The Writing Life
Some days, the writing life requires you to sit in the chair. Other days, the writing life ejects you from it. The words won’t come, no matter how long you stare at the screen or flip through ideas written on a Post-It or stored in Evernote.
[Read more…] about How to Be a Better Writer: Clean the House
Someone once said the pen is mightier than the sword. He might be correct, but the pen and the sword both require practice and mastery. Without those elements, you’re liable to nick an artery, club your head, lop off someone else’s head by accident, or falter beneath a flurry of sword strikes. [Read more…] about How to Be a Better Writer: Wield Your Words
If you want to be a better writer, learn to use a scalpel. See your words with the distance, the objectiveness, of the surgeon’s eye. Examine the work for nicked arteries. They reveal themselves quickly—the words spurt blood and reek of melodrama and overwrought characters.
“In order to own the narrative, you have to keep reciting it. Remind yourself that your messages only feel old and stale to you. They are fresh and unique to each new person you speak to. And consistency gives you a context in case your messages would benefit from a tweak or a teardown.” — Marianne Griebler
[Read more…] about How to Be a Better Writer: Something Old, Something New
“The ability comes naturally,” replied Kell. “The proficiency takes work.” — A Gathering of Shadows, V.E. Schwab
[Read more…] about How to Be a Better Writer: Increase Your Proficiency
Most of my writer friends know I’m a fan of the Oxford comma. (I also appreciate “comma” jokes, such as the “comma, comma, comma” pictured with a chameleon. What? It’s funny. No, seriously.) I would hazard most people, though, find the Oxford conversation a little silly.
[Read more…] about How to Be a Better Writer: Remember Your Commas