On Writing: The Flippant Ellipsis

On Writing: Let’s Talk Grammar and Punctuation for a While

(Post Number Seven)

The Flippant Ellipsis

 The little ellipsis, that is, three little periods in a row … is a quirky little punctuation form that tricks many a good writer, mainly because the writer might be confusing its use with other punctuation marks that would be more effective.

Let’s take a look at the most common uses for the ellipsis and some examples of how to use it properly. By the way, the plural of ellipsis is ellipses.

A Beginning and End of a Quote

Since it is assumed that you are taking a quote from a larger context in most cases, the ellipsis points should NOT be placed before or after a scripture verse or quoted passage unless the quote is a sentence fragment:

Example One:   “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God, not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9  (No ellipsis is placed anywhere because the verse is quoted in its entirety.)

Example Two:   “For by grace are ye saved through faith ….” Ephesians 2:8a  (Ellipsis WITH a period)

Yes that’s right. When you use an ellipsis at the end of a sentence fragment, and it is followed by either a reference, another complete sentence or verse, add a period to the ellipsis.

Fragmented Speech

This is probably the most popular use for the ellipsis. The three little dots should be used to indicate faltering or fragmented speech that implies uncertainty, confusion, distress, and the like:

Example One:  “The horse … it’s running away … with the child on its back!” yelled Tom.

Example Two:  “Oh, dear, … my new glasses … where did I put them?” Bill asked his wife.

Example Three:  When Sue woke up she asked, “Where am I … huh … was I dreaming?”

Omissions

Use an ellipsis anytime you are writing a sentence, passage, or Bible verse that you’ve purposely omitted part. The ellipsis in this structure is used most often with scripture verses:

Example One:  Psalm 30:5 states, “For his anger endureth but a moment; … weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.”

Example Two:  “… but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation ….”            (1 Timothy 4:12b)

When to Use the Period at the End of the Ellipsis (Known as the Four-dot Ellipsis)

Besides using the four-dot ellipsis at the end of a quoted scripture verse as in the previous example, remember to use it when you have another complete sentence following the fragment and ellipsis:

Example One:  “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for …. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.”   (Hebrews 11:1, 3)

Example Two:  Jerry couldn’t help wondering why Jane was so late for her rendezvous with him at the restaurant. I hope she didn’t forget …. No, she didn’t forget, he told himself.  She’s just running a little late, as usual.

Spacing with an Ellipsis

Whenever using an ellipsis in the middle of a sentence, put a space before and after it:

Example:  “You may go out for recess … if you’ve finished your seatwork,” the teacher told her class.

Whenever using an ellipsis at the beginning or ending of a quote, do NOT insert a space between the ellipsis and the quotation mark:

Example One:  “Well, I believe so ….”

Example Two:  “… as I said before.”

So, there you have examples of the most common uses for the ellipsis. Just remember that when using it at the end of a sentence or a quote, the ellipsis indicates confusion or uncertainty. If you’re trying to portray a character’s speech abruptly interrupting another character’s speech, then use an em dash not an ellipsis:

Example:  Fred chased after his little brother Tommy in the yard and yelled, “You little brat! I’m going to—”

“You’re going to what?” Tommy sassed back.

(And remember to put your quotation mark at the end first then backspace to insert the em dash or your quotation mark will be backwards.)

Using an ellipsis at the end of Fred’s dialogue would indicate that he was thinking about something else to say and had time to do so. But that’s not the implication here. We want to imply that Tommy cut Fred’s words right off.

I trust this will help you to decide to be a little more daring in your writing and use an ellipsis once in a while. Different punctuation marks do make a difference. They bring your writing style to life and keep your readers hooked!

Next time we’ll look at the itinerant italics.

Happy writing!

Marsha

Grammar and Punctuation: The Punctual Period

On Writing: Let’s Talk Grammar and Punctuation for a While

(Post Number Six)

The Punctual Period

 

Are you kidding me? We’re going to talk about periods? That little miniscule dot at the end of a declarative sentence that everyone knows belongs there to complete the thought? “Why waste the time?” you’re probably asking. “Let’s move on. I know everything there is to know about periods.”

