|
Captivate Your Audience: Writing That Turns Heads and Opens Wallets Exciting News for Authors! Struggling with your writing? My latest blog posts have your back! Learn tips to captivate readers and boost your success. Say goodbye to lackluster writing and hello to engaging content that hooks readers. |
Writing That Turns Heads and Opens Wallets
|
|
Hello, fellow storytellers! Ever read a line in a book that made you stop and say, “Wow, that’s good”? Chances are, the writer used a metaphor that hit you right in the feels (and maybe gave your imagination a little fireworks show). Metaphors are secret ingredients that can turn ordinary writing into something magical. But what exactly is a metaphor, and how do you use it to enhance your narrative? Let’s dive in!
What’s a Metaphor, Anyway? A metaphor is a figure of speech where you compare two things that aren’t literally related but share similar qualities. Instead of using “like” or “as” (that would be a simile), you say one thing is another to paint a vivid picture. Example:
Why Do Metaphors Matter? Sometimes, words on a page can feel flat. Metaphors spice things up, helping your readers connect emotionally to the scene. They can make your characters, settings, and themes more memorable by linking them to images we all understand on an emotional level. Personal Anecdote: I once wrote a short story about heartbreak, describing my character’s sadness in bland terms like “She was very sad.” (Yawn, right?) After some helpful feedback from a friend, I changed it to: Her heartbreak was an anchor, dragging her into the lonely depths with every breath. That line struck a chord with readers—suddenly, they felt the character’s sorrow. Tips for Using Metaphors in Your Narrative 1. Keep It Fresh and Relevant Avoid worn-out clichés. Metaphors like “heart of gold” or “cold as ice” are so overused they’ve lost their impact. Think of something unique to your character or setting. Example:
If you’re writing a whimsical fantasy, playful or magical metaphors fit right in. If your story’s dark and gritty, you’ll want metaphors that reflect that mood. Example:
3. Don’t Overdo It Metaphors are like spices—too many, and readers get overwhelmed. Sprinkle them thoughtfully rather than pouring them all over every paragraph. Quick Check: Read your scene out loud. If it sounds like a poetry slam on steroids, tone down the metaphors. 4. Use Metaphors to Reveal Character Your character’s choice of metaphor can show who they are and what they value. A chef might compare everything to cooking, while a sailor might think about oceans and tides. Example:
Metaphors in Action Let’s say you’re writing a scene where two old friends reunite after a major falling-out: The silence between them was a dormant volcano. Each suppressed apology was a tremor, threatening to erupt if one of them made the slightest move. Here, the metaphor (the silence as a dormant volcano) amps the tension. Readers can practically feel the pressure building, waiting for that explosive moment. Wrapping It Up Metaphors are a powerful way to breathe life into your narrative. They’re all about making creative connections that resonate with readers emotionally. Remember: stay fresh and relevant, and don’t go overboard. With a dash of imagination and a hint of restraint, your metaphors can turn a plain sentence into something memorable. Do you have a favourite metaphor or a funny story about one gone wrong? Drop it in the comments below—I’d love to hear your experiences. Until then, happy writing, and may your metaphors shine like stars in a midnight sky!
0 Comments
Hello there, grammar geeks (and soon-to-be grammar geeks)! Today, we're talking about gerunds and gerund phrases. You're in the right place if you've heard the term but weren't exactly sure what it meant. Think of this as your laid-back guide to understanding how these funny-looking "-ing" words can improve your writing.
What is a Gerund, Anyway? A gerund is basically a verb that's been dressed up to act like a noun. In English, you'll spot a gerund by its "-ing" ending—just like the present participle form of a verb. However, the key difference is that a gerund functions as a noun in a sentence. Example:
Gerund Phrases: The Extended Family A gerund phrase is just a gerund plus any extra words attached to it, like modifiers or objects. So, if a gerund is the show's star, a gerund phrase is the star surrounded by the backup dancers. Example:
Why Do Gerunds Matter? You might be thinking, "So what? Another grammar rule. Do I really need this?" Using gerunds effectively can add variety to your writing. Instead of repeating the same sentence structures repeatedly, gerunds allow you to say things freshly. Personal Anecdote: When I started writing, I relied on short, choppy sentences like, "I study grammar. I love it." Snooze fest, right? Once I learned about gerunds, I could write something like, "Studying grammar has become my new obsession," suddenly, it felt more lively and connected. How to Spot a Gerund (or Gerund Phrase) in the Wild A quick trick: if you can replace the "-ing" word with a regular noun, and the sentence still works, you're probably dealing with a gerund.
