for writers

Writing is fun!
There’s also lots to learn about the craft of writing.
As one who teaches literary analysis and writing for a living
I’ve gathered a few resources and links for aspiring writers.

WEBSITES

  • AutoCrit:  This is an incredible site to check your work for repetitive phrases, words, dialog tags, excessive use of adverbs, generic words, and words like that.  Free trial too! Love it! I’m a believer! Take time to click the links for valuable information regarding industry standards when you try the program for free.
  • James Rollins: Website:Tips for Writers.
  • James Rollins: Website page with techniques to build sympathy for a character, the elements of suspense, and inspirations.Look for in FAQ’s.
  • Onomatopoeia: Kathy Temean’s website contains a comprehensive list that is sure to have just the perfect sound imagery word for your novel. I have it bookmarked.
  • Names: This 20,000 name website is incredible for finding a symbolic, meaningful, or ironic name for a character. Many, many categories to choose from.
  • Kill Zone: How to write effective fast-paced action scenes. Examples provided.
  • Extended Comma Rules: Purdue University’s OWL Online Writing Lab: Essential comma rules for the fastidious comma user. I send my students to this site for most comma conundrums.

PRINTABLE RESOURCES

  • Commonly confused words An 8-page list of the most commonly misused and incorrectly spelled words.
  • Replace IT Is your manuscript itting all over itself? Here’s a list of abstract nouns to replace that pesky vague IT.
  • problem words A list of low register words/phrases to replace or omit, especially in an academic paper.
  • action verbs for resume List of action verbs to help your college app or resume stand out! A
  • great TRAITS Word document to help describe your fabulous self. Good for college apps, resumes, dating sites, and character descriptions.
  • Preposition List: A comprehensive list of 1, 2, & 3-word prepositions. Many writers use prepositions incorrectly OR have a string of prepositions in a too-long sentence.
  • Story Basics: Does your story have all the elements?

BLOG POSTS: It’s like having a literature teacher available 24-hours a day!

  • Rock Your Writing Tips & tricks & how-to’s & what for’s
  • Symbolism Yes folks, literature–real literature–does contain symbols. Why? Because it adds depth and complexity to a novel. All posts provide and explain how and why a thing, idea, place, name, animal, color, food, tree, gem etc etc can be symbolic.
  • Readin’ & Writing Laughs and sass about the fabulous world of writing and the wondrous world of reading!

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