Well, let’s see if you do. I’m going to list some of the most frequent uses (besides its obvious use at the end of every declarative sentence) and some of its misuses. You’ll either yawn your way through this blog post or you’ll raise your eyebrows in wow-I-didn’t-know-that surprise.

Let’s play “Which one is correct?” Below are samples of different uses of periods. In each set, one use is correct; the other is not. Choose one from each set that you think is the right one. The correct answers are listed at the end of the blog. If you’re a period genius, and you get 100%, let me know, and we’ll brag about you on Facebook. (Today you’re getting a taste of what it’s like to be an editor):

Sample One:

A.)  When John wrote, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1), he was referring to Jesus Christ.

B.)   When John wrote, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1), he was referring to Jesus Christ.

Sample Two:

A.)    When God asked Adam where he was after the fall, Adam said, “I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.” (Genesis 3:10 KJV)

B.)     When God asked Adam where he was after the fall, Adam said, “I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself” (Genesis 3:10 KJV).

Sample Three: (A block quotation)

A.)     Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths (Proverbs 3:5-6).

B.)     Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Sample Four – a postscript after the salutation in a letter:

A.)    P.S. Tell Susie I’ll be at the game on Friday.

B.)     PS  Tell Susie I’ll be at the game on Friday. (No periods after the “P” and “S.”

Sample Five – abbreviation of the state ofNorth Carolina:

A.)    N.C.

B.)     NC

Sample Six:

A.)     The Smithsonian Institute is in Washington, D.C., for many years.

B.)     The Smithsonian Institute is in Washington, DC, for many years.

Sample Seven:

A.)   Brian’s new third grade teacher is Ms Batdorf. (No period after Ms)

B.)   Brian’s new third grade teacher is Ms. Batdorf

Sample Eight:

A.)    Margie just moved to 678 N.W. Lane Street inAlbany.

B.)     Margie just moved to 678 NW Lane Street inAlbany. (No periods with the abbreviation for North West)

Sample Nine:

A.)     The time period “Before Christ” is represented with the letters B.C. on legal documents.

B.)     The time period “Before Christ” is represented with the letters BC on legal documents. ( No periods with BC)

Sample Ten:

A.)    Herbie’s appointment at the dentist was for 11:00 am, but he forgot all about it. (No periods with the abbreviation for ante meridiem)

B.)     Herbie’s appointment at the dentist was for 11:00 a.m., but he forgot all about it.

 

Answers:

Letter B is correct for all samples except for samples five and six; both answers are correct for samples five and six.

So, do we have any period geniuses in the crowd? If you think any of my answers are wrong, then you’ll have to argue with 15^th edition of The Chicago Manual of Style, over which I labored for over an hour, studying these period options. There are many other period issues addressed in the CMOS, of which I have not the time nor the space to mention. So if you’re into mastering the Period Technique, get your CMOS out of the closet and start studying!

Hopefully, this little bit of information I’ve shared will help you handle the little speck of ink we call a “period” more skillfully the next time you tackle one of your writing projects. If you’re brave enough, go to the Writers of Any Genre group on Facebook, and let us know how you did.

Next time, we’re going to look at the flippant ellipsis.

Happy writing!

Marsha

 

Grammar and Punctuation: The Elusive Colon

On Writing: Let’s Talk Grammar and Punctuation for a While

(Post Number Five)

The Elusive Colon

 What can we writers say about the elusive little colon that some people abuse so much, they should have a colon-oscopy!  Colons should be used infrequently, but when used properly, they can be a very effective little tool to get your point across. Let’s take a look at the little punctuation mark that looks like one period stacked on top of another. Here are its main uses and examples of each:

1. The colon is used to introduce a list or a series: (case in point!)

Example 1 - Our seasonal calendar is divided into four main time periods: winter, spring, summer, and fall.

