Category: Prose
Affective Writing
That’s right. Affective, not effective, writing. This article is about how words make readers feel certain emotions. Sneak these words…
Step 4 – Spellcheck
Check spelling, interpunction etc. Correct Apostrophe Use The apostrophe serves three functions: contraction, plural and possessives. Contraction It’s = it…
Step 3 – Polish Prose
How do you polish prose? You smoothen readability by optimizing word choice, perfecting sentence structure and paragraph rhythms.
Sensory Description
The basic human senses are: seeing, hearing, touch, smell and taste. However, don’t forget the many other senses we have,…
Character Description & Emotion
Showing creates mental pictures, it is interactive and participatory because it forces the reader to deduce the facts for himself….
Alternatives for ‘said’
Whenever possible, use SAID. Whenever possible, make the dialogue do the work and provide enough context (e.g. with gestures) to…
Pace
The pace should quicken when there is action and suspense, and slow down when there are moments of calm. Controlling…
Flashbacks and Memories
Flashbacks The flash-back golden rule: Memories are not for reminiscing. They serve to navigate the present! Use these to move…
How to describe smiles and laughter
How to describe laughter Ha ha (sarcastic) Haha (polite) Ha. (unmeant bored) Ha! (exclamation) Hehe (immature, sly) Hahaha (genuine) Haha……
Characterization
Characterization Explicit characterization The author literally tells the audience what a character is like. This may be done via the…
Show, don’t tell (and pace)
What is Showing Showing allows for immersion of the reader into the fictional dream. Showing is experiences with an illusion…
