AuthorHi, I'm Ray Evans. I'm a certified copyeditor and proofreader. Archives
September 2023
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Worldbuilding can make or break your sci-fi story. You've been given a blank canvas, and they expect you to paint the Mona Lisa! Where do you even begin? But, have no fear! I've got a few tricks up my sleeve that'll make your worldbuilding as real as the one outside your window or Shire or whatever crazy place you're in. So grab a pen and paper, and continue breaking down the steps to creating a believable world for your sci-fi or fantasy novel. Spice It Up with LanguagesHave you ever noticed how many accents there are in New York City? Well, imagine how many languages you could have in an entire galaxy! Develop a few unique phrases or words to sprinkle throughout your story. It'll make your world feel more alive and add some flavor to your dialogue. Integrate Your CharactersSo, you've got this fantastic world with complex societies, but who lives there? The mailman? The dog walker? No! Your characters! Make sure your characters are shaped by their world, and their actions impact it in return. We want them to feel like a natural part of the scenery, not just tourists passing through. Remember the Small StuffYou know what's amazing about a cup of coffee? It's the little things: the aroma, the warmth, the steam rising from the mug. The same goes for worldbuilding. Focus on the small details - the smells, the sounds, the way the sun sets - and your readers will feel immersed in your world. Stay Consistent (and keep notes)Ever been to one of those restaurants that serve sushi, pizza, and burritos?
Yeah, me neither. Consistency is key. Your readers need to feel like they're in a coherent world, so take notes on your creations and characters and keep track of your decisions. Trust me; it'll save you from future headaches. In conclusion, creating a believable world for your fantasy or sci-fi novel might seem like a daunting task, but with these eight tips, you'll be well on your way to crafting a universe as expansive as your imagination. So, buckle up, put your creative caps on, and dive into the infinite realm of possibilities!
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1) Find Your Freshest Ingredients (Idea)Like any good salsa, a story starts with fresh, quality ingredients – in our case, ideas. Now, I don't mean you have to come up with the plot equivalent of a unicorn playing a harpsichord on the moon. No, the secret is in taking the everyday, the familiar, and adding your own unique twist. Think of it like this: tomatoes are common, but toss in a dash of smoked paprika and suddenly you've got a taste sensation. 2) Dice Those Characters (Developing Characters)Characters are the onions of your storytelling salsa. You want to dice them up, expose all their layers. Make them real, make them relatable, but most importantly, make them interesting. You don't want some watery, bland onion ruining your salsa, right? Same goes for characters. Give them quirks, give them motives, give them life. It's the difference between a forgettable crudité and a fiesta in your reader's mouth. 3) Turn Up the Heat (Conflict)What's a salsa without a little heat? Conflict, folks, is your jalapeno. It fires up your story, gives it that edge-of-the-seat, can't-stop-reading spice. But remember, not everyone likes their salsa mouth- meltingly hot. Balance is key. Enough conflict to keep things interesting, but not so much it overwhelms the other flavors. 4) Blend it All Together (Plot)Plot is where all the ingredients of your storytelling salsa come together. This is where you blend, mix, and season until you've got a narrative that's smooth, satisfying, and just the right amount of spicy. Remember, it's not just about tossing things together willy-nilly. You're a chef, a maestro of the written word. Every twist, every turn, every character decision should be as deliberate as your choice of cilantro or parsley. 5) Sample and Adjust (Revision)Even the best chefs taste and adjust their dishes. Your first draft? That's your initial mix. Now it's time to sample. Too bland? Add conflict. Too confusing? Clarify that plot. Characters falling flat? Dice 'em up and add some flavor. This step, my friends, is where good stories become great stories. A Developmental Editor could help you out with this. 6) Serve it Up (Publishing)Finally, it's time to dish out that delicious storytelling salsa to your eagerly awaiting readers. Whether it's through traditional publishing, self-publishing, or serializing your work online, don't let your salsa sit in the fridge. Get it out there, let people taste it, and brace yourself for the applause (and constructive criticism - a chef's work is never done, after all). ConclusionIn conclusion, authors, remember: writing is like creating the perfect salsa. It takes fresh ingredients,
patience, and a dash of creativity. But when all those flavors come together? Chef's kiss You've got yourself a story readers won't be able to resist. So get out there and start cooking!