Example 2 – Freddie said his best friends were also his brothers: Bill, Mike, and Ed.

*Notice that the only time you cap the word after a list or series is if the first word is a proper noun.

2.    The colon is used to introduce a speaker or dialogue in a skit or play.

Example -

      Ben:  When my birthday comes around, I’m going to go on a skiing trip.

      Susie: When my birthday comes around, I’m going to be forty!

*Notice that the dialogue starts with a capital letter but has NO quotation marks in a play script. 

3.    The colon is used to introduce two or more sentences in close sequence.

Example -

      Bud had two job choices: Should he work at the mini-mart? Or should he work at the hamburger joint?

*Notice that the word “Should” is capped after the colon because it’s a full sentence.

4.   The colon is used in the greeting of a business letter or in the introduction to a speech.

Example 1 – Dear Senator Huey: (Letter)

Example 2 – To Whom It May Concern: (Letter)

Example 3 – Ladies and Gentlemen of the Jury: (Beginning of a speech)

5.  The colon is used when writing scripture references.

Example – One of my favorite verses is 1 Corinthians 15:10.

So there you have a quick review of the most important uses of the little colon. Use them sparingly, but use them correctly, and your writing will move to a higher level.

Next time, we’ll look at periods. “Periods?” you’re probably thinking. “Everybody knows how to use periods. Well, check in on February 6^th. You might be surprised to learn a few new things about this little dot that adds meaning to everything we write.

Keep on writing!

Marsha

 

On Writing: Mr. Em Dash and Nanny En Dash

On Writing: Let’s Talk Grammar for a While

(Post Number Four)

Mr. Em—Dash and Nanny En-Dash

 

Pennsylvania Ice

 Although many folks use these little dashes interchangeably, there is a correct use for each one. I dare say that some beginning writers might not even know there is an em dash and an en dash. They might think they’re one in the same. So let’s go to the Grammar Dashboard and discuss these two punctuation marks’ appearance and use.

“The Em Dash—”

This “long” hyphen denotes a sudden break in thought that causes a sharp change in the structure of the sentence. It can be used anywhere in a simple sentence with the insertion of a shorter sentence or phrase to change the thought or it can be used to complement a certain part of speech (usually a noun). When the em dash appears at the end of a line of dialogue, it represents an interruption by another person’s following remark or an abrupt end to the line of dialogue. Let’s look at some examples:

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Example Number One: 

With Mayor Combs’ health problems, will he—should he—run for office again?

Barry gave away all the puppies but one—the brown one with the pink nose.

Three gorgeous horse breeds—the Arabian, Tennessee Walker, and Quarter Horse—are my favorites.

George W. Bush—a past governor and U.S. president—now lives in Texas.

 

*NOTE: there should be NO spaces before or after the em dash in the previous examples.

A word to the wise writer: don’t go overboard with em dashes. They should be used sparingly. Never use more than one em dash—or a pair of them—in one sentence. Also, if you think a comma, parenthesis, or a colon would work, then by all means use one of them instead of the em dash.

 

Example Number Two:

Mable yelled at her brother, “Stop that or I’ll—”

“Or you’ll what?” her brother yelled back.

 

“What is that bright light in the sky?” Susie asked her friend. “Is it a—” Susie was so frightened, she could no longer speak.

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Now, you might be asking, “Where in the world do I find the em dash on my keyboard? Can I just plug in two hyphens? Some word processors automatically convert hyphens to en dashes and em dashes. But if they don’t, like mine doesn’t, do this to insert an em dash: hold down the CTRL key and ALT key simultaneously and hit the hyphen on the numeric keypad.

 

“The En Dash –”

 

I’ll be the first one to confess that I don’t use the en dash the way I should. I usually use a hyphen instead because it’s just easier to insert.

