"WAS” - The pitfalls of overuse

One of the biggest stumbling blocks that I have in writing is using the verb "was" excessively. While "was" has its purpose, using it too much can lead to lackluster prose. Writing should aim to create vivid and engaging stories that captivate readers. Searching for alternative verbs that are more descriptive will bring life and dynamics to our writing. It's time to break free from the shackles of this overused word.

Before delving into the advice, it's crucial to understand why overusing "was" can be detrimental to your writing. The primary issue with this word lies in its passive nature. When we rely too heavily on "was," we inadvertently distance readers from the action and rob our writing of its vibrancy. Consider the following example:

Original Sentence: The old barn was surrounded by tall, pendulous trees.

While the sentence is grammatically correct, it lacks a certain zest that could captivate readers. By using "was", the sentence becomes passive and somewhat lackluster. However, we can easily enhance it by employing more descriptive and active language.

1. Embrace Vivid Action Verbs

So, to make sure your writing stays fresh, conceder the following:

Instead of relying on "was" to connect subjects and predicates, employ robust action verbs that emphasize the action and emotions of the characters. Action verbs convey a sense of motion, intensity, and purpose, engaging readers on a deeper level. Let's rephrase the previous example:

Revised Sentence: Tall, pendulous trees encircled the old barn.

By eliminating "was" and using the active verb "encircled," the sentence becomes more dynamic and paints a clearer picture for readers.

2. Uses descriptive adjectives:

Enhance your writing by incorporating descriptive adjectives that enhance the readers’ sensory experience. The way to elevate your prose and reduce reliance on "was" is to employ descriptive adjectives. Well-chosen adjectives will enhance the sensory experience for readers, bringing your scenes to life. Consider this revision:

Revised Sentence: Ancient, gnarled trees encircled the weathered old barn.

By adding "ancient" and "gnarled" to describe the trees, and "weathered" to characterize the house, the sentence gains depth and evokes a stronger mental image.

 3. Create engaging dialogue and action:

Dialogue is the perfect way to show information and emotion without the repetitive phrase like "was". Dialogue and action are powerful tools that can replace instances of "was" while conveying essential information. Engaging dialogue and well-crafted action scenes keep the story dynamic and interesting. Consider this example:

Original Sentence: The room was silent.

Revised Sentence: A hush fell over the room as they waited with bated breath.

By incorporating action and emotions into the sentence, we paint a vivid picture of the scene without relying on the passive "was."

4. The preverbal - Show, don't tell:

Instead of telling what a character "was" like, show their personality and traits through their actions and interactions.

Telling (using "was"): Mary was sad after her team lost the game.

Showing (without "was"): Tears welled up in Mary's eyes, and she slumped her shoulders as she clutched the team jersey in her hands after her team's loss.

In the telling example, we simply state that Mary "was" sad, which doesn't evoke a strong emotional response from the reader. On the other hand, in the showing example, we use descriptive actions and physical cues to demonstrate Mary's sadness, allowing the reader to empathize with her emotions.

5- Edit and revise, then edit some more and revise some more: 

Use “was” purposefully. There is not enough said about the editing process of writing. Paying attention to instances of "was "and determine if there is a more compelling alternative that matches the tone and mood of your writing. In some cases, rephrasing a passive sentence can help minimize the use of "was." Passive sentences often create a sense of detachment from the action, whereas active sentences propel the story forward and keep readers engaged. Let's revisit our previous example:

Original Passive Sentence: The book was found by Richard.

Revised Active Sentence: Richard found the book.

In this revision, we shifted from passive to active voice, making the sentence more concise and compelling. 

While the goal is to minimize the use of "was," it's essential to recognize that this word still serves a purpose in certain contexts. There are instances where "was" is appropriate and necessary, such as in narrative summaries or background information. The key is to use "was" purposefully and selectively, reserving it for situations where its passive nature fits the tone and style of your writing.

Breaking free from the overuse of "was" is a significant step towards crafting masterful prose which captivates readers. By embracing vivid action verbs, and descriptive adjectives, and restructuring passive sentences, you can breathe life into your writing and create a more immersive experience for your audience. Remember that the occasional use of "was" is acceptable, but its judicious application is the key to writing that truly shines. Happy writing! 

It's vs Its - A definitive guide

     In the vast realm of the English language, two seemingly similar yet distinct words often perplex writers and readers alike – "it's" and "its." These two little words hold the power to change the meaning of a sentence, and their misuse can result in confusing or even unintentionally humorous situations. Understanding the origins, definitions, and appropriate usage of "it's" and "its" is crucial for any writer striving to communicate effectively. This will be the definitive guide of use and provide examples that are best suited for novel writing.

Usage in the English Language

     The key to correctly using "it's" and "its" lies in understanding their specific roles in a sentence. "It's" is a contraction, and as such, it can always be replaced with "it is" or "it has" without altering the sentence's meaning. For example, "It's raining outside" can be rewritten as "It is raining outside" with no change in meaning.

