Getting dialogue right can be tricky. But overuse of names can cause writing to sound awkward and slow pacing.
Using Names in Dialogue
Getting dialogue right can be tricky. But overuse of names can cause writing to sound awkward and slow pacing.
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LGBTQIA+ Representation and Creative Writing
How you write gay and transgender characters can affect perceptions and how people are treated. Here’s how to do so with respect.
How you write gay and transgender characters can affect perceptions and how people are treated. Here’s how to do so with respect.
The Difference Between Hyphens and Dashes
Think hyphens and dashes are the same thing? Think again, dear ones. Hyphens, en dashes, and em dashes each have their unique uses.
Think hyphens and dashes are the same thing? Think again, dear ones. Hyphens, en dashes, and em dashes each have their unique uses.
The Complex World of Hyphens
The hyphen is such a simple character, but the rules for its use are maddeningly complex. Here are some rules of thumb.
The hyphen is such a simple character, but the rules for its use are maddeningly complex. Here are some rules of thumb.
Internal Dialogue
Internal dialogue can reveal character and create tension. But knowing how to recognize it and format it can be tricky.
Internal dialogue can reveal character and create tension. But knowing how to recognize it and format it can be tricky.
Semicolons: The Punctuation We Love to Hate
Although much maligned and misused, semicolons serve a valuable purpose in writing. They provide clarity and show relationships. Here’s how to use them.
Although much maligned and misused, semicolons serve a valuable purpose in writing. They provide clarity and show relationships. Here’s how to use them.
Italics and Punctuation
Knowing when to use italics can be confusing enough. Understanding how it affects the punctuation at the end of a sentence can be trickier.
Knowing when to use italics can be confusing enough. Understanding how it affects the punctuation at the end of a sentence can be trickier.
Genericized Trademarks
Are you using genericized trademarks without realizing it? Some brand names commonly genercized might surprise you. Some are still legally protected.
Are you using genericized trademarks without realizing it? Some brand names commonly genercized might surprise you. Some are still legally protected.
Finding Conflict
I am currently brainstorming the sequel to my novel Iron Goddess. Making the shift from editing back to brainstorming is tough for me. Probably tough for a lot of writers. Even assuming that I’m using many of the characters from the first book, I am faced with the question: What now? One of the tools … Continue reading “Finding Conflict”
Writing Contest: Writers’ Digest Self-Published Book Awards
Writer’s Digest is now accepting entries for their 23rd annual Self-Published Book Awards contest. If you’ve self-published a book in the last year or so, you might want to consider entering this writing contest. The grand prize winner gets $8,000 in cash, a trip to the Writer’s Digest Conference, a guaranteed review in Midwest Book … Continue reading “Writing Contest: Writers’ Digest Self-Published Book Awards”