Anyway, an en dash has three distinct uses. They connect inclusive numbers as in dates, pages, and Bible verses. They are used in compound adjectives with open compounds or when two or more elements are open compounds or hyphenated compounds. And they are used to link a city to the name of a university that has multiple campuses. Here are the examples:

Example Number One: The date 1934-35; the pages 190 -191; Genesis 3:2 – 4 (My computer chose not to convert my hyphens to en dashes. It is acceptable to use hyphens in this way)

Example Number Two:  the post –Vietnam era;   a brother – sister relationship

Example Number Three enn State University – State College, PA

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“And, pray tell, where does one find this little rascal on the keyboard?”

Well, now that you asked, here’s the answer: (If your computer feels like cooperating) –type your word, insert a space, then type a hyphen and the next letter or word immediately without a space, and the computer should convert the hyphen to an en dash. Try it and see what happens. Sometimes my PC does it; sometimes it doesn’t. Go figure.

So have some fun with em dashes and en dashes; learn to use them sparingly and spruce up your writing style with a little extra flavor. You just might catch the eye of an editor—or an agent—as you write the best you know how!

Next time, we’ll look at colons, the little double periods stacked on top of each other.

Keep on writing and have a successful new year!

Marsha

 

On Writing: The Too Common Comma

On Writing: Let’s Talk Grammar for a While

(Post Number Three)

The Too Common Comma

Christmas is Christ

 

I trust you are having a wonderful Christmas season with family and friends. If you have the time to read this post during this time of the year, I’ll be surprised. We are all so busy with food, friends, celebrations, and church services. But remember, this post will be on this blog forever and will be in the forefront for two weeks until I post a new one on January 9^th, 2012. Wow! 2012! I can’t believe how fast time is going.

Let’s continue discussing grammar, in particular punctuation, for a while and have a look at the too common comma. What can we say nice about this little squiggly line that seems to get in the way of our good writing more than we care to admit?

In all my editing jobs, I’ve seen the comma misused and abused more than any other punctuation mark. Maybe it’s because it’s so easy to type or write; it just kind of slides onto the paper without anyone noticing. But I think it’s time we look at a few rules that will spruce up your writing and help your readers actually get a grip on what you’re trying to say!

The cardinal rule for using commas is when in doubt, don’t use them. But if you want to, or you HAVE to use them, (and you do), then let’s use them correctly. Here are a few pointers that seem to trip up everyone:

1. When you have two compound sentences, use a comma to separate them. Now remember that a compound sentence (two independent clauses) has two subjects and two verbs:

Example:  Bruce bought a brand new red car, but his brother Ed bought a use blue truck.

Example:   Sally baked a cake for Tom’s birthday, and she bought him a new watch.

Example: (Exception: If the compound sentence is real short, there’s NO COMMA)  Harry played but Bill slept.

2. Do NOT use a comma in a simple sentence with a compound verb. This is the most frequent misuse of a comma. I see this again and again in the manuscripts that I edit and critique:

Example:   Sally baked a cake for Tom’s birthday and bought him a new watch.

NOTE: There is no comma after birthday because there is only one subject in this sentence: Sally. The compound verbs are “baked” and “bought.”

3. Use a comma before the word “and” in a series. Now this can be confusing because grammar rules seem to change frequently. A few years back the rule was that you shouldn’t use a comma before the word “and” in a series; but over the last year or so, the grammar gods decided to change it. Who does the changing and why? I don’t have a clue:

Example:   Tyler washed the dog, cut the grass, changed the oil in his car, and went to the store on Saturday.

Example:   Bill invited Sue, Ellen, Marcy, Joe, and Kim to the grand opening.

4. Use a comma after the year in a date only if the month and day are mentioned first:

Example:  On December 25, 2011, we celebrated the birth of Christ.

Example:  (NO COMMA)  In December of 2011 we celebrated the birth of Christ.

5. Use a comma after an introductory phrase or dependent clause that introduces a main clause:

Example:  After Claude started his new job, he fell and broke his leg.

Example:  If Charlie doesn’t soon get a hair cut, he’ll look like a lion.

Example:  (Exception: NO COMMA in a short introductory phrase)  In winter the snow falls frequently in the northeast.

