4, 2010
The Letter Game
Have you ever played the letter game?
Begin by finding a writing partner and deciding upon a place and time for your story to begin. Then write a letter from the character of your creation. The second partner will then respond from the point of view of their character. This charade can last as long as you like.
You never know you may come up with.
Happy Writing!
Cindy
Begin by finding a writing partner and deciding upon a place and time for your story to begin. Then write a letter from the character of your creation. The second partner will then respond from the point of view of their character. This charade can last as long as you like.
You never know you may come up with.
Happy Writing!
Cindy
Thursday, July 30, 2009
The Power of Music
A sweet lullaby soothes your troubled infant into a peaceful slumber.
Hymns of faith calm the troubled soul.
National anthems expand your bosom with patriotism.
Energetic rhythms move your feet and body seemingly of their own accord.
Steady beats and entrancing music lifts the air on your neck in anticipation of impending doom.
That's probably a bit much, but music does affect our moods. Likewise a good play list can inspire and drive your writing. So find out what works for you and write today.
Please feel free to share what works for you. An easy place to build a play list for free is through playlist.com http://www.playlist.com/
Happy Writing!
Hymns of faith calm the troubled soul.
National anthems expand your bosom with patriotism.
Energetic rhythms move your feet and body seemingly of their own accord.
Steady beats and entrancing music lifts the air on your neck in anticipation of impending doom.
That's probably a bit much, but music does affect our moods. Likewise a good play list can inspire and drive your writing. So find out what works for you and write today.
Please feel free to share what works for you. An easy place to build a play list for free is through playlist.com http://www.playlist.com/
Happy Writing!
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Show, Not Tell
Show, not tell are common words in the world of fiction. It's important to show the reader by actions, dialog, body language, and setting rather than telling them what happened. For example:
The angry dog chased me down the street.
I heard a growl emerge from behind twenty sharp teeth. My feet were frozen to the concrete. "grrrr" The spell was broken. All I could see were brown tree trunks as I pounded down the street.
I'm know this is not a perfect sample, but I think you get the idea.
When critiquing your work, be sure to ask yourself if someone is telling you the story or if you're living the story with your characters. This is important even if you are writing from an omniscient point of view it's important to make your story come alive in the minds of your readers.
So, remember to show, not tell.
The angry dog chased me down the street.
I heard a growl emerge from behind twenty sharp teeth. My feet were frozen to the concrete. "grrrr" The spell was broken. All I could see were brown tree trunks as I pounded down the street.
I'm know this is not a perfect sample, but I think you get the idea.
When critiquing your work, be sure to ask yourself if someone is telling you the story or if you're living the story with your characters. This is important even if you are writing from an omniscient point of view it's important to make your story come alive in the minds of your readers.
So, remember to show, not tell.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Do I have to be an Illustrator?
"Do I have to be an illustrator to publish my stories?"
In most cases the answer is no.
Writing for Children
Fiction Books
Children's book editors generally prefer to choose the illustrator although you can make recommendations. You must be careful though, you don't want to take away the joy or vision that the editor has for your manuscript.
Illustrations account for most of a picture book's appeal. If your determined to send in your own illustrations be sure they meet or exceed the quality of your writing. Personally, I would recommend submitting your work separately unless you feel your illustrations are critical to the work. You might consider noting that you are also an illustrator and including your sample card*.
When submitting your story you may make illustration notes. Remember an editors' time is in high demand. All writing and notations should be kept brief and necessary. If it's obvious don't note it!
Non Fiction Books
If it is a family story you may want to submit photos and etc. Otherwise, they generally use a vast database of professional photos. If you have quality photos that would work well or are necessary for the book I'd suggest sending quality copies. Four to six to a page for easy reference. I would always note that the photos are suggestions only. It's better to sell your story than lose it because they're not interested in the photos.
Magazines
Magazines are more receptive to an author's illustration or two.
Writing For Adults
Books and Magazines
Illustrations are not necessary for adult fiction books. Although, I've been told that publishers of both adult magazines and non fiction books are encouraged by quality photos. Don't let a lack of photos hold you back from your writing. Write first, play with photos later.