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Hey there, word wizards! Have you ever wondered, what's the deal with worldbuilding? I mean, you've got this entire universe to create, but where do you even start? Well, wonder no more! Today, we're going to break down the steps to building a believable world for your fantasy or sci-fi novel - and you won't even need a 3D printer! Here's a list of fantastic tips to make your fictional world feel as real as the one outside your window (or spaceship, for that matter). Establish the Rules (but don't go overboard) It's like that time I tried to figure out the rules of cricket - no one can agree on what they are! In your fantasy world, you've got to have some basic laws of physics, magic, or technology. But remember, don't go into too much detail - we don't want a scientific manual; we want a story! Draw a Map (even if it's just for you)You know, I always get lost in parking lots. But in your fictional world, you don't want your readers getting lost. A map can help guide your writing and keep you consistent. Plus, it's always fun to doodle while you're pondering your next plot twist! Create Cultures and Societies What's the deal with elves, orcs, and dwarves? Can't we all just get along? In your world, create diverse and unique cultures and societies. It's a chance to explore new ideas, beliefs, and ways of life - without ever having to leave your desk! Develop a HistoryYou know, history is just a bunch of stuff that happened, and then they wrote it down.
But in your world, you get to write the history! Consider creating a timeline of major events, conflicts, and alliances to give your world depth and richness. And that's all for now! Stayed tuned for Part 2 this Thursday!!
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Listen up, aspiring wordsmiths and literary geniuses. It's time to embark on a writing journey so stupendous, you'll wonder why you didn't think of it sooner. Put your pens to paper, your fingers to the keyboard Appeal to the SensesYa know what really gets me going? Engaging my senses! Make your readers feel like they're there with the characters by describing how things look, smell, sound, taste, and feel. When you add in these sensory details, it's like they've entered a whole new world, one Jumanji board game at a time. Don't just say that it's a beautiful day; describe the warmth of the sun on their skin, the smell of fresh-cut grass, and the sound of children laughing in the distance. Smellavision hasn't been invented yet, so it's up to you to create an immersive sensory experience. Use strong verbsGood golly, Miss Molly! Strong verbs are the lifeblood of showing, not telling. Ditch weak verbs and adverbs in favor of potent, evocative verbs that give your readers a front-row seat to the action. The burglar didn't simply "run" away; he "sprinted" or "bolted" or even "scrambled" like a startled cat(imagery and similes also help too). Let dialogue do the talkingNobody knows how to reveal character and emotion better than the characters themselves. Craft meaningful, snappy dialogue that tells readers about your characters without needing a neon sign that says "Sad" or "Angry." If your character is seething with rage, let their dialogue convey it with clipped sentences, expletives, or biting sarcasm. Employ body language and facial expressionsOh, the nonverbal dance! Facial expressions and body language are the unsung heroes of showing emotion. You don't have to say that a character is nervous if their hands are fidgeting. A coy smile speaks volumes about flirtation without saying a word. Readers love deciphering the unspoken cues, so let them have at it. Show emotion through actionActions, dear writers, speak louder than words. Let your character's actions reveal their emotions
without explicitly telling the reader how they feel. A character might "slam" a door in frustration, "tremble" in fear, or "squeeze" someone's hand in reassurance. So there you have it, folks! The key to writing vivid scenes is to "show, don't tell." With this guide in hand, you'll soon be crafting tales that'll take your readers on a magical journey through the realm of imagination.
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Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, and writers of all ages – gather 'round, for I have a tale to tell! A tale filled with suspense, intrigue, and yes, even a dangling participle or two. But fear not! For, within this thrilling adventure, you shall discover the true importance of grammar and how it shapes the very fabric of your literary endeavors! Chapter One: A Punctuation Predicament 😱Once upon a time in a land filled with adjectives and adverbs, our brave protagonist – a humble writer – toiled away at their manuscript, weaving a rich tapestry of characters, settings, and plot twists. But alas, a diabolical villain threatened to undo all their hard work – the dreaded Punctuation Predicament! Commas, semicolons, and em dashes run amok, leaving readers confused and lost in a sea of run-on sentences and disjointed clauses. Would our hero's masterpiece be doomed to obscurity? "Never fear," cried the gallant proofreader, swooping in to save the day. "For I shall guide you through the treacherous waters of punctuation, ensuring that your story is not only clear but a joy to read!" And so, our hero learned the importance of proper punctuation, realizing that clarity is crucial in conveying their tale to eager readers. Chapter Two: The Tense Tangle!!Past, present, and future tenses swirled and collided, muddying the narrative waters. Would our hero's story become a jumbled mess of temporal inconsistencies? Enter the valiant copyeditor, armed with an arsenal of grammar knowledge, ready to untangle the twisted web of tenses. "Let us embark on a journey through time!" the copyeditor declared, guiding our hero through the intricacies of tense agreement. "Together, we shall ensure that your tale remains consistent, engaging, and easy to follow!" And so, our writer triumphed over the Tense Tangle, and their story flowed smoothly, enchanting readers far and wide. Chapter Three: The Syntax SiegeBut wait, dear reader, for the final challenge still lay ahead – the terrifying Syntax Siege! Passive voice, misplaced modifiers, and awkward phrasing threatened to drag our hero's story into the depths of mediocrity. Could our hero conquer this final foe? Undeterred, the proofreader and copyeditor joined forces, a dynamic duo of grammatical prowess! "We shall vanquish the Syntax Siege," they proclaimed, "and your story shall shine like a beacon of literary excellence!" And thus, with the aid of their trusted allies, our hero emerged victorious. Their story, polished and refined, captivated the hearts and minds of readers everywhere, and they all lived happily ever after. Epilogue: The Moral of the StorySo, my fellow authors, heed this cautionary tale!