Using Gerunds in Different Parts of a Sentence
In each case, you can see how "cooking" stands in for a noun—it's basically the thing being talked about. Common Pitfalls: Gerunds vs. Present Participles Gerunds and present participles look the same, but they play different roles:
Light Humour Break Raise your hand if you've ever accidentally said, "I'm loving it!" and wondered if it's grammatically correct. If so, you've just witnessed a gerund (loving) used in a super-casual phrase. McDonald's might have popularised it, but we can still call it a gerund at heart… albeit unconventional in standard grammar rules! Practical Tips for Using Gerunds and Gerund Phrases
Wrapping It Up Gerunds and gerund phrases might sound fancy, but they're just another trick in your grammar toolbox to make your writing shine. Whether you love grammar or dread the rules, a little practice can go a long way in making your sentences flow. Do you have any funny or confusing gerund mishaps? Share them with me. I'd love to hear about your writing adventures. Until then, happy "-ing" hunting! Hello, fellow storytellers and novel enthusiasts! Ever found yourself staring at a blank page, wondering how to bring a scene to life? We've all been there: you've got a rough idea of what needs to happen, but the writing feels… flat. Don't worry—I've got your back. Today, we'll explore some tried-and-true ways to flesh out your scenes, turning them from meh to memorable.
1. Focus on the Five Senses You've probably heard this one before, but it's still relevant. When readers can see, hear, smell, taste, and feel what's happening, they're more likely to immerse themselves in your world. It is like giving them a front-row seat instead of a nosebleed section. Example:
2. Show Emotions Through Actions Emotions are running rampant in your scene (hopefully), so let them shine through your characters' body language, dialogue, and internal thoughts. Don't just say someone's nervous—show it in their twitchy movements or how they fidget with a pen. Personal Anecdote: I once wrote a scene where the protagonist secretly freaked out about confronting an ex. I wrote, "She was nervous," and it fell flat. After some feedback, I rewrote it: "Her pulse hammered at her throat, and she couldn't remember the last time she'd inhaled a proper breath." Boom! Suddenly, readers felt that anxiety. 3. Add Conflict and Tension Conflict is the heartbeat of any scene. Even if it's not a life-or-death situation, sprinkle in some tension—maybe your characters disagree, or your hero's fighting a ticking clock. Example:
4. Keep the Pacing in Check It's easy to rush through a scene or bog it down with details that could put readers to sleep. Aim for a steady rhythm—enough detail to paint a vivid picture, but not so much that readers lose track of the plot. Pro Tip: Read your scene out loud. If you find yourself speeding through it or tuning out halfway, that might be a clue to adjust the pacing. Clunky, overly detailed paragraphs might need trimming; too many abrupt jumps might need more transition. 5. Use Dialogue for More Than Talking Dialogue shouldn't be just an info dump. It's a chance to reveal personality, escalate conflict, or show relationships. Toss in some subtext—characters rarely say exactly what they mean. Let them dance around secrets or deliver subtle jabs. It's more fun that way, trust me! Example:
6. Tie It to Character Goals Every scene should have a purpose, ideally tied to your characters' more significant objectives. Are they trying to secure a job? Win someone's heart? Evade capture? Ensure the scene pushes them a step closer—or farther away—from their goals. That way, readers feel like every moment matters. Example: If your character dreams of climbing the corporate ladder, show how a minor office disagreement in your scene might jeopardize that goal—or help them realize they're more ambitious than they thought. Wrapping It Up Fleshing out a novel scene is about making your readers see, feel, and care about what's happening on the page. By tapping into the senses, weaving in conflict, and revealing character emotions, you'll create moments that genuinely resonate. Don't stress if it doesn't feel perfect right away—writing is a process, and scenes often need a few rounds of polish. Got any tips of your own? Drop them in the comments! We're all learning how to make our stories shine. Hello there, fellow storytellers! Let’s discuss a topic that can make or break your novel: creating characters who jump off the page and feel like real people. We’ve all read those flat, forgettable characters that leave us yawning—and we don’t want to be that author. So, how do you ensure your characters feel as alive as your best friend (minus the midnight snack texts)? Let’s dive in!
