Start With A Bang
Posted on April 20, 2008 - Filed Under Writing and Speaking | Leave a Comment
According to Les Edgerton, many good and even brilliant stories never get read past the first paragraph, or perhaps first page, because of a poor beginning.
If the first part of a story does not “grab” the reader and cause him to want to read more, the author has failed no matter how wonderful the rest of the story may be. Begin with a vivid scene.
The opening of a story should successfully set the stage for the reader, “hook” the reader, create with words the desire in the reader to want to read more.
Read More..>>Ezine Article Writing Tips - Who Said That?
Posted on April 8, 2008 - Filed Under Writing and Speaking | Leave a Comment
The level of attention an author gives to the small details can make or break an article and can impact upon the author’s reputation. A seemingly insignificant oversight can cause instant loss of an author’s credibility. The following is an example of how one incidence of carelessness can affect a reader’s opinion of an author.
I was reading an article which had been submitted for inclusion in my Article Directory. It was well-written: the author obviously understood his subject, the standard of English was good and there were no spelling errors or typos.
Read More..>>Action Or Inaction Equals Adventure
Posted on April 5, 2008 - Filed Under Writing and Speaking | Leave a Comment
When we’re writing about adventure (which according to the dictionary means an exciting or remarkable experience), we have to include some action of some kind. Action, according to Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, means behavior, conduct, the unfolding of events (plot), vigorous or exciting or productive activity. Therefore, in a writing involving action/adventure, plot and activity are needed.
Read More..>>Your Literary Mixing Bowl - Add A Gallon Of Writing (via Cobweb/3.1 Planetlab-2.cs.colostate.edu)
Posted on April 3, 2008 - Filed Under Writing and Speaking | Leave a Comment
Your Literary Mixing Bowl - Add a Gallon of Writing
By Kym Moore
Writing encompasses a cornucopia of mediums, flavors and energy through the written word: journaling, poetry, essays, creative writing, technical writing, books, letter writing, fiction, non-fiction, novels, short stories, online writing, blogs, book reviews, articles, inspirational writing, copywriting and writing contests.
Writing is the written language that refers to inscribing symbols or letters, forming words, representing verbal communication and creating material that inspires design. It conveys what’s in your heart by representing sound and expressing emotion.
Read More..>>How To Write An Article That Will Get Published By Someone Other Than Your Mother!
Posted on April 2, 2008 - Filed Under Writing and Speaking | Leave a Comment
When writing articles and website content, be sure to have your readers “interest” in mind. Research has proven that the majority of Internet readers are likely to breeze over the content to find the specific information they are searching for and are rarely reading the page from top to bottom.
You should structure good titles, a few subtitles, and use bullet points to assist your readers while they scan your page. Many people simply scan a pages subtitles to quickly determine whether they want to continue reading the article or go on to another page.
Read More..>>Using Story Boards
Posted on March 25, 2008 - Filed Under Writing and Speaking | Leave a Comment
The conference I attended the first of May gave me several topics to use for my newsletters. One session explained the use of story boards to keep plots, sub-plots, and characters consistent and organized. In the May issue of The Writer, T.J. MacGregor covers using story boards to keep a multiple-POV novel on track.
I had never thought of using a story board as the speakers at the conference suggested or as shown in the magazine article. I do use note cards to keep characters under control, writing details about each character on a different card. However, I’m going to try the story board idea in the future.
Read More..>>Your Literary Mixing Bowl - Add A Cup Of Thinking
Posted on February 29, 2008 - Filed Under Writing and Speaking | Leave a Comment
So what do you think? This question sets your mind in motion to produce an answer for the inquirer. How you will respond often depends on your attitude and the question. Thinking is dimensional and takes simple observation to the next level. Thinking is a continued form of learning. Some of the things that affect your ability to learn include attitude, perception, acquiring knowledge, integrating and refining knowledge, then using that knowledge where it becomes habitual. Our minds manipulate information so that we are able to make inquiries, create, analyze, solve problems and make decisions.
Read More..>>Testing The Writing Waters With Contests
Posted on February 27, 2008 - Filed Under Writing and Speaking | Leave a Comment
I have lost count of the number of rejection form letters I’ve received that stated, “This doesn’t meet our needs.” I didn’t know if the need not met included the whole story being poorly written, or maybe the subject matter wouldn’t work. Nothing in that form letter let me know. This type of rejection happens to author after author, leaving us all wondering what we should or need to do.
I now know that one way to test stories before submitting them to publications is to enter contests. Some contest judges will even send a short evaluation of the entries. I enter contests connected with writing conferences and some supported by or listed in writing magazines.
Read More..>>