For, in the realm of storytelling, grammar is not a mere afterthought, but a vital component of your story's success. With the help of skilled proofreaders and copyeditors, your manuscript will be transformed from a diamond in the rough to a gleaming gem, ready to dazzle readers the world over. And remember, in the immortal words of the great Mel Brooks, "If you're quiet, you're not living. You've got to be noisy and colorful and lively." Let your grammar be as lively and colorful as your story itself, and together, we shall create literary magic!
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Greetings, my delightful scribblers and storytellers! 'Tis I, Ray Evans, your trusty proofreader and copyeditor, here to bestow upon you the knowledge of creating characters that'll make your readers' hearts go pitter-patter. So, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to take a wild ride through the world of character creation! 1: Embrace the FlawsNobody's perfect – not even our beloved characters. Embrace their flaws and imperfections to create well-rounded, multi-dimensional beings. Perhaps your protagonist has a penchant for procrastination or your antagonist has a soft spot for kittens. Whatever it is, your characters' weaknesses will make them human, lovable, and relatable. 2: A Dazzling BackstoryWho doesn't love a good origin story? Craft a backstory for your characters that will leave your readers intrigued, invested, and hungry for more. Whether it's a tragic past or a mysterious heritage, a character's history can provide depth and motivation, adding a rich tapestry to your narrative. 3: Goals and Motivations!Your characters need something to aspire to – a driving force that propels them through your story. Be it love, revenge, self-discovery, or saving the world, their goals and motivations must be clear and believable. The readers should feel compelled to cheer your characters on, as if they're witnessing a thrilling game of literary Quidditch! 4: Dynamic CharactersCharacters, like people, are social creatures. Their relationships with one another can make or break your story. Develop a diverse cast with intricate connections, rivalries, and alliances that evolve and grow throughout the narrative. Love, friendship, envy, and betrayal – these are the emotions that fuel compelling stories and keep your readers on the edge of their seats. 5: Show, Don't TellAllow your characters to reveal themselves through actions and dialogue, rather than relying on lengthy descriptions or explanations. Show your readers who your characters are, rather than telling them. It's like the difference between watching a movie with vivid, colorful visuals and one with a narrator droning on about the characters' traits – which would you prefer? 6: Growth and ChangeJust like our dear friend, the caterpillar, your characters must undergo transformation throughout your story.
Whether they learn valuable lessons or suffer great loss, their experiences should leave a lasting impact on their personalities, beliefs, and motivations. This metamorphosis will not only make your characters more dynamic but also resonate with your readers. In conclusion, my talented word-weavers, remember that crafting compelling characters is an art form. Allow your imagination to run wild and free, and let your characters guide you on a journey of discovery. As your characters come alive on the page, they'll capture the hearts and minds of your readers, and you'll have created a literary masterpiece that will stand the test of time.
