With this example, we begin with a good picture in fifty-seven words and make a much stronger picture in forty-six words. That’s 20 percent fewer words, which will make readers…
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One can only imagine what it must have been like in the fields near Bethlehem, when the shepherds heard the birth announcement and the heavenly choir. Pentatonix, the a capella…
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You probably learned in school that prepositions precede nouns or pronouns to create phrases that clarify the nature of something. Condition: He left without saying anything. Direction: Johnny jumped into…
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“Children, go where I send thee. Where you gonna send me?” Tennessee Ernie Ford was known by Christians for his deep voice that gave divine depth to his gospel songs.…
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We cannot evoke a feeling of fear in readers’ hearts by telling them “she was frightened.” We must describe the conditions, observations, and actions that show the fear. Paula Hawkins does…
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Last year, Sainsbury’s partnered with HarperCollins Children’s Books to create a story based on Mog, the beloved family cat. While everyone else in the family is enjoying sweet dreams, Mog…
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The writing journey is long, but you can enjoy many rewards along the way. The Long and Challenging Road In an hour, you put together the plot essentials and characterization…
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You’re speaking and your audience laughs unexpectedly. Not trying to be a comedian, you say, “What did I say that was funny?” They know. You don’t. Words that make perfectly…
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The old typewriter days are gone and so are some of the rules. Now we want only one space after a period. Since we have italics, underlining is a thing…
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Modern technology has made it possible for families to get together online during the holidays, but it’s just not the same as sitting together at the dinner table. Three families…
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