by Suzanne Lieurance Writers are told to develop their author voice, then they are told their characters must have strong voices. It can all get a bit confusing, yet the difference between author voice and character voice is important in literature. What is Author Voice? The author’s voice is the unique style, tone, and perspective…
by Suzanne Lieurance Onomatopoeia is a literary device where words phonetically imitate, resemble, or suggest the sound that they describe. These words evoke the actual sound associated with the object or action they refer to, creating a more immersive and vivid experience for the reader or listener. Examples of Onomatopoeia Animal Sounds: Woof: The dog…
by Suzanne Lieurance Editors hate seeing the same tired, old similes and metaphors. They are trite and indicate the writer has been lazy instead of coming up with new ideas. Creating fresh similes and metaphors can add depth and originality to your writing and please editors and readers alike. Here are some tips to help…
by Suzanne Lieurance A throughline refers to a consistent thread or element that runs through the narrative, tying together various elements of the story. It can be an object, a character’s goal or motivation, a recurring event, or an overarching plot element. Here are some common types of throughlines with examples: #1. Character Throughline This…
by Suzanne Lieurance When writing dialogue, there are several common mistakes to avoid if you want to make sure your dialogue is engaging, believable, and effective. Here are some key pitfalls to watch out for: #1. Overuse of Exposition Avoid using dialogue to dump information or backstory. Let the dialogue flow naturally and reveal information…
by Suzanne Lieurance Dialogue is a big part of any novel or short story, but the dialogue must ring true and serve to move the story foreward in order for it to be effective. Here are some simple tips for creating effective dialogue: #1. Keep it Natural. Write how people actually speak. Avoid overly formal…
by Suzanne Lieurance Summer officially begins later this month, so here are seven writing prompts about the start of summer—one for each day this week: #1. The Enchanted Lake. As the summer solstice approaches, a hidden lake in your town begins to glow with an otherworldly light. Legend has it that the lake reveals secrets…
by Suzanne Lieurance Character arcs show how a character changes or stays the same throughout a story. These changes can be positive, negative, or static, depending on how the story’s events affect the character from start to finish. Here are the three basic types of character arcs: 1. Positive Arc (Transformational Arc). This is where…
by Suzanne Lieurance Many new writers ask, “What is a story arc?” That’s easy to answer. A story arc is simply the way a story develops and changes over time. It includes the events and stages characters go through, usually starting with a beginning, followed by development, a climax, and a resolution. Story arcs can…
by Suzanne Lieurance If you write fiction, you probably know that one way to make your stories come alive for your readers is to include plenty of sensory details. But, that is often easier said than done, so here are some ways to create a variety of sensory details in your stories. Sight #1. Create…
by Suzanne Lieurance Enjoy a little creative writing every day this week with these new creative writing prompts – one for each day this week. Prompt #1. The Unexpected Journey You find an old map in your attic that leads to a hidden world beneath your city. Describe your journey and what you discover. Prompt…
by Suzanne Lieurance Overcoming resistance and staying productive as a writer can be challenging, but there are several strategies you can use to get your writing done: 1. Establish a Routine. Set aside dedicated time each day or week for writing and treat it like any other important appointment. Consistency is key to building momentum…
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