What makes a good opening to a book? Opening Chapters of Novels MUST Accomplish These Goals Something must grab the reader’s attention immediately. This can be an unusual use of language, a unique voice, a startling action, a bit of dialogue, an active description of setting (be careful on this one to keep it active!), […]
Writing a character who has panic attacks
How do you describe a panic attack? A panic attack is a sudden episode of intense fear that triggers severe physical reactions when there is no real danger or apparent cause. Panic attacks can be very frightening. When panic attacks occur, you might think you’re losing control, having a heart attack or even dying. How […]
Read Time:
9 Min
Why shouldn’t I use a pen name?
Pen names can complicate social gatherings, especially if you forget and introduce yourself to someone under your given name, or fail to respond when someone calls you by your pen name. Also, conferences and signings may become challenging if you’re juggling two names. What is the point of a pen name? A pen name, otherwise […]
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7 Min
Re-phrasing help
How do you rephrase a phrase? These are four tricks you can apply to help you do so. Start your first sentence at a different point from that of the original source. Use synonyms (words that mean the same thing) Change the sentence structure (e.g. from active to passive voice) Break the information into separate […]
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6 Min
How does the 3 act structure fit in a Non Linear story?
Story structures like 3 Acts, or 4-5 Acts, always feature a Character Arc and a series of plot turns (i.e. Turning Points) which make the story move on, proceeding from inciting incident, to temporary success, to climax and finale. Do all stories follow a three-act structure? At their most basic, the three acts of a […]
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9 Min
“Quote” within a quote MLA
Quotations within a Quotation Use single quotation marks to enclose quotes within another quotation. The reporter told me, “When I interviewed the quarterback, he said they simply ‘played a better game. ‘” How do you cite a quote within a quote MLA? Rule: Use single quotation marks inside double quotation marks when you have a […]
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6 Min
A written action scene, interrupted?
How do you write an action scene? Here are some tips: Write in shorter sentences. Shorter sentences are easier to digest. … Mix action with dialogue. Don’t just write long descriptions of what’s happening. … Don’t focus too much on what’s going on inside the character’s mind. Introspection happens before and after a fight, not […]
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6 Min
How to link paragraphs in essays and articles?
How do you link paragraphs in an article? State the purpose of the paragraph clearly in the topic sentence. Make sure every subsequent sentence refers back to or reinforces the topic sentence. Avoid short, clipped sentences; use connecting words to build effective links. Use topic sentences and concluding sentences to build effective links between paragraphs. […]
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8 Min
What is the best way to take a theorem from another paper?
How do you cite a theorem in a paper? For example, I would write something like: We recall the following theorem due to Smith [4]. … The problem was originally asked by Smith [4], who addressed the situation when things are nice. … Smith proved the following, which appears as theorem 13.b of [4] How […]
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2 Min
How to tell if a fiction workshopping site protects my rights?
How do I make sure no one steals my book idea? Apply for a copyright from the United States Copyright Office. Another option is to register your written work with the U.S. Copyright Office. Registering your work through the U.S. Copyright Office can come in handy in the event you have a legal dispute over […]
Read Time:
8 Min