Here is an update on the progress of my novel. I expect all 40 chapters to be ready for beta readers soon, but unless I can speed it up, it will take at least 10 weeks. I am considering naming my novel Fire Light as we felt that its previous title would make a lot […]
You’ve probably heard that you are not supposed to tell about emotion, but that you are supposed to show emotion. If your writing contains a line like the following, it is telling emotion, not showing emotion. “I was so surprised.” The above sentence is obviously telling. This sentence stands out because it is passive voice […]
You have probably heard often that you need to avoid passive voice and replace it with active voice. Why? Don’t think of them as passive voice vs active voice sentences. Think of them more as: Exciting vs Boring sentences. Passive voice sentences are *usually* boring sentences. Not always, but it is pretty rare when they […]
You may sometime find yourself writing a line like the following. The nurse talked on and on repeating the word miracle way too many times, which seemed to annoy my mother, before she finally stepped out, promising to be back with the doctor soon. There is nothing exactly wrong with the above sentence and it […]
I’ve been told to paint a picture with my words when writing. I have also been told to show, don’t tell. It seems the phrases mean the same thing and can be used interchangeably. The problem is, it is easier said than done. Why is Painting a Picture Hard? It is hard to know as an […]
Write like a painter. A picture says a thousand words, so you should be able to write a thousand words about a picture right? Wrong. Make the reader see the picture in their mind’s eye with a few lines and you’ve succeeded. The hard part is figuring out what few lines you need to help […]
“I have to go with her,” she stated, firmly. “You know that everyone has a place, and your place is here,” the calm voice responded. “There is no way I am letting her go down there alone!” she shouted angrily. The calm in the voice changed to compassion. “It is already decided.” “Then undecided it!” […]
Clock ticks, I am alone alone in the midst of those around me. Clock ticks, I hear silence amidst the voices unceasing round me. Clock ticks, I’m in despair while those around me laugh in joy. Clock ticks, The days move on and drag me along with them. Clock ticks, I’m not quite alone when […]
Erosion empowered by crowded drops of rain A flowing energy attacking a dam of sand A force overwhelming it just cannot contain Without assistance from God’s unprovided hand Like castle walls that fall by trebuchet allowing a swarm of pike-man to rush inside In an explosion of nature the dam gives way Leaving a hole […]
A two year old smile approaches the tree Excited eyes, excited feet, excited hands He grips the tree but slips and falls, nose scraped, and bleeding, he cries. Without hesitation, despite red tears as he struggles, shakes, and holds tight, afraid of falling but still he climbs on, from hand to hand and foot to […]