6. Although there are several more comma rules that we don’t have the time or space to consider, we’ll discuss one more use that is frequently misused. (Dig out your Chicago Manual of Style or Strunk and White’s Manual of Style for more uses and misuses.)

      Use a comma in a nonrestrictive clause (not needed clause), in particular, with names and titles:

Example:   My husband, Richard, was a Marine.

(The commas set off the name “Richard,” indicating that my husband and Richard are one and the same; therefore, “Richard” could be deleted, and the sentence would still be accurate and correct grammatically.) My husband was a Marine.

Example:   (NO COMMA in a restrictive clause: a word or phrase that is necessary)

My dog Bailey is a little tornado and loves to run. (I have two dogs, so I don’t use commas before and after Bailey. If I would use commas here, you could delete the word “Bailey;” but then you wouldn’t know to which dog I’m referring.)

Now that you are totally confused about the use of commas, would you like a cup of egg nog? How about some cookies? How about a brand new Chicago Manual of Style that might confuse you more? Maybe you should start on next year’s Christmas wish list already. ☺

Next time, we’ll discuss “m” dashes and “n” dashes.

Happy writing and Happy New Year! May the Lord bless your writing efforts greatly in this coming new year!

Marsha

On Writing: The Semicolon

On Writing: Let’s Talk Grammar for a While

(Post Number Two)

Tricky Misused Semicolons

Christmas in PA

Next to apostrophes, I’d say semicolons are probably the most misused punctuation marks used in the English language. I dare say most people aren’t really sure what to do with the little period with the comma dangling underneath, so they either guess, and guess wrongly, or they avoid using the punctuation mark altogether, which is probably a wise decision.

Sometimes semicolons can be used in a long series when commas are also needed, but this is such an unusual complex situation, I don’t think we even need to go there today. This information might be useful to someone who’s possibly writing a textbook on the classification of flora and fauna, but it’s not needed for the average writing bear. So let’s look at the two times when a semicolon is preferred in “normal” writing:

1. Sometimes when you have two compound sentences that are closely related, you can use a semicolon instead of a period and a capital letter to separate them:

Example:  Mary decided to remodel the kitchen; she purchased new linoleum first.

Example:  George booked a midnight flight to Paris; but his flight was cancelled due to snow.

Now, you’re probably wondering why you can’t just use a period and a capital to separate these sentences in the examples. Well, you can. It’s a writer’s preference. Often it might just add a little flavor to your voice to throw in a few semicolons instead of brand new sentences, especially when the two sentences are so closely related. Also, in the second example, there’s no reason why you couldn’t separate the two compound sentences with a comma either. Again, it’s the writer’s preference. Here’s the next common use for the semicolon:

2. Use a semicolon to separate two clauses of a compound sentence or two compound sentences when divided by an adverb such as: however, then, thus, hence, indeed, besides, accordingly, and therefore. This example is the one I see misused the most. Here are some correct uses:

Example:  Jack bought me a birthday gift; therefore, I sent him a thank-you note.

Example:  I thought I was adopting a nice calm dog; however, Bailey is a little furball of energy!

Example:  I started my Christmas shopping early; hence, I was done by December 15^th.

IMPORTANT! Always remember to add a comma after the adverb!

So, there you have the two most common uses of the semicolon. Spruce up your writing by using it once in awhile; but use the little rascal correctly!

Next time, we’ll discuss everyone’s favorite punctuation mark—the overused comma!

Happy writing and Merry Christmas!

Marsha

On Writing: The Nasty Apostrophe

On Writing: Let’s Talk Grammar for a While

Those Nasty Little Apostrophes

Sunset on November 26, 2011

I would say that apostrophes are probably the most misused punctuation marks used in the English language. I constantly see them abused on bulletin boards, road signs, store ads, mailboxes, and all kinds of other literature in the mail. What is it about that squiggly little mark that frustrates folks to no end?

