Writing

New Words

New Words

Last week I blogged about creating words or phrases that your characters can use. Well, that prompted me to wonder – how does a word become official? English is considered a fairly new language, based on words from other languages – Greek, French, etc., and most of those have a Latin origin (hmmm…does this really mean […]

Word Play

Word Play

Searching for something quirky for your character? How about creating a new catch-phrase or word? It happens more often than we think. I’ll bet you sometimes use a phrase that  you picked up from a television show, movie, or book somewhere along the line. Gone With the Wind gave us “Fiddle-dee-dee” and “Tomorrow is another day.” Films like […]

The Three R's

The Three R’s

Schools were already divided into grades and contained in brick building complexes by the time I got there, in spite of what my children and grandchildren will tell you, but the original one-room schoolhouse concentrated on simple education of the three R’s . Readin’, (w)ritin’, and (a)rithmetic. ‘Rithmetic wasn’t my fortè, yet I grew up and […]

FIX Your Writing

FIX Your Writing

Please enjoy this guest post from Noelle Stern… (see bio below) *** You’re writing along like butter. Suddenly a stomach-wrenching jolt slams you against a concrete wall. That harpy in your head rebukes: “THAT’S THE WORST, MOST HORRIBLE, STUPID PHRASE SINCE . . . .” Take heart. Such a message doesn’t have to plunge you […]

Trimming The Fat

Trimming The Fat

I’ve read several articles lately on how we writers get carried away and go off track. But it’s hard not to reveal the humanity of our characters and their families. It’s hard to not tell the history of the small town when we set our scenes. After all, every person or place is rich with […]