Tag Archive for "writing advice" tag

Groceries by Striatic
I’ve always struggled with the idea of plot. I figured plot just meant something is supposed to happen, but I couldn’t figure out what or why. I kept thinking if I could just get some kind of action going, I’d figure out the meaning as I went along … Come to think of [...]

What an incredible person Joan Didion is. This towering intellect inside this unassuming frame. Such powerful words on such a careful voice — careful like a kid carrying a robin’s egg.
She is so inspiring. She knows she’s smart. She knows she’s worked hard and deserves respect. She knows she’s done amazing work. And how unglamorous [...]

I see Ella, walking slowly about a big empty room, thinking, waiting. I, Anna, see Ella. Who is, of course, Anna. But that is the point, for she is not. The moment I, Anna, write: Ella rings up Julia to announce, etc., then Ella floats away from me and becomes someone else. I don’t understand [...]

There is always room to edit.
Stay on point!
Don’t put yourself in a position to backpedal. Think about the implications of what you’re saying.
Quoting others is good, but original content is what makes you stand out. Give us new thoughts on old ideas.
No one is required to follow you. It’s your job to give them a [...]

What’s the use of a metaphor?
Use a metaphor when there is no single word to describe it.
Use a metaphor when the object itself represents something larger. Or rather, allow the object to become the metaphor.
Do not use a metaphor to describe traffic parting to let a fire truck through. Everyone knows what that looks like, [...]