• 3 Cs of Impactful Writing: How to Write Clearly, Concisely, and Courteously

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    Whatever you want to write, whether it’s a memoir, a novel, a devotional, a literature review, or a short story collection, impactful writing starts with keeping your reader in mind. It’s like that familiar saying, “Before you say something, think whether it’s true, helpful, inspiring, necessary, and kind.” Similarly, when you write, think about the three Cs: Are my words clear, concise, and courteous? Why Clear Writing Matters: Making Your Message Easy to Understand As an editor, I often find myself making comments that say, “Clarify this,” or “Explain what this means.” When your writing is clear, your readers won’t…

  • Holiday Writer’s Gift Guide 2024

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    The end of another year approaches, bringing with it the magic of the Christmas season! With decorations lighting up homes and stores, Christmas music playing everywhere, and holiday plans taking shape, don’t forget to squeeze in some Christmas shopping. If you’re looking for thoughtful presents, our Holiday Writer’s Gift Guide 2024 is here to help you find the perfect gifts for the writers in your life. Whether they’re aspiring beginners or seasoned pros, these ideas will encourage creativity and inspire their craft. Top Gift Ideas for Writers in 2024 1. Journals are a Timeless and Essential Gift Perhaps the number…

  • Are You Still Making These Common Grammar Mistakes?

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    Grammar mistakes are the silent saboteurs of good writing. Just the other day, I started a new book that had been collecting dust on my shelf. Within minutes of opening it, I caught a glaring grammar mistake. Frustrated, I put the book back down. Common grammar mistakes can undermine your credibility, confuse your readers, and make even the most compelling story hard to follow. Even the best writers aren’t immune to errors. But there’s no need to memorize every rule to improve your writing skills. Instead, focus on identifying and avoiding the most common grammar mistakes. Let’s dive into four…

  • Helpful Pointers on How to Write Dialogue

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    Whether in fiction or nonfiction, characters play a large role in driving a story along. Granted, they can’t do so if they remain quiet, and that is where conversations, or dialogue, come into play. Learning how to write dialogue between two or more characters throughout a story helps further the plot, develop the characters’ personalities, and make a story more believable to a reader, thus making the story that much more enjoyable. If you’re wondering how to write dialogue for your book, these tips can help guide you through the process. For some writers, dialogue can flow very naturally; for…