Well, the biggest problem is that most people never pay any attention in their English classes in school to learn how to use the little buggers correctly. The second reason they are so misused is because it’s just so easy to do so. And I must admit that some of the rules for usage are a little complicated. So let’s look at a few of the common mistakes we see with apostrophes:

1.   Right:   It’s a shame you can’t remember how to use the apostrophe. (It’s stands for “it is.”)

      Wrong: Its a shame you can’t remember how to use the apostrophe.

2.   Right:  The dog chewed its bone apart in ten minutes.

Wrong: The dog chewed it’s bone apart in ten minutes. (Remember that it’s stands for “it is.”)

3.  Right:  The Hublers live in Middleburg.

      Wrong: The Hubler’s live in Middleburg. (That apostrophe makes the name possessive and refers to one Hubler. And what does the one dear Hubler own? Nothing in this sentence; therefore, the apostrophe shouldn’t be used.)

4.   Right:  The Hublers’ house is in Middleburg. (If you are referring to more than one Hubler.)

      Wrong: The Hubler’s house is in Middleburg. (Only is correct if you are talking about one Hubler, but you wouldn’t say, “The Hubler’s house …”)

5.   Right:  The kitten’s toy is a stuffed mouse. (Referring to one kitten)

      Wrong: The kittens’ toy is a stuffed mouse. (This refers to more than one kitten. Does it make sense to say that more than one kitten has the same toy? I guess if you’re talking about a litter of kittens, but let’s not stretch the truth to extremes here.)

6.    Right:   Hoagies Sold Here! (Plural: hoagies)

       Wrong: Hoagies’ Sold Here! (The hoagies’ what are sold there? The apostrophe used here means that the hoagies own something. What do they own?)

This example number six is probably the most misused form of the apostrophe. I see so many signs and announcements with apostrophes used when the word should be only the plural.

7.   Right: Mary said you’re going to church with me. (You’re stands for “you are.”)

      Wrong: Mary said your going with me.

8.   Right: Robert Burns’s poems are famous. (In some quarters, Burns’ is acceptable too)

      Wrong: Robert Burnses poems are famous. 

9.   Right:  The children’s recess period ended at ten. (Always write the plural first, then add the apostrophe at the end.)

      Wrong:  The childrens’ recess period ended at ten.

10. Right:   The writers’ conference was held in July. (Also acceptable is “writers conference” with no apostrophe)

     Wrong:  The writer’s conference was held in July. (There was only one writer in attendance?)

And just for clarity’s sake, let me share a few more tricky words that sometimes do and sometimes don’t get apostrophes:

          CDs              DVDs      dos and don’ts            no ifs, ands, or buts

          ABCs           VIPs            the 1970s          

         the Joneses (Plural, not possessive)

        two Toms, three Dicks, four Harrys  

        moose’s (the same for singular + plural)

There are lots of other examples of how the poor apostrophe is misused, but these that I’ve mentioned are the blatant ones.

If you’re having problems with apostrophes, feel free to print this info and use it when you’re in a pickle, wondering what you should do. It’s a good thing to master if you’re into writing.

Next time, we’ll look at the proper use of the semicolon.

Happy writing!

Marsha

On Writing: How to Handle Rejection

On Writing: How to Handle Rejection

To see more sunsets, go to PHOTOS on my website:marshahubler.com

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Dear Sir/Madam:

            We have reviewed your proposal and have found that it does not meet our editorial needs at this time.

            Good luck as you search for the one lone publishing company in the world that is looking for an Amish horror paranormal romance.

                                                                                    Yours truly,

                                                                                    The Mean Old Editor

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How many times have you received a letter from a publishing company that read so much like this one? Did you want to take your precious manuscript, draw it to your bosom, and then go jump off a bridge? Or did you want to start a bonfire in your back yard using your five hundred pages of blood, sweat, and tears you just pumped into your best-selling novel for the last year that can’t get any editor’s second look?

If you’ve been there, then join the rest of us odd ducks (http://oddducksociety.wordpress.com/2011/10/25/are-you-stretching-yourself/ ), who constantly receive rejection letters. And I’m talking about us who have been widely published too.

