Writing Memoir If you’re going to write memoir, it’s beneficial to read a variety of authors to understand the different ways writers go about their topic. Whereas biography is strictly a catalogue of events in the author’s life and not … Continued
Writing Humour It’s good to hear humour on these gray winter days. Youtube is a great source for it. May I suggest Jeanne Robertson or Stuart McLean if you’re in need of laughter? There’s the building of the story, the twist of meaning, and … Continued
A Look at My Writing Journey When I started writing, I wanted to educate others about a health concern that I experienced. That was the focus of my first two published pieces. I met a friend for tea one day … Continued
Concise Writing Have you ever read a text or instructions that were so wordy you wanted to give up? Concise writing is a gift to the reader. One of the challenges of good writing is clarity. While the initial draft … Continued
Using Emphasis There once was workshop presenter whose little promotion book was packed full of text, much of it underlined, bolded, and in italics. It was so packed, I wasn’t sure what to focus on, the words or the emphasis. … Continued
When I began writing devotionals for a publication, the editor said write as many words as you need to… then edit. If you’ve heard the saying “less is more,” it’s true of almost any writing project. But writers usually need … Continued
Fiction This month the Helping Writers Become Authors site offers an article on writing happy scenes. The author, K. M. Weiland, offers weekly newsletters, huge resources, and fascinating material. Recommended by a member of my critique group. I decided to give it … Continued
Learning from Other Writers Have you ever read a book, and marvelled at how the author used words to create a sense of place and emotion that made you want to read that line again? You might think, “Can I … Continued
Writing Fiction Writers know (and mostly follow) basic rules of the craft, but much of how we create grows from personal preference and practice. When it comes to fiction, here are some things that work for me: Between writing sessions, … Continued
Engage the Senses in Your Writing Appealing to the senses is important not just in writing for children but also for teens and adults. In a family story, you might ask yourself: Is Grandma’s hair white and curly? Do her … Continued