Given the social upheaval ahead, we women shouldn’t be afraid to use the strongest language that we possibly can, even if that language has been traditionally denied to women. Because in the right settings, strong language is credible language.
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The Singular They: A Prescriptivist’s Dream
When someone goes to the store, they should wear a mask so they don't spread COVID-19. They? Yes, they. Because it's the correct singular pronoun to use when you don't know the gender of the person you're talking about or when...
Preventing Conflict: The Ins and Outs of an Editing Contract
Disclaimer First of all, nothing I’m about to tell you is legal advice. You should always consult an attorney because rules vary by jurisdiction. I’m speaking here as an editor about my own practice and about the kinds of pitfalls that arise when there isn’t a service...
How to Write a Fight Scene Part 2: Hand-to-Hand Combat
There are several ways to write a fight scene badly. I’ll show you how to write a fight scene well.
How to Write a Fight Scene – Part 1: Gunfights and Knife Fights
Today we’re going to talk about how to write a fight scene, specifically gunfight and knife-fight scenes. Written well, fight scenes grip the reader; contribute to atmosphere and mood; and show the reader the strength and conscience of the protagonist, victim, or...
How to Pick an Editor and Avoid Bad Reviews
You have worked hard on your manuscript and you have made more revisions than you can count. You may have had friends and family read it. You may even be a talented writer who has just written what will be a best seller. Given all of that, it's hard for you to imagine...
Act Your Age: Writing Child Characters
Have you gotten some negative feedback about your characterization? Even the most minor character who is behaving, thinking, or speaking at a level that is inconsistent with their age, education, occupation, and level of experience will hurt your story and cost you...
What Does This Mean? Inside the Editorial Mind
How many of you authors have already been edited? Were you surprised at how good your manuscript looked afterward? Does it remind you of what happens when you've finally unpacked after a move, and now the house is livable, sparkling, and the best that it can be? Did...