It’s really tough when you get that letter that feels like the editor just stabbed your new-born baby or slapped you in the face. But take heart. It’s not personal; it’s business. And take a second good hard look at your manuscript and the market. It’s a word jungle out there, and sometimes it takes years to find a publisher who is willing to pay you for your work. I’m sure that’s the reason so many authors I know are self publishing today. Of course, the only problem with that scenario is that you’re putting your own money up front, and if you don’t have thousands of dollars for a good edit and a reliable, reputable vanity press, you could get the shaft of your life along with a product of which you will not be proud. You also are the sole marketer of your book with no support from a publishing company. And promotion takes A LOT of time and money,  which most authors don’t have!

Here are several tips to remember as you prepare to send that query letter or proposal out again to royalty publishing companies. And remember that, if your writing is well done, there is a market for you—somewhere. The key is to find the company that wants your work.

Tips to Handle Rejection 

1. Go online to find publishers’ guidelines or buy the Writers’ and Illustrators’ Market Guide to make sure you’re submitting to companies who publish your genre.
2. Don’t let your manuscript die in a file cabinet. Keep sending your query or proposal out as soon as you get a rejection.
3. Keep a record of your rejections and the dates. Editors become irritated if they see the same query or proposal five times over a year’s time.
4. Revise! Revise! Revise! Just like a painting, our writing is never done to perfection. Make sure that critique group reviews important sections of your work.
5. If you’ve written short stories or articles, change the titles and names of the characters and/or rewrite the main plot or theme of the works and send them all out at the same time to different companies.
6. Read! Read! Read! Read the genre of which you are writing. Learn from those who are already published. Compare your work to those who already have their byline. Be willing to change your work and write clearer and cleaner.
7. Attend writers’ conferences to make that personal connection with editors of publishing companies or agents. Of the book contracts I’ve received, I acquired all but one by meeting editors and/or agents at writers’ conferences.
8. And this is so important, I’ll mention it again: Go online or buy the Writers’ and Illustrators’ Market Guide to make sure you’re submitting to companies who publish your genre. I’ve heard editors state that the number one reason they reject a manuscript is because it really doesn’t “meet their editorial needs.” Wrong genre? No sale.

 We all become discouraged over time, but the thing to remember is that you are working at a highly-skilled craft with thousands of other writers trying to win an editor’s heart. Keep on writing and revising. Never give up, and one day you’ll see your byline under that article title or your name on the cover of that book.

Next time we’ll discuss some grammar. How about that nasty little apostrophe that most people use incorrectly?

Keep on writing!

Marsha

www.marshahubler.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Writing: Creative Nonfiction

Writers’ Tip: Creative Nonfiction

 

Maple Tree Weighed Down

Here I am again after one very early 10-inch surprise snowstorm in central PA and a lot of tree damage later. The weather warmed up yesterday and melted practically all of the white stuff, leaving a lot of downed limbs for my hubby to clean up.

For this blog, I thought I’d share some valuable nonfiction tips for you who like writing in that genre. Thanks to author Patti Souder, who spoke at our Susquehanna Valley Writers Workshop on October 8^th, we have some tips to share with you folks who like to dabble with nonfiction genres.

Patti has been writing articles, drama sketches, and nonfiction books for over 20 years. She also has taught creative writing on the college level, so her suggestions are well worth noting.

I’ve listed the highlights of her one workshop session entitled “Creative Nonfiction: An Oxymoron?” So if you’re a nonfiction writer, take note of the excellent advice this experienced published author suggests.

 

Literary Elements Used to Create CREATIVE NONFICTION

 

Borrow from fiction techniques:

1. Develop characters.
2. Use dialogue.
3. Include details.
4. Adopt an effective point-of-view: use inner thoughts.
5. Limit your tag lines.

Incorporate poetic elements to increase your artistry:

1.        Use imagery to create sensory impressions.

2.        Borrow from nature: Example – a moth beating its wings against a window can picture the frustration of helpless people when oppressed by authority.

