This week I went to a Meet-up event for writers– something that’s been on my to-do list for ages. There were seven of us at the Village Tap in Roscoe Village. We sat on the back patio with a noisy crowd of Cub fans. Above us a section of the cloth roof was rolled back like the lid of a sardine can, showing us a sliver of sky. We took turns posing questions to one another and shouting our answers down the length of the picnic table.
This week’s writing tip comes in the form of a quiz! I memorized the following group of words as a chant in 7th grade English class (thank you Ms. Merkel) and they’ve stuck in my head ever since. What is this group of words called, and what is their job?
I come from a family of gun enthusiasts. My younger brother is a firearms instructor in Iraq. My older brother, who lives in Atlanta, keeps a handgun tucked in his waistband. Even my 66-year-old mother is taking up arms, having just earned her permit to carry a concealed weapon in Michigan. Recently she held up her paper target for me to see: two bull’s eyes! Her exuberance seemed to expect matching enthusiasm from me.
Use definite, specific, concrete language!
The surest way to arouse and hold the reader’s attention is by being specific. The greatest writers–Homer, Dante, Shakespeare–are effective largely because they deal in particulars and report the details that matter. Their words call up pictures.
Goodreads Book Giveaway Hello Loved Ones by Tammy Letherer Giveaway ends June 17, 2016. See the giveaway details at Goodreads. Enter Giveaway
I’ve finally finished my video trailer! It’s just over a minute… a mere blip to most, but representing a huge learning curve for me. It was fun (kinda), after I worked out most of the kinks. Most all the footage was shot in and around Holland, Michigan. I wish I could have done more to …
“There are long stretches of time I want to be alone. Returning a phone call or reading the paper seems impossible. Sometimes I want to be around people and sometimes I want to kill them.”
I stand on the edge of the dance floor watching couples glide, spin, and groove as they dance the West Coast Swing. The tempo of the music is fast, but the beating of my heart is faster. I want to dance, but I’m afraid I’m not good enough.
I’ve thought a lot about the words ‘hello loved ones,’ and I’m so happy that it’s evolved to be not only a more fitting title for my novel, but also to include you, my readers.
DABBLE class: Crafting an Inspirational Blog
Sunday, April 17
Lincoln Square, Chicago
WEEKEND OF WELLNESS RETREAT: May 13-15
Lincoln Way Inn Bed and Breakfast
409 N. State Street
Franklin Grove, IL
👉 Enjoy dedicated writing space just steps from Lake Michigan
👉 Benefit from one-on-one developmental editing sessions