by Penny Freeman | Jul 1, 2013 | Editor's Notes, Writing
The devil is in the details as they say. And one detail that keeps tripping me up is timeline issues. Now, I know you’d think this would be an easy detail to keep straight. Au contraire. I recently read a twology (I didn’t know they made such things, but leave to sci...
by Penny Freeman | Jun 24, 2013 | Editor's Notes, Writing
I live in one of the hottest deserts in North America. As we approach July, I think it’s fair to say it’s hot outside. But if I was to describe my surroundings in a piece of literature, I would do myself and my readers a great disservice by simply stating: “It’s hot.”...
by Penny Freeman | Jun 18, 2013 | Editor's Notes, Writing
As writers, we tend to vacillate between being both too trusting and mistrustful of our readers. For those times when we are too trusting, we expect the reader to immediately understand what we’re trying to say, without providing the required background information...
by Penny Freeman | Jun 6, 2013 | Editor's Notes, Writing
What is it about verbs that make us all squirm? Every author I know (including myself) squirms when it comes to verbs, especially the “to be” verbs. You know, the “is” “was” “were” “be.” They are easy words to slip in and use. Little confusion, no superlatives, no...
by Penny Freeman | Jun 3, 2013 | Editor's Notes, Writing
Clichés are everywhere. They lurk behind your monitor; they possess your fingers and brain. Just when you think you’ve lost them, they creep up in your best work. There are different types of clichés in writing: unoriginal plot, stereotypical characters, and overused...
by Penny Freeman | May 20, 2013 | Editor's Notes, Writing
Writing is a tough gig. Doubtless, when you started out, you dreamt it would involve holing up in a cozy study surrounded by books and endless cups of hot chocolate. The words would come with little to no resistance. Everyone would agree that you were brilliant, a...
