by Melissa Tydell |
Some days, writing is easy. The words flow effortlessly and quickly. You walk away feeling a sense of accomplishment and pride.
Other days, writing is hard. Each sentence takes time, making it onto the page in fits and starts. You do what you can and contemplate deleting it all in the end.
So why do we write? What is the most satisfying part of writing—that part that brings you back to the computer or paper time after time, no matter how challenging the process feels?
by Melissa Tydell |
If your writing seems a little dull, tap into this easy trick—focus on the verbs. Using direct, precise, and active verbs instantly makes your writing stronger.
These verbs move your story forward, create powerful imagery, and convey a confident tone.
by Melissa Tydell |
Some people think writing about everyday occurrences is uninteresting. But I like to believe that the everyday is what connects writers with readers, as human beings who share a common or not-so-common world.
What is it about the everyday—the small details, the routines and rituals—that resonates so deeply?
by Melissa Tydell |
You know that well-worn, well-loved book that you’ve read many times? Simply turning to the first page and reading the opening line brings you into the story. And when you reach that final page and the very last sentence, the story melts away, leaving you content—or perhaps wanting just a bit more.
An intriguing beginning and a strong ending act as bookends to any good story. So how do you craft memorable first and last lines?
by Melissa Tydell |
We all experience fear from time to time. But what about those things that truly terrify us, those situations that may not even ever happen? Our fear may not always be rational, but this deep-rooted emotion is a powerful tension to insert into our writing.
Because fear is not something we enjoy feeling, it is also often uncomfortable to write about—which is what makes the end result fascinating.
Here are some things to keep in mind when writing about fear:
