If you’re an author or an avid reader, you’re no doubt familiar with basic accepted, standardized rules for grammar and punctuation. You might also be familiar with, or at least aware of, multiple style guides that the writing industry uses. Three of the most well-known formats include the Modern Language Association (MLA) rules, the Associated … Read more
If you were to survey all of the writers in the United States, how many do you think would answer ”Yes,” if you were to ask them if they like to read their own work? Chances are, not too many. Most writers do not want to read their own work, at least after it’s published. … Read more
Whether you’re a horror enthusiast or prefer a gentler genre for reading, you must admit that Stephen King is one of the most prolific authors of all time. With more than 90 novels to his name, including sci-fi, fantasy, crime and more, several of King’s stories have been made into films. With this background, most … Read more
Many people consider writing an art form. Then again, you would likely have no trouble finding a bunch of folks (especially students) who think of it more as the bane of their existence. No matter how an individual might personally feel about writing, almost everyone would agree that it serves many purposes in life. Writing … Read more
If you like to read or are a writer, you might find it more and more challenging to find time to engage in this hobby. Life is busy, right? Especially if you own a business, work full-time outside the home, and even more so if you have children, taking time for yourself to enjoy a … Read more
When you’re writing a novel, there’s always a question of how many times you should revise the manuscript. While there isn’t an exact number, all writers must come to a point where they’re comfortable, if not completely satisfied (because what writer is ever completely satisfied?) with their stories. Quality editing can help a writer to … Read more
Whether you’re a professional writer or merely engage in writing as a hobby, you have no doubt encountered times when you can’t seem to get into the flow. You might have the best of intentions when you sit down at your computer or with pen and paper in hand, only to stare at a blank … Read more
For many years now, there has been a literacy crisis in America. Reading and writing are so closely linked that when a child lacks the skills to do one, he or she will no doubt also struggle with the other. Encouraging reading in the home is a must if we, as a society, ever hope … Read more
Whether writing is a side-passion, a hobby in your life or your primary source of income, there are bound to be days when you do not feel like you’re reaching your creative peak. Especially if you write five to seven days per week, it’s not uncommon to encounter challenges regarding creativity. The next time you … Read more
Suffice it to say, the writing process is unique for every author. In fact, it’s also unique for an individual writer each time he or she begins a new project. An integral component of fiction writing is character development. Have you ever written a character into a story, only to later determine that he or … Read more