Plotting Fiction: Outline or Improvise?

Getting from an initial idea to a completed story seems like a mysterious process for…

Problems with Jargon and More When Writing for General Audiences

Writing on a specialized topic for nonspecialists can be a challenge for writers of all…

Adopting New Words vs. Slang

I know, as an editor, I’m not supposed to say this, but when it comes…

Plotting Fiction: Putting the MICE Ratio to Work

The first step to solving any problem is diagnosing it. That begins with figuring out…

Common Errors When Using Names

For readability and clarity and out of respect for those referred to, it is important…

Guide to Transitions: Sentences

Last time, we talked about transitioning from topic to topic, which means from paragraph to…

Plotting Fiction: The MICE Ratio

When a single thematic element predominates in a story, it suggests a particular narrative structure.…

Tips to Follow Directions in Writing Assignments

In today’s post, I’ll share my thoughts on another relatable lesson. Good writers follow directions!…

Quick Guide to Transitions: Paragraphs

Transitions are essential to making sense in a proposition or argument, so it’s little wonder…

Plotting Fiction: The Event Story

The event story is similar to the character story in that both deal with disruptions…

Tips for Great Business Letters

Whether writing a cover letter for a job application, a letter of resignation, a note…

Plotting Fiction: The Character Story

Your internal state evolves with your external circumstances. Big life events can have a profound…

How to Make a Table of Contents in MS Word: Basics

MS Word’s Table of Contents (ToC) feature works quite well and is more than worth…

Plotting Fiction: The Idea Story

he idea story builds suspense by withholding information. The resolution comes when the hidden information…

Comparison Charts for CSE, IEEE, and AMA References

A handy chart of more English styles: CSEm IEEE, and AMA.

Quick Guide to Common Old-School Abbreviations

This quick guide to some of the most common, old-school, and occasionally forgotten abbreviations should…

Comparison Charts for APA, MLA, and CMS References

A handy chart of the major English styles: Chicago, MLA, and APA.

Plotting Fiction: The Milieu Story

Exactly what sort of payoff you need to deliver will be determined by the kind…

Microsoft Word: Inserting Symbols

Ever wonder how documents manage to have text that isn’t on your keyboard? Ever wonder…

Are You a Better Writer than a Fifth Grader?

After freelance proofreading, editing, and writing and doing small-group literacy and math intervention for the…