As a writer, it's hard to know which resources are actually useful and which ones are just a fad. "You have to use this software to outline your book!" "This is the only word processor you should use to write your novel!" "Everyone can tell if you don't use this tool. . ." Heard it … Continue reading Does Grammarly Really Make Your Writing Perfect? Review from a Pro Writer and Editor
grammar
5 Most Commonly Misused Words and Phrases (According to an Editor)
The English language is a funny thing. Ask any two people about a specific word or phrase and they'll probably say or explain it differently depending on where they're from and how their family says it. Some people grow up not even knowing that they've got their phrasing or spelling wrong, and those mistakes then … Continue reading 5 Most Commonly Misused Words and Phrases (According to an Editor)
Don’t Skip the Grammar Lessons!
If you’ve been around for a while, you know there are two main things I talk about a lot: characters and grammar. It may not seem like it, but they’re similar in a few ways. Mainly, they’re both often overlooked, and yet they’re integral to a good book. Yesterday I talked about characters, so today … Continue reading Don’t Skip the Grammar Lessons!
Why Grammar Is Still Important: Basic Storytelling Elements Part 1
Welcome to my new ten-part series where we'll be going through the ten basics of storytelling as outlined in my guidebook The 10 Lost Elements of Storytelling - a book you can get for free by subscribing to my newsletter! In these posts, we'll be going over the basics of these storytelling elements, but my … Continue reading Why Grammar Is Still Important: Basic Storytelling Elements Part 1
Grammar Guide: Are Fragments “Cool” Now?
Want to help me get a new desk chair? Check out the details in the donation box below the post and read my stories on Vocal! Fragments. We've been taught that they're evil from our very first class in school. But are they really as bad as everyone says? Writing rules nowadays are more lax than … Continue reading Grammar Guide: Are Fragments “Cool” Now?
The Top 5 Grammar and Style Mistakes That Writers Make
We all know about my love for writing, but I rarely ever talk about my editing work. It's probably something I should talk about more because editing gives me so much insight into writing. It also allows me to work closely with other writers and help them grow. My goal as an editor is to … Continue reading The Top 5 Grammar and Style Mistakes That Writers Make
Do you really have to follow “writing rules?”
Show, don't tell. Grammar. POV consistency. Don't make the first scene a dream sequence. Make your main character likeable. Sometimes, writing can feel like it's all about the rules. But are these rules that we can break? As many of you know, I'm working on a YA novel right now. I've been working on it … Continue reading Do you really have to follow “writing rules?”
The Story Canvas 