3.        Use metaphors

4.       Vary your rhythm, style, and length of sentences.

 

Important Elements to Remember

 

Creative nonfiction is NONFICTION:

1. Be factual.
2. Anchor your manuscript in real experience.
3. Do your research.

Creative nonfiction requires PERSONAL PRESENCE:

1. Go beyond mere facts.
2. Add your voice.
3. Share personal perspectives and reflections.
4. But remember that your writing MUST be grounded in actual experiences.

Don’t avoid challenges:

1. If you’ve written the truth, let the challenges come.
2. Be ready to back your manuscript with research findings, testimonies, and recorded facts.

So, there you have some excellent tips on writing “creative nonfiction.” Whether it be drama, personal interest articles, drama sketches, or biographies, you can make your writing come alive with a fiction spark if you incorporate some fiction techniques in your nonfiction work! Just remember, your nonfiction can get “weighed down” if you use boring techniques. Spruce it up with some hints from an experienced published author!

Limbs Weighed Down

Next time we’ll discuss how to handle those nasty rejections from those editors at the publishing companies.

Happy writing!

Marsha

www.marshahubler.com

On Writing: Do You Know Your Writing Terms?

A Challenge for You!

View From My Yard on a Foggy Day

I often speak at writers conferences and present workshops to help those who are just starting out in the writing/publishing world. During my presentations I’ve often stared into the blank faces of newbies who don’t have a clue about what I’m discussing, and I’ve found that it has much to do with their lack of knowledge concerning the writing/publishing business and the many “odd duck” terms we writers use.

For you who are more experienced, this little quiz will be old hat for you. It’s a 20-question matching quiz to sharpen the writing/publishing part of your brain. So, take a few minutes, grab a pen and paper, and let’s go: 

 

 1. _______GENRE                                          A. $ EARNED AFTER BOOK IS OUT

 2. _______MANUSCRIPT SUBMISSION/   B. YOUR NAME PRINTED W/ARTICLE

                   MULTIPLE SUBMISSION

 3. _______ QUERY LETTER                          C.  SUMMARY OF BOOK ON COVER

 4. _______ COVER LETTER                          D.  UNDERLYING MESSAGE

 5. _______ PROPOSAL                                  E.  CLEVER BEGINNING OF STORY

 6. _______ CRITIQUE/EDIT                        F.  CATEGORY

 7. _______ REJECTION                                 G.  “PLEASE LOOK AT MY WORK”

 8. _______ CONTRACT                                 H.  ALL ABOUT YOU & YOUR WORK

 9. _______ MARKETING/PROMO                 I.  “DOES NOT MEET OUR NEEDS”

10._______ PITCH                                           J.  SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT YOU

11._______ HOOK                                           K. SENDING IT TO THE PUB. CO.

12._______ STORY LINE                                 L. “ENCLOSED PLEASE FIND …”

13._______ THEME                                          M.  $ FOR NOT BEING PUBLISHED

14._______ PLOT                                             N. EARNED BEFORE BOOK IS OUT

15._______ BLURB                                           O. ESSENTIAL REVIEW OF WORK

16._______ CREDITS                                        P. OF THIS A WRITER DREAMS

17._______ BYLINE                                          Q. LIST OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS

18._______ ADVANCE                                     R. ACTION IN YOUR STORY

19._______ROYALTY                                       S. WHAT YOUR STORY IS ABOUT

20._______KILL FEE                               T. GETS THE ATTENTION OF THE EDITOR OR AGENT

 

  Well, how do you think you did?  Here are the answers:

1.   F      2.   K.     3.   G      4.  L.      5.    H    6.   O      7.    I.    8.   P.   9.    J.     10.    T

11.  E.    12.  S.    13.   D.   14.  R.    15.  C   16.  Q   17.   B.   18.  N.  19.   A.  20.  M

Next time we’ll discuss “creative nonfiction.”

Happy writing!

Marsha

www.marshahubler.com