1: Give ’Em Goals, Fears, and Secrets A great character isn’t just someone who shows up and looks pretty on the page. They need goals (what do they want?), fears (what keeps them up at night?), and secrets (what are they hiding?). These three elements create depth and make characters more relatable. Example:
2: Mix Up Their Backstories Everyone has a past, including your fictional folks. Think about how your character’s childhood, relationships, or life-altering events have shaped who they are today. The right backstory adds dimension and motivation without dumping a load of boring exposition on your readers. Personal Anecdote: When I first started writing, I created a character named Jake who was just “nice.” That was it. I hadn’t bothered to give him a history or quirks. After some (gentle) feedback from a critique partner—“He’s kind of... blah”—I realized Jake needed more depth. I reimagined him as someone who grew up in a foster home, which fueled his intense loyalty to his friends. Suddenly, he had real reasons for his actions, and readers started rooting for him. 3: Let Their Personalities Shine Through Dialogue Stiff, unnatural dialogue is a quick way to lose your readers. Instead, think about how your character talks—are they witty, shy, blunt, or poetic? Dialogue should reflect their personality and worldview. Example:
4: Flaws Are Fabulous Perfect characters are so last century. Readers relate to people who mess up, doubt themselves, and sometimes make the wrong choices. Show your character’s flaws front and centre, whether it’s a temper, a fear of commitment, or a knack for telling white lies when cornered. Example:
5: Keep Them Growing People change over time, and your characters should, too. Whether they learn from mistakes, overcome fears, or discover new passions, real growth makes your characters feel like actual humans on a journey. Light Humour Example: Your formerly stingy character may learn the joy of giving. By the end of the story, he’s the guy who picks up the tab at the local tavern, shocking all his friends into a chorus of, “Wait, who just paid for that round?” 6: Add Small Quirks and Habits The little things count. Your character always carries around a dog-eared copy of Pride and Prejudice. Maybe she can’t leave the house without triple-checking the stove. Tiny details can make your characters memorable, just like your best friend’s weird obsession with collecting rubber ducks, which is an endearing conversation starter. Example:
Wrapping It Up Fleshing out a character in a novel doesn’t have to be complicated. Think of them as real people with goals, fears, secrets, and flaws. Show their growth over the course of the story, spice things up with unique traits, and let their authentic voice shine in dialogue. Do you have any hilarious or heartwarming stories about creating characters? Drop ’em in the comments—I’d love to hear how your fictional friends have evolved on the page. And remember: the more real they feel, the more readers will fall in love with your story. Why Etymology Matters: How Understanding Word Origins Boosts Authenticity in Historical Fiction15/12/2024 Hello there, history buffs and budding novelists! Let's talk about something that might seem a bit nerdy at first glance but is actually super important if you're writing period material: etymology—in other words, the study of where words come from. If you're putting your heart and soul into crafting an authentic historical novel, short story, or screenplay, knowing a bit about word origins can make all the difference in convincing readers they've stepped straight into another era.
Why Etymology Is a Big DealImagine you're writing a scene set in 15th-century England. You've nailed the costuming, the architecture, and the political tension. But then your character says something like, "Hang tight!" Suddenly, your readers are yanked right out of your medieval world. Why? Because that phrase screams modern slang. Understanding words' roots and historical usage helps keep your story's language believable and immersive. Readers pick up historical fiction and look for a journey back in time. A modern expression can break that illusion-like a Starbucks cup in a fantasy epic. My Own Learning CurveWhen I tried to write my first historical short story, I thought I had it all figured out. I'd done my research on the clothes, the weapons, the class structures—everything. But my dialogue felt off. One of my critique partners asked, "Would a 16th-century peasant really say, 'I'm stressed out about the harvest?'" I realized I'd used a modern phrase that sounded more like me venting on Twitter than a character living through the Renaissance. That was my wake-up call. I needed to pay attention to the words I used—where they came from, when they entered common speech, and how their meanings might have evolved. After all, if my characters were tossing around modern idioms, my readers wouldn't buy into the world I was trying so hard to create. Where to Start With EtymologyThankfully, we live in the age of Google, and there are many resources to help you figure out when certain words pop up in everyday language. Websites like the Online Etymology Dictionary can quickly tell you the historical origin of a word and when it started being used in English. Think of it as your secret weapon—no time machine required. Quick Tips for Getting It Right:
Example #2:
Just remember that the ultimate goal is to keep your readers immersed. Think of etymology as a handy sidekick, helping you maintain that authentic historical tone. Once you get a feel for it, you'll craft period material that looks, sounds and feels right to your audience. Wrapping It UpEtymology might sound fancy, but at the end of the day, it's just about making sure the words you use in your historical fiction belong to the time and place you're writing about. That little detail can take your story from "pretty good" to "wow, I'm actually living in this era!" So the next time you're working on a scene set centuries ago, take a moment to check your words. Trust me, your readers—and your characters—will thank you for it. Hello, fellow writers and story-lovers!