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Hey there, word-wranglers and story-spinners! It's your friendly neighborhood proofreader and copyeditor, here to help you navigate the treacherous waters of scene-setting like a literary Christopher Columbus (minus the whole discovering-new-continents thing). We've all been there: deep in the throes of our latest literary masterpiece when suddenly, we hit the dreaded...gasp...description conundrum! How do we create a setting that's more captivating than a hypnotist at a sleep clinic, without turning our tale into a five-volume encyclopedia? Here’s how you do it! Step One: Sensory Salsa Dancing 💃🏼The first rule of setting the scene is to create a sensory fiesta for your reader. Don't just stick to the ol' humdrum sights and sounds. Get up close and personal with your characters' senses, and let your reader experience the world you're building. Is the rain a gentle caress, or does it pelt them like a thousand icy needles? Can they smell the tangy aroma of oranges wafting from a nearby grove, or is it the pungent scent of a dubious alleyway? Don't be afraid to tango with taste, touch, and even temperature! A sensory smorgasbord will leave your reader hungry for more. Step Two: Meticulous MinimalismNow, you don't want your reader drowning in an ocean of adjectives like a hapless, wordy Titanic. To avoid this, think of description as a fine wine: too little and you leave your reader parched, too much and they'll be stumbling through the story in a stupor. Be selective with your words, and let your reader fill in the gaps with their imagination. Remember, brevity is the soul of wit, and also the key to keeping your reader's attention. Step Three: Mood Swings and Tonal TidbitsThe art of setting the scene isn't just about painting a pretty picture; it's about setting the emotional stage for your characters to play upon. Description can be a powerful tool in shaping the mood and tone of your story. Is your scene tense and suspenseful? Use sharp, staccato phrases to keep your reader on the edge of their seat. Or perhaps you're penning a dreamy, romantic interlude? Try using soft, flowing language to sweep your reader off their feet. Step Four: The Dynamic Duo - Action and DescriptionA well-executed description can be as thrilling as a high-speed car chase or as enchanting as a moonlit waltz.
But how do you strike the perfect balance between description and action? The answer lies in blending the two like a literary smoothie. Weave descriptions into your action, and let the setting become a living, breathing part of your story. The rustle of leaves in the wind can mirror a character's mounting unease, and the golden glow of a sunset can cast a warm light on a tender moment. By intertwining action and description, you'll create a dynamic, immersive world that will keep your reader spellbound. So there you have it, my aspiring scribes! By utilizing sensory detail, practicing minimalism, setting the mood, and blending action with description, you'll be able to create settings that transport your readers like a first-class ticket on the Literary Express. Now, go forth and conquer the written word, but remember: with great description comes great responsibility. Happy writing!
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Hey there, folks! I'm your friendly neighborhood editor/writing consultant, here to give you some tips on how to make your dialogue sizzle and pop like a cold beer on a hot summer's day! 1. FormattingLet's start with the basics: formatting. When writing dialogue, it's important to make sure you're using the proper punctuation and formatting so that your readers can follow along without getting confused. Each time a new character speaks, you should start a new paragraph, and their dialogue should be enclosed in quotation marks. Here's an example: "I can't believe you ate the last piece of pizza," said Sally. "Hey, I was hungry," replied John. Notice how each character's dialogue is separated into its own paragraph and enclosed in quotation marks? This helps the reader keep track of who's speaking and what they're saying. 2) PunctuationNow, let's talk about another of the common mistakes in dialogue. One of the biggest mistakes I see is incorrect punctuation. Specifically, people often forget to include commas when using dialogue tags. Dialogue tags are the phrases that indicate who's speaking, such as "he said" or "she asked." Here's an example of incorrect punctuation: "I'm going to the store" said Bob. Do you see the problem 👀? There should be a comma after "store" to separate the dialogue from the dialogue tag. Here's the correct version: "I'm going to the store," said Bob. 3) Unnecessary punctuation/parallel constuctionNow, let's take a look at some examples of dialogue mistakes in fiction writing.
Imagine you're reading a novel and you come across this gem: "I can't wait to see you!" said Mary, jumping up and down. "Me too," said John, smiling. In this case, the author has made a couple of mistakes. First, the exclamation point after "you" is unnecessary - it's already clear from the context that Mary is excited. Second, the dialogue tag "said John" should be switched to "John said" for proper sentence structure. Here's the corrected version: "I can't wait to see you," said Mary, jumping up and down. "Me too," John said, smiling. Remember, folks - proper formatting and punctuation are key when it comes to writing great dialogue. By avoiding common mistakes and using strong, natural dialogue tags, you can make your characters come to life and keep your readers engaged from beginning to end. Now go forth and write some killer dialogue!
