|
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, grammar enthusiasts and punctuation warriors! Let’s chat about a little set of dots that can add drama, hesitation, or mystery to your writing: the ellipsis (…). While it might seem simple, the ellipsis is one of those punctuation marks that’s often misused. Whether you’re writing a novel, a blog, or a snarky text message, knowing how to use ellipses correctly can make all the difference.
So, let’s explore the do’s and don’ts of using ellipses, with some handy examples. What Is an Ellipsis? First things first, an ellipsis is three little dots (…) used to indicate something has been left out. It’s like the “dot, dot, dot” of intrigue. But these humble dots are versatile. You can use them in dialogue to show a pause in thought or in quotes to show omitted text. How to Use Ellipses Correctly Here are the top ways you should be using ellipses:
Example: “Are you… sure about this?” Sarah asked, glancing nervously at the dark woods. See how the ellipsis gives that pause a little suspense? It’s perfect for building tension 2. To Indicate Omitted Text in Quotes Ellipses can save the day when you’re quoting someone and want to skip over irrelevant parts. Just make sure you’re not altering the meaning of the original quote. Original Text: “The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog because it’s training for the forest Olympics.” With Ellipsis: “The quick brown fox… is training for the forest Olympics.” It’s like a magic wand for trimming down text! 3. To Create a Cliffhanger Ellipses can be your best friend when you want to leave your readers hanging. Example: She opened the door, and there it was… What was it? A monster? A pizza delivery guy? You’ll have to read on to find out! Common Mistakes with Ellipses Now that you know how to use them, let’s talk about what not to do. Here are some common ellipsis errors:
Incorrect: “I just don’t know…… what to say.” Correct: “I just don’t know… what to say.” 2. Overusing Ellipses Ellipses are great, but too many in one piece of writing can be annoying. Use them sparingly for maximum impact. If your page looks like it’s covered in Morse code, it’s time to cut back. 3. Using Ellipses Instead of Periods Ellipses are not a replacement for proper punctuation. They’re not a get-out-of-jail-free card for finishing sentences lazily. Incorrect: “I went to the store… bought some apples… came home.” Correct: “I went to the store, bought some apples, and came home.” Personal Anecdote: My Ellipsis Overload Phase When I first started writing, I went through what I like to call my “Ellipsis Overload Phase.” Every sentence trailed into the void… like I couldn’t finish a thought… because it was mysterious. My editor was not amused. She circled every unnecessary ellipsis in red pen and wrote, “Finish your sentences!” Lesson learned: less is more when it comes to ellipses. Quick Tips for Perfect Ellipsis Use
Wrapping It Up Ellipses are a fantastic tool when used correctly, but they work best in moderation, like all good things. Whether you’re writing a dramatic novel, a punchy blog, or just a text to your bestie, knowing how to wield the ellipsis can elevate your writing game. So, go forth and use your ellipses wisely… but not too much. Got any ellipsis horror stories or funny writing quirks? Drop them in the comments – I’d love to hear them!
0 Comments
Hey there, wordsmiths! Let’s talk about editing – the love-it-or-hate-it writing stage where the magic happens. As someone who’s seen their fair share of first drafts (and trust me, some were doozies), I can tell you that a handful of mistakes pop up repeatedly. If you’re wondering what they are, you’re in the right place! Let’s dive into the five most common errors editors see and, more importantly, how you can fix them.
1. Repetition Overload: Saying It Twice… or Three Times… or… Ever notice how some writers seem to say the same thing over and over? It’s like they think readers won’t get it the first time. Repetition can make your writing feel redundant and, well, boring. Example: Original: The sky was a dark, inky black. It was so black that it looked like ink had spilt all over it. Edited: The sky was as dark as spilled ink. Fix It: Be concise. Read your sentences aloud – if you feel you’re explaining the same thing twice, cut the fluff. 2. Overusing Adverbs (a.k.a. the “-ly” Crutch) We get it – your characters do things quickly, happily, or angrily. However, relying too much on adverbs can make your writing feel lazy. Show us the emotion or action instead of telling us. Example: Original: He walked quickly to the door. Edited: He rushed to the door, his shoes slapping against the hardwood floor. Fix It: Replace adverbs with vivid verbs or descriptions that bring the scene to life. 3. Dialogue Tags Gone Wild Ah, the dreaded overuse of fancy dialogue tags. We’re looking at you, “she exclaimed,” “he retorted,” and “they interjected.” While these are fine in moderation, sticking to simple “said” or “asked” keeps the focus on the dialogue itself. Example: Original: “I can’t believe this!” she exclaimed angrily. Edited: “I can’t believe this!” she said, her voice rising. Fix It: Use action and tone instead of over-the-top tags to convey emotion. Let your dialogue shine! 4. Sentence Structure That Never Changes Your writing can feel monotonous when all your sentences are the same length and structure. Short sentences. Long ones. It’s all about balance, my friends. Example: Original: He walked into the room. He looked around. He saw a chair. He sat down. Edited: He walked into the room, scanning it quickly. Spotting a chair in the corner, he sank into it with a sigh. Fix It: Mix it up! Vary sentence length and structure to keep your readers engaged. 5. Overcomplicating the Plot (a.k.a. the Kitchen Sink Syndrome) Sometimes, writers try to cram everything into one story—subplots, twists, side characters, and backstories galore. The result is a bloated, confusing narrative that leaves readers scratching their heads. Example: Imagine a murder mystery with a love triangle, a subplot about ancient treasure, and a villain with a secret twin. Phew. Too much, right? Fix It: Keep it focused. Ask yourself: does this element serve the main plot? If not, it’s time to let it go. Bonus Tip: Don’t Edit Alone!Even the best writers need a second pair of eyes. After your edits, get feedback from a trusted friend, critique partner, or professional editor. Fresh perspectives can catch things you might’ve missed. Wrapping It Up: Editing isn’t about tearing your story apart but making it the best version of itself. By avoiding these common mistakes (and learning to spot them in your own writing), you’ll take your story from “meh” to chef’s kiss. So, grab that red pen (or your favourite editing app) and start polishing! Do you have any editing horror stories or funny mistakes you’ve made? Share them in the comments—let’s commiserate together! |
James Field
Talvik, Norway You can also Find me on 
subscribe to get a free copy
Archives
December 2024
|
RSS Feed