Writing

We all know that palindromes read the same in either direction. The most common forms are words like civic, mom, or mum and dad. But as a literary device, a palindrome can be far more complex than single words. It can also be phrases, sequences, or word-playful poems. I doubt that you would give them…

The questions new writers ask usually fall into two general categories. The first is about trying to find a starting point. In other words, how can I become a writer? The second group of questions is often about confidence. Am I good enough? Over the years, new writers have asked me so many questions that…

When you describe the weather in writing, you set the scene for your story or a part of your story. It’s an opportunity to show readers the setting rather than tell them about the weather using a couple of quick adjectives. Using highly descriptive or figurative language and a variety of grammar structures helps you…

Is it a good idea to keep everything you write? Yes, definitely. Words have value, even if you might not think so at the time. What you might think is a failure today could be the germ of a terrific idea tomorrow. If you are a new, young writer, make it a habit to save…

What is fluff in writing? It is when you use words that add little or no value to a text for a reader. Fluff can be words and phrases that are off-topic, hard to understand, unclear, unnecessary, boring, or added only to increase the word count. Every writer uses a bit of fluff in the…

If you want to be a better writer, and who doesn’t, you can find lots of great advice online. Almost everything I read on the topic is true. Yes, improving your grammar knowledge, developing your writing voice, and honing your writing skills are all vital. But here’s a big tip for you. Most articles I read…

If you like to write on the move, you can find plenty of phone apps that are handy tools for writers. You’re not going to write a whole novel on your phone. But you can use your phone to add a few paragraphs while traveling or waiting around. As a writer, you also want to…

Yes, using too many weak, poor, or bad adverbs can be a sign of lazy writing. But as a part of speech, adverbs have their place. You can’t write without them. The problem arises when you use too many weak or poor adverbs that have better alternatives. When you learn to identify these problem adverbs,…

If you are a writer, I’m sure you have a list of words to avoid in your writing. They might be words you use too often, by habit, or that you know are weak or vague. Writing is not as easy as it seems. For new writers, it takes time to realize that certain words…