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So What is Parallelism?You want your writing to be gripping, entertaining, and, dare I say it, grammatically correct? Then listen up, because I'm about to explain the ins and outs of parallel construction and why it’s crucial to the success of your book. But what is parallel construction, you ask? Simply put, it's the art of constructing sentences with similar grammatical structures. Think of it as building a symmetrical sentence, like a game of jenga but with words. Each piece needs to fit snugly into place, creating a sense of balance and harmony. You don't want your sentences to be all over the place like a game of drunken Twister, do you? I didn't think so. Faulty Parallelism: How does it affect your writing?But here's the rub: faulty parallelism is like a rogue Jenga piece, throwing off the entire tower. It occurs when the grammatical structure of a sentence is inconsistent, making it sound 1) choppy, 2) awkward, and 3) downright confusing. And let me tell you, dear friends, nothing turns off readers faster than a poorly constructed sentence. It's like trying to eat a gourmet meal with a fork made of Play-Doh. The rule is pretty simple: Parallel ideas must be presented in parallel form.Example 1:Incorrect: We debated the difference between the weather in Michigan in the winter and how it is in the summer. Correct: We debated the difference between the weather in Michigan in the winter and the weather in Michigan in the summer. Example 2: VerbsIncorrect: "Mikey loves baking, sleeping, and to hike." Correct: "Mikey loves baking, sleeping, and hiking. All the listing items are gerunds and we corrected the list by changing “hike” from its infinitive form to its gerund, -ing, form so that we have consistent parallel construction with the verbs. Example 3: AdjectivesIncorrect: The students were unprepared, poorly behaved, and disrupted the class. Correct: The students were underprepared, poorly behaved, and disruptive. Now the sentence has parallel elements, underprepared, poorly behaved, and disruptive, which are all adjectives. Putting it all together...The Chicago Manual of Style also covers parallelism in section 5.212(linked for reference).
You should avoid faulty parallelism because can make your writing sound unprofessional and amateurish, leading to poor reviews and a bad reader experience. Nobody wants to buy a book that reads like it was written by a first-grader who's had too much sugar. And if your writing is confusing, readers are more likely to put down your book and never pick it up again. That's the last thing you want if you're trying to make a name for yourself in the competitive world of fiction writing. But fear not! With a little attention to detail and a healthy dose of parallel construction, you can create sentences that are as satisfying as a perfectly cooked steak. So take the time to review your work and make sure your sentences are symmetrical, consistent, and balanced. Your readers will thank you for it, and your bank account just might too. Until next time!!
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Ah, homophones. Those sneaky little devils that can wreak havoc on even the most well-written piece of prose. Homophones are words that sound the same but have different meanings and spellings. You know, like "there" and "their," or "to," "too," and "two." Now, I know what you're thinking. "Big deal, Ray. It's just a few little words. What harm could they possibly cause?" Well, my dear authors, let me tell you - a LOT of harm. Example:"Jim and I went to Sarah’s house to exercise the ghosts.” From this sentence, can you tell if whether Jim and the speaker are priests who are going to drive out some pesky poltergeists from poor Sarah’s house? Or are Jim and his friend are paranormal personal trainers and the ghosts are just out of shape and they’re going to spend the afternoon doing pilates or hot yoga with them so they spend their afterlife toned and in shape? No one really knows! ⚠️🚨Misusing homophones can make your writing confusing, unclear, and downright unprofessional.Imagine a reader trying to make sense of a sentence like, "Their going to the store two buy some bread." Are they going to the store to buy some bread? Is there a person/persons called "their" who are going to buy some bread? Is there some sort of mystical bread-buying ritual that involves the number two? Who knows! Not only does this kind of mistake make your writing hard to understand, it also makes you look like an amateur. And in the cutthroat world of fiction writing, that's a death sentence. Readers want to feel like they're in good hands, like they're being guided through a story by a skilled and knowledgeable writer. They don't want to feel like they're slogging through a swamp of grammatical errors and confusion. And let's not forget about the all-important Amazon reviews. One or two slip-ups with homophones, and you'll be seeing those one-star ratings pile up faster than you can say "there, their, they're." It's not just about sales - it's about your reputation as a writer. So, my dear authors, do yourselves a favor and double-check those pesky homophones. Read your writing out loud, use spell-check, and if all else fails, consult a dictionary. Your readers (and your bank account) will thank you 🤑 Quick Reference: Common Homophone ListTo end this section here’s a list of common homophones you should look out for (Grammarly, above, and spell-check often miss these too!): Bear/Bare They’re/Their/There No/Know Already/All ready rays/raise/raze Stare/Stair hole/whole to/too/two peace/piece here/hear brake/break here/hear complement/compliment stationary/stationery you’re/your heard/herd pray/prey discrete/discreet |