Category: Writing

The Art of Writing

The First draft is just telling

yourself the story!

(Terry Prachett)

Book Review

Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine: A Novel by [Honeyman, Gail]

This book is amazingly interesting. From the moment I started reading it I couldn’t put it down. I found Eleanor so refreshingly different. She is quirky, honest, naive and witty and she says whatever is on her mind. The story is told in a vivid manner it is almost as if you are right there. Loved it. If you are looking for something that is entertaining and different, I would recommend this book.

Be Open to Critique

Image result for image of woman reading a novel

 

As a writer have to develop a thick skin and be open to criticism. If you are a great writer people will love your book. However you have to accept that not everyone will love what you write. Some readers can be harsh with their reviews, so you must be prepared for this. Critique is not always bad because it may help you to be a better writer. Good luck and happy writing.

Should You Write the Way You Speak

Should you write the way you speak? The answer to this varies depending on who you ask. Effective communication is an important part of writing. The reader must be able to understand what you are saying. Not everyone use proper grammar when speaking. This is usually not acceptable in writing. However it is also important not to have writing that comes off too formal or stiff. Don’t fill your writing with a lot of complex words when simpler words could convey the same message. A few is fine but don’t over do it. Your reader wants to keep turning the pages, not constantly consulting a dictionary to understand what you are saying.  Good luck and happy writing.

The Use of Comma and Full Stop in Dialogue

Where you put the comma or full stop is important because it can change the meaning of a sentence. It does not happen often but I have come across writings where improper punctuation is used when writing dialogue, and full stop is used where a comma should be. Below are some examples.

  1. “I will have a soda with my sandwich.” Said Jane.  If you notice the first sentence ends at sandwich. What follows is an incomplete sentence. The correct punctuation should be, “I will have a soda with my sandwich,” said Jane.
  2. “Wait, I am coming.” Natalie said, as she hurried towards me.  In this case the first sentence ends at coming, and what follows is an incomplete sentence. The correct punctuation should be, “Wait, I am coming,” Natalie said, as she hurried towards me. 

Always read through what you have written to ensure you have complete sentences. Good luck and happy writing. 

 

 

Imagery in Writing

 

It is important to write in a way that readers can visualize what you are writing about. Write about what you see, hear, smell, taste and feel. These imagery create a vivid picture that makes the reader get caught up in the story. For example if you are writing a hospital scene you could describe the smell of disinfectant in the air, doctors and nurses busily attending to patients, or rushing to a particular room as a code blue alert sounds on the intercom. Long, spotless corridors, porters transporting patients on stretchers… create that hospital scene. Keep your stories alive with the use of imagery. Good luck and happy writing.

As a Writer it is Important to Read

Woman Sitting by the Table

There is more to writing than just setting down words on paper. You have to learn the craft and writing techniques that will make your book appeal to readers. Reading is a good way of developing your writing skills.

Read books in the genre you choose to write in. Look at the techniques the writers use. Research best selling books in your genre. This will give you an insight into the type of stories readers are interested in reading.

The more you read, the more you learn about what makes a great book great. Most successful writers, are readers, themselves. Develop the habit of reading. Good luck and happy writing.

Seeking Beta Readers

Woman Reading Book While Sitting
I am seeking Beta Readers for my WIP. It is going through the second round of edits. The story is an emotional roller coaster of a young woman’s journey, trying to find herself. Below is a blurb.
     Reeling from the rejection of her father and later the death of her mother, Amelia Carr flees home to escape a complicated relationship with her stepfather. Enticed by the glamorous life of her cousin Charlotte, Amelia finds herself drawn into a world of men and sex. Trapped in a hotel room one day, with an angry wife threatening to kill her, Amelia must face reality. She is determined to leave the past behind and embark on a different path. Amelia becomes a nurse, and she has found the love of her life, a dashing young doctor who adores her. However, Chad knows nothing about her secret past, and she is scared she will lose him if he finds out. Can Amelia find lasting happiness or will the past come back to haunt her.

Write Erase Rewrite

No one is perfect. That is why pencils have erasers