WriterByNature.com » Writing Technique

“We Have Chosen Hope Over Fear, Unity of Purpose Over Conflict and Discord”

JJ Murphy — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 13:30:03 +0000

A reason to care and take action.

The Writing Life: How to Write a Metaphor

JJ Murphy — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 10:50:59 +0000

A little exercise to develop this powerful writing tool.

The Writing Life: The Power of a Writer’s Style

JJ Murphy — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 10:45:25 +0000

Style, like DNA or fingerprints, is what identifies a writer.
Here are some techniques you can use to create the appropriate style for your written work:

The Writing Life: Writing Exercises for Fun and Practice

JJ Murphy — Wed, 02 May 2007 06:58:06 +0000

I’m always on the lookout for writing exercises, crossword puzzles, hidden picture puzzles or any system that will jump start my writing. Here are a few ideas for filling the page without the pressure of producing a final draft: Write a one-sentence description of ten friends or family members. Write your obituary in 500 words [...]

The Writing Life: More Grammar Tips

JJ Murphy — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 06:57:19 +0000

This turned up on a listserv or maybe an email. I wish the sender had identified the source. I’d like to thank the author. This is an excellent example of using Show, Don’t Tell to share grammar rules. WRITING TIPS 1. Verbs has to agree with their subjects. 2. Prepositions are not words to end [...]

The Writing Life: When to Use Who and Whom

JJ Murphy — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 06:54:55 +0000

Who/Whom falls into my pesky words category. I spent years reaching for my style manuals whenever confronted with these words. Until I learned a couple of neat tricks. In the past, I might have told you to use who when you mean the person taking action and whom when you mean the person is having [...]

The Writing Life: Rules to Laugh By

Admin — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 03:39:46 +0000

Where would we be without humor?

Credit for the following list belongs to lotsofjokes.com:

The Writing Life: Tips for Finding a Writer’s Group

Admin — Wed, 21 Mar 2007 09:01:39 +0000

I typically write and research alone, but without the feedback and support of other writers, I'll miss out on valuable information and take longer to reach my writing goals.

Here are some tips for choosing the writer's group that fits your needs and goals.

The Writing Life: Ways to Use Metaphors

Admin — Wed, 14 Mar 2007 03:19:05 +0000

Making comparisons is a way to increase our understanding.

Metaphor, a Greek word translated as carry something across, is a way of comparing two things without using the words like or as.

As a writing tool, metaphor can create word pictures in the mind of the reader in a number of ways. Here are a few:

The Writing Life: Writing is a Sensory Experience

Admin — Wed, 07 Mar 2007 03:58:19 +0000

Several years ago I asked a fifth-grade nature class, "How many senses do we have?"

A student's hand shot up as he said, "Six."

We rely on our sense of sight for the bulk of our daily activities. We look, then sometimes listen. But we have the ability to touch, taste and smell. I agree with that fifth-grader, our intuitive sense (the "little voice inside') is another way to experience our world.

Have you ever read something and become so involved that you felt the finger-numbing cold, the shudder of fear or the dry mouth?

Here are some things to think about when using sensory experience to enrich your writing.