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At The Write Practice, we publish a new article each day designed to help writers tackle one part of their writing journey, from generating ideas to grammar to writing and publishing your first book. Each article has a short practice exercise at the end to help you immediately put your learning to use.

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Literary Foils: Definition and Examples

Literary Foils: Definition and Examples

Since my last post, I’ve almost finished Tomcat In Love, and it has been somewhat of an exercise in frustration. This isn’t due to the book itself; it’s more due to the fact that the narrator is one of the most profoundly annoying protagonists I’ve ever encountered in fiction. He is a narcissist with a complete lack of self-awareness (at least until the last forty pages), and an unrepentant womanizer. Early on in the novel, we’re introduced to a woman who immediately provides a voice of reason, and helps serve as a reader surrogate. Everything that Thomas believes himself to be, Donna firmly states this is not the case, and her protests to his behavior make his ridiculous narcissism stand out even more boldly. She is a perfect foil to Thomas’s insanity.

Want to Learn to Write? Study Painting.

Want to Learn to Write? Study Painting.

In just a week we will be saying goodbye to Paris and go to Florence and finally Rome and arrive back in the States May 1.

One of my Paris adventures was to paint a “masterpiece” and then try to sell it on the street. While I’m nowhere near talented enough to paint an actual masterpiece, I reached out to local artist Pauline Fraisse who agreed to help me with my painting, and over a few days in the Luxembourg Gardens and the Marais, I managed to paint something that wasn’t terrible.

What I found fascinating about working with Pauline was how many parallels her painting process had with writing. As she taught me to be a better painter, I found I was learning to be a better writer as well.

Why Is Writing So Frustrating?

Why Is Writing So Frustrating?

I love writing. Isn’t it obvious? I mean, I spend my days and nights clacking away, ignoring the world, crafting my latest tome. And yet, every once in a while, the doubt creeps in like a slithering python, ready to chomp down on my creativity.

Why is that? Why can writing be so durned frustrating?

Circumlocution: Definition and Literary Uses

Right now, I’m reading Tim O’Brien’s Tomcat In Love, which, in a nutshell, is about a middle-aged linguistics professor in Minnesota who is trying to win his ex-wife back by sabotaging her new marriage. He’s also quite possibly a crazy person…

How to Write the Dreaded Query Letter

How to Write the Dreaded Query Letter

You’ve finished that manuscript, the one that’s going to change the world. Now what?

Well, if you’re looking at going down the traditional publishing route, it’s time to submit your work to potential agents. However, you don’t get to send your entire book. No, you only have one page to draw them in—the dreaded query letter.

What I’m Learning About Writing from Paris

Paris has always been an inspiration for writers and artists. I’ve been here for a month, now, and I’m certainly not lacking in inspiration. However, you don’t have to go to Paris to get the gift the city has to offer. Here’s what I’ve learned about writing from living in Paris.

3 Reasons You Should Stop Seeking Validation

3 Reasons You Should Stop Seeking Validation

As human beings, we have a deep desire to be accepted. We do things to appease others, to make ourselves look better, to not look stupid.

What happens when we take that attitude into our writing? What happens when we deny our inner muse in order to make others happy? In my experience…bad things happen.

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