A FEW QUICK TIPS

 

ALWAYS check your work for duplicated words. Do everything you can to avoid repeating key words in the same sentence.

This means that sometimes you have to change the sentence structure; but it is worth  making the effort to eliminate duplicated words.

Try using a Thesaurus. Most word processors have great systems built in to them. Microsoft has an excellent one. Just highlight the word you want to find an alternative one for, then click on Tools and Thesaurus to bring up a list of suitable options. Select one and then insert the new word for the duplicated one.

 

Another tip worth remembering: Give your characters a believable voice. If one of the people in your story is a street kid, then be sure to use the language a street kid would use. Or if you're writing about an A Grade student, then make sure the character uses proper English.

If you mix the voices up, your readers won't believe your story because the characters just won't come across as real.

 

 

The Major Components of Stories

 

Plot:  the organization of events that will take place in the story.

the people or animals who will be in the story.

 

Setting:   the physical time and place the story takes place in.

 

Dialogue: the words spoken by the characters in the story.

 

Point of view: the relative identification of the narrator with the characters.

 

Theme: the main idea or meaning behind a story.

 

Style: the writer's use of the language.

 

 

 

 

 

Hi!  I'm Suzanne Fleming.

Each week I will share some useful writing tips with you. I guarantee if you try hard to apply them, your writing will improve.

Writing is all about developing GOOD WRITING HABITS. It's best to get them right early in your career because it is much easier to develop a good habit, than to correct a bad one.

If you have any questions about writing, or you would like to know more about becoming a professional author, I am happy to respond to emails from young authors.  Just use the CONTACT FORM and it will be forwarded on to me. I answer every email I receive.

A QUICK EXERCISE TO DEVELOP YOUR SKILLS

Write a short story, of not less than ten paragraphs, explaining to your teacher the importance of developing sound writing skills early in life.

Include at least three characters in your story and pay particular attention to the voice you give each of them.

We could add sample stories to the YOUNG AUTHORS CHECKPOINT page.

MORE SMART TIPS!

Never use a long word where a short one will do.

If it is possible to remove a word, then take it out.

Never use the passive voice where you can use the active voice.

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eNovels by

SUZANNE FLEMING

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