Helpful Writing Hints

1. Don't use adverbs that end in -ly. That is a huge no-no these days. (Yup. It will feel like you're walking on one foot.) 

2. End a quote with simply "he said", "she said" NOT with "said she", "he quipped", or any other effort to change "he said". Remember, the word "said" always comes last. ( One of your biggest jobs as a writer is to know what editors want RIGHT NOW, and I?m giving you up-to-date information on their current pleasure.) 

3. Work descriptions into the story, such as, ?I love your blue eyes," or "She envied his naturally curly hair.?   

4. Internal dialogue (thoughts) should always be in italics. Only use ?he said? one time. After that the reader will know they are his thoughts. 

5. Use your speal chacker! Check your punctuation, 

6. To edit - let your work lay for two days until it gets cold.

7. Can?t think of a story? Use the DeBowen method: First, think of one exciting central scene. Then think of a good ending, and twist it. Lastly, develop the beginning. 

8. Never begin a story with the weather. Your first line should be a real eye-catcher: ?Bruce entered the room carrying a bloody knife.? 

9. For short stories, third person, past tense is what editors like most now. 

10.Cut every word that doesn't point to a necessary fact in the story.  Good luck!

Reprinted with persmission from Deborah Owen at www.creativewritinginstitute.com