So, you’ve spent countless hours building your world, bonding with your characters, and wrestling with that tricky plot. Now, you’re facing the ultimate challenge: ending your story in a way that leaves your readers nodding in satisfaction instead of rolling their eyes. Let’s be honest: a killer ending can be the difference between a book someone recommends to their friends and one that ends up gathering dust on a shelf. So, how do you pull it off? Let’s chat about a few proven ways to craft a solid finish that resonates with readers, keeps them hooked, and maybe even gets them hungry for your next project. 1. Bring It Full Circle A great ending isn’t just about wrapping things up; it’s about reflecting back on where you started. Your readers want to feel like they’ve been on a journey that makes sense. Show them how far your protagonist has come by mirroring an early scene or bringing back a detail you dropped in chapter one. Example: Your story opens with a shy, nervous artist who can’t even hang their paintings in a local café. By the end, they’re headlining their own gallery show. Readers love that “whoa, look how far they’ve come” feeling. Personal Anecdote: I once wrote a novella where I kicked things off with a character who couldn’t speak up at the office meeting. In the end, I had them confidently pitch an idea to a crowd. My beta readers were fist-pumping at that moment (or so they told me)! 2. Give Your Characters Closure Endings that leave everyone hanging can frustrate readers. A tiny mystery can be fun, but you generally want to resolve the main conflict. If your character’s been chasing a magical amulet or searching for their long-lost dog, let them achieve that goal—or fail in a meaningful way. It’s about giving readers that sense of “mission accomplished,” even if the mission ended differently than expected. Example: If your protagonist spent the whole story hunting for a rare ingredient to save their grandmother, either let them find it and celebrate or fail and learn a heartfelt lesson. Don’t leave the grandma’s fate in limbo. That’s just cruel. 3. Nail the Emotional Tone The end of your story should deliver the emotional payoff readers have been waiting for. Whether that’s a tearful reunion, a heartfelt goodbye, or a victorious stand against the villain, make sure it matches the tone of your tale. Example: If you’ve written a comedic adventure, don’t suddenly turn it into a tragedy at the very end. Keep it consistent—let your hero crack one last joke as they sail into the sunset. Personal Anecdote: I once tried to end a rom-com with a super-serious, downer twist. My critique partner asked, “Uh, did you forget this was supposed to be funny?” Yup, learned my lesson there. Keep your tone steady! 4. Tie Up Loose Ends (At Least Most of Them) We all love a good plot twist but don’t leave unanswered questions. If there’s a subplot about a missing necklace, show us who took it, or at least hint strongly at the culprit. Readers don’t need every detail spelt out, but they’ll feel cheated if you set up mysteries and never give closure. Example: Your detective hero can solve the big murder case, but what about the missing cat next door? At least show the cat strolling back with a smug look. Readers can connect the dots and be satisfied. 5. Keep It Simple and Clean Don’t cram a bunch of random new info into your last chapter. The ending is about paying off the setup you’ve already given readers. Keep it clean, focused, and straightforward. By the time your readers reach the finale, they should feel like you’ve got a plan, not like you’re panicking and tossing in last-minute surprises. Example: You don’t need to introduce the hero’s secret twin brother from Mars in the final pages—unless you hinted at it way back in chapter two. Surprise reveals are fine if earned, but last-second shocks without foreshadowing can annoy readers. Wrapping It Up (See What I Did There?) Ending a story effectively takes a little planning and a dash of finesse. Bring it full circle, give closure, match the emotional tone, resolve those pesky loose ends, and don’t introduce any wild new elements at the eleventh hour. Trust me, when you set that last page down, you want readers smiling, sighing contentedly, or cheering—anything but shrugging. Got any go-to tips for wrapping up a story? Share them in the comments—I’d love to hear how you craft your solid finishes. And who knows? With the right ending, your readers might just be begging for more. |
James Field
Talvik, Norway You can also Find me on 
subscribe to get a free copy
Archives
December 2024
|
RSS Feed