New Daily Writing Guides from The Write Practice

Emotional Writing: One Surprising Method for Creating Emotion in Your Readers

As a writer, you’ve probably learned that story is not about what happens. Rather, it’s about how the events affect the protagonist. The plot points may appeal to the reader’s intellect, but you want to go deeper than that, reaching and stirring the coals of a reader’s emotions. That kind of emotional writing is when you make a real connection, establishing something meaningful between writer and reader.

But how is this done? How do you reach beyond the plot points and offer your reader something more? There are a number of ways to accomplish this, but I’m going to focus on one technique that might surprise you.

The Powerful Reason You Should Tell Your Story

by Ruthanne Reid | 56 Comments

For a lot of us, this has been a rough year, a tiring year, a painful year.

Some years carry a heavier toll than others, and this is one of them. Yet in spite of that—or maybe because of it—there’s something you need to do: tell your story. I know how tired you are. I know some of you you don’t feel heard. I know some of you might fear you don’t matter.

You do.

Why You Need to Use the Oxford Comma (or Not)

by Liz Bureman and Sue Weems | 115 Comments

Most of the fun of writing is using your words to tell a story. They course across the page, delighting in the joys of Maureen finally finding her Henry, shuddering as Ingrid uncovers her third dead body of the day, or mourning with Carlos for his lost mother. But I’m not here to talk about words. I’m here to sing the praises of punctuation; specifically, the Oxford comma.

Most people I’ve met have no idea what the Oxford comma is, but it’s probably something that you have used in the past. What is it?

8 Best Rhyming Books for Children’s Book Writers

by Marianne Richmond | 2 Comments

There are lots of book lists for teachers and parents looking for fun rhyming books, but today I thought I’d share a few with clever rhymes that you can study as you decide whether or not your book needs to rhyme. One thing to note with all of these is how rhyme works for the story. Notice how rhyme in these books enhances the story. None of these rhymes feel forced.

Launching a Sequel: 3 Challenges of Book 2 and How to Handle Them

by J. D. Edwin | 0 Comments

Writing is hard, and publishing adds another layer of challenge into the mix. You might think that after launching your first book, any subsequent books would be easier. I thought so once too. But from writing to launch, each book presents new challenges. Read on to see what I’m learning as I launch my second book in a series.

Should Your Children’s Book Rhyme? A Best-Seller’s Guide

by Marianne Richmond | 4 Comments

In this article about rhyme in children’s books, let’s take a look at when and why children’s books rhyme to see if yours needs it too.

Writing Prompt: Use Junk Drawers to Discover Your Characters

by Sarah Gribble | 0 Comments

Characterization is a huge part of writing, no matter how long the story. You need to know the ins and outs of your character’s personality. What makes them tick? What do they want? Where to do they come from?

Sometimes it’s a little difficult to come up with new character traits and idiosyncrasies that aren’t cliché or contrived.

Today, we’re going to have a little fun with character development. We’re going to think outside the box of character questionnaires and try a writing prompt to help us discover our characters through a different route: What’s in their junk drawer?

How to Unlock All 5 Senses in Your Writing

by Kellie McGann | 34 Comments

As writers we are especially aware of the five senses. We use the five senses to transport our reader into the scene we are describing. However, I propose, that we are not using the five senses to their full potential. You see, I didn’t used to give the five senses much credit when it came to my writing. But the truth is, the five senses have a power to connect with our readers in a deep way.

Grammar Help: Affect Versus Effect

by Liz Bureman | 41 Comments

The primary rule of thumb when it comes to affect and effect is the following:
Affect is a verb. Effect is a noun.
Knowing this will generally get you through most confusion between these two words.

Independence Day Writing Prompt

by Alice Sudlow | 28 Comments

Today, Americans are celebrating our independence. It’s a day full of cookouts and fireworks and enjoying the sun. It’s also a great day for a writing prompt!

Here to learn? You’re in the WRITE place!