In most cases the answer is no.
Writing for Children
Fiction Books
Children's book editors generally prefer to choose the illustrator although you can make recommendations. You must be careful though, you don't want to take away the joy or vision that the editor has for your manuscript.
Illustrations account for most of a picture book's appeal. If your determined to send in your own illustrations be sure they meet or exceed the quality of your writing. Personally, I would recommend submitting your work separately unless you feel your illustrations are critical to the work. You might consider noting that you are also an illustrator and including your sample card*.
When submitting your story you may make illustration notes. Remember an editors' time is in high demand. All writing and notations should be kept brief and necessary. If it's obvious don't note it!
Non Fiction Books
If it is a family story you may want to submit photos and etc. Otherwise, they generally use a vast database of professional photos. If you have quality photos that would work well or are necessary for the book I'd suggest sending quality copies. Four to six to a page for easy reference. I would always note that the photos are suggestions only. It's better to sell your story than lose it because they're not interested in the photos.
Magazines
Magazines are more receptive to an author's illustration or two.
Writing For Adults
Books and Magazines
Illustrations are not necessary for adult fiction books. Although, I've been told that publishers of both adult magazines and non fiction books are encouraged by quality photos. Don't let a lack of photos hold you back from your writing. Write first, play with photos later.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Twenty Minute Challenge
I challenge all beginning writers to write at least twenty minutes a day.
Write it out, print it out, and stick it on the wall. Schedule it in your calendar. Then just do it!
It doesn't matter what it's about. If you can't think of enough to say write about yourself. Let your spirit guide you.
Good Luck! Let me know how you do.
Cindy
Write it out, print it out, and stick it on the wall. Schedule it in your calendar. Then just do it!
It doesn't matter what it's about. If you can't think of enough to say write about yourself. Let your spirit guide you.
Good Luck! Let me know how you do.
Cindy
Monday, September 1, 2008
Where to Start?
The options are seemingly endless, the resources are vast, but the consensus is clear;
write today and every day.
Schedule it into to your life. Whatever path to writing you pursue start with Writing Today!
Write
To begin writing you must exercise your writing muscles everyday. Begin journalling, write letters, begin a blog, or start a story the important thing is to just write. Don't worry about your grammar and spelling (just don't send anything to a publisher or editor until you do). You can pick up the rest along the way.
Read
Find your favorite books. Why you can't put them down? Why do you Love them? Why do you love to hate them?
Mentors
Look up your favorite authors of this period. Find their web pages. Many authors share valuable advice about their craft on their web pages. Be sure to check my space and goodreads for sites as well. Often your critique group leader is your most valuable resource. Some writer's societies/groups also offer a mentor program for serious writers.
Writer's Groups and Conferences
Writer's societies and groups are very helpful in getting to know other aspiring writers and to learn from veterans in the field as well past and current editors. Writer's groups can open many doors for the aspiring writer.
There are many writing groups out there. Search the web, ask anyone you know, and be sure to check with your local bookstores. In Boise near where I live Rediscovered Bookshop hosts writer's groups, conferences, and book signings. I've belonged to Society of Children's Book Writer's and Illustrators and love the being involved with them. I've also come across teen writer's groups online. There are conferences all over the country every year to meet different needs of writers. Check them out!
Critique Group
The best leaven for a manuscript is a good critique. Search out your area for knowledgeable writers. Join their group. One good critique can save the aspiring writer days if not weeks of labor. Remember a critique is not personal and nothing ventured nothing gained. Take a deep breath and share. Most people are sensitive to newcomers but if their not be all the more determined to make the best of their advice. More on this another time.
Self Education
Books on writing can be invaluable. Try not to get too caught up in the technicalities of writing at first. Allow your stories to evolve naturally. Thus said, I'd also like to say a little knowledge about characterization, plot development, and writing for your audience will greatly increase your quality of work.
Some books that were referred to me were Writing the Natural Way by Gabrielle Rico and Bird by Bird by Anne La Mott. There was another but I've forgotten it now. It basically tells of the rise and fall of a good story line. I'm currently studying Characters Make Your Story by Maren Elwood. It's an older book but it's full of timeless advice.
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