Blog
Writing Stories with Characters Who Have Limited Agency
Characters need agency to thrive in your story. Without it, they’re passengers, not drivers. Learn how to give your characters the wheel.
Fluffy Cats
Do writing contests reward fluff? Sometimes. But efficient prose isn’t the enemy—it’s the secret weapon for building pace, tension, and memorable characters.
Trimming the Fat: Cutting Unnecessary Words in Your Writing
Cutting unnecessary words helps keep your writing clean and powerful. Here’s how to identify and trim the fluff from your prose.
Keeping Clothing Descriptions in Check for a Stronger Story
Over-describing character outfits can bog down your story. Learn when to highlight clothing details and when to let readers fill in the gaps.
Choosing Big vs. Small Words for the Right Impact
Balancing big and small words in fiction can boost readability and style. Here’s how to make the right choice for your story.
Avoiding “Maid and Butler” Talk for Realistic Dialogue
Maid-and-butler talk makes dialogue feel forced and artificial. Learn how to avoid it for more natural conversations in your writing.
Avoiding Passive Voice
Passive voice can make your writing feel distant and dull. Here’s why you should avoid it—and how to keep your prose engaging and sharp.
Drop Hedging Words to Make Your Writing Stronger
Hedging words like ‘maybe’ and ‘kind of’ dilute your writing—here’s why you should cut them out.
Using Caution with Split Infinitives
Master the art of split infinitives! Learn what they are, when to avoid them, and how to correct them to make your writing clearer and smoother.
Watching Your Intensifiers
Discover how intensifiers supercharge your writing! Learn when to use them for maximum impact and when to avoid overdoing it.
The Gallant Gerund
Unlock the gallant power of gerunds! Learn how these action-packed nouns bring dynamic energy and fluidity to your writing, making your sentences truly shine.
Finding the Right Vibe with Verbs
Discover the power of verbs and how they drive your stories forward. Master the action, avoid passive voice, and take your writing to the next level!
Understanding Nouns and Pronouns
Nouns are the building blocks of your sentences, bringing people, places, and things to life in your writing! Get cozy with them and elevate your prose!
Mastering the Basics - Spelling, Grammar, and Punctuation
Master your mechanics—spelling, grammar, and punctuation—so your stories shine and captivate readers without distraction! #WritingTips #NewAuthors
Mechanical Notation in Writing
Master mechanical notations in writing to elevate your fiction! Parentheses, brackets, and more—learn how to use them effectively. #WritingSkills
The Art of Breathing in Your Writing
Master the art of pacing by using pauses in your writing. Learn how to control the rhythm and impact of your story with these simple techniques.
The Oxford Comma: Friend or Foe?
Wondering if you need the Oxford comma in your writing? Discover why this tiny punctuation mark could be your new best friend!
Behold! The Mighty Comma, Colon, and Semi-Colon
Master the comma, colon, semi-colon, and period to elevate your writing and make your sentences breathe.
Mastering the Ellipsis
Learn how to use ellipses effectively in your writing and avoid common pitfalls with our easy guide for new authors.
How to Use Em-dashes in Dialogue
Learn how to use em-dashes in dialogue to add realism and depth to your characters' conversations. #WritingTips #DialogueMagic