     On the other hand, "its" is used to denote possession, just like "his," "her," or "their." To verify whether "its" is the right choice, try replacing it with "his" or "her" and see if the sentence still makes sense. If it does, then "its" is the correct word to use. For example, "The company increased its revenue" can be rewritten as "The company increased his revenue," which would be incorrect, thereby confirming that "its" is the right choice.

Firstly, let's clarify the meanings of these two words:

1. It's (with an apostrophe): "It's" is a contraction, a combination of two words – "it" and "is" or "it" and "has." The apostrophe in "it's" replaces the omitted letters, signifying either "it is" or "it has." For example:

· It's a beautiful day. (It is a beautiful day.)

· It's been a long journey. (It has been a long journey.)

2. Its (without an apostrophe): On the other hand, "its" is a possessive pronoun, showing ownership or belonging. It is used to indicate that something belongs to or is associated with an inanimate object or an animal. For example:

· The dog wagged its tail.

· The company prides itself on customer satisfaction.

The Dilemma

     The primary difficulty with "it's" and "its" is the apostrophe. In most cases, an apostrophe is used to indicate possession in English, as seen in phrases like "John's book" or "the cat's toy." However, "its" is an exception to this rule, and the apostrophe is omitted to form the possessive pronoun.

     Why is this so? The reason lies in the evolution of the English language. Early possessive pronouns such as his, hers, and its did not originally have apostrophes. Over time, the apostrophe became prevalent in possessive forms, but "its" retained its apostrophe-free form to avoid confusion with "it's" as a contraction.

Tips for Proper Usage

     To overcome the confusion between "it's" and "its," consider the following tips:

1. Remember the Functions: Keep in mind that "it's" is a contraction, replacing "it is" or "it has," while "its" is a possessive pronoun indicating ownership.

2. Check the Sentence Meaning: Whenever you encounter "it's" or "its" in a sentence, try replacing it with "it is" or "it has." If the substitution makes sense, then "it's" is the correct choice. Otherwise, if the substitution doesn't work, the correct word is "its."

3. Proofread and Edit: When writing, especially when crafting formal documents or professional pieces, carefully proofread your work to ensure you've used "it's" and "its" appropriately. Editing plays a crucial role in polishing your writing and avoiding any grammatical mistakes.

Three Examples for Novel Writing

1. The old mansion, with its creaking floors and dusty halls, held a secret that no one had ever dared to uncover.

     In this example, "its" is used to show ownership of the creaking floors and dusty halls by the old mansion. Using "it's" here would change the meaning entirely, resulting in "it is creaking floors and dusty halls."

2. As the sun dipped below the horizon, it's time to say goodbye to another day.

     Here, "it's" is a contraction of "it is," indicating the time to say goodbye to another day. Using "its" in this context would be incorrect because "its time" does not make sense in the possessive sense.

3. The dragon protected its treasure with unwavering determination, prepared to defend it from any intruders.

     In this example, "its" showcases ownership, as the treasure belongs to the dragon. If "it's" were used instead, the sentence would imply that the dragon protected "it is treasure," which would be grammatically incorrect.

     Mastering the usage of "it's" and "its" is crucial for any writer striving to create clear and coherent prose. Understanding their distinct roles as a contraction and a possessive pronoun will empower you to craft compelling sentences in your novel writing. So, the next time you sit down to create your literary masterpiece, remember the difference between "it's" and "its," and let your words flow with confidence and precision. Happy writing!

Focused writing with earplugs, who knew?

In today's fast-paced buzz of the world, it can be challenging to find a quiet environment to focus on your writing. Whether you're working from a bustling coffee shop, my preferred place to scribble, or simply surrounded by noisy distractions, maintaining concentration can be a real struggle. Thankfully, there is a  simple and effective solution: earplugs. This has been my go-to for years.

One of the primary benefits of using earplugs while writing in public is the ability to block out ambient noise. The constant hum of conversation, clattering dishes, or the sounds of traffic can all be major distractions. Earplugs create a barrier, allowing you to create your own quiet zone. By minimizing auditory interruptions, you can enhance your focus and immerse yourself in your writing, boosting productivity and creativity.

Research has shown that noise pollution can have a detrimental impact on cognitive performance. Unwanted sounds can lead to increased stress levels, reduced memory retention, and impaired concentration. By utilizing earplugs, you can significantly reduce the negative effects of noise, enabling your mind to function at its best. This improved cognitive performance will allow you to think more clearly, write with greater clarity, and produce higher-quality work.

When writing in public places, it's not uncommon to inadvertently overhear snippets of conversations or sensitive information that may distract or compromise your work. Wearing earplugs provides an added layer of privacy, preventing you from being drawn into external discussions. By blocking out the surrounding sounds, you can fully immerse yourself in your writing, allowing ideas to flow more freely and facilitating a deeper connection with your work. No one wants to hear about Aunt Maggie’s colonoscopy.

Earplugs are incredibly portable and can be easily carried in your pocket, bag, or purse. They are lightweight, discreet, and readily available when you need them. Whether you're working in a busy café, traveling on a noisy airplane, or even sitting in a library with unexpected distractions, having a pair of earplugs at hand ensures you can create your own writing oasis wherever you go.

To fully benefit from earplugs, it's important to select the right ones for your needs. There are various options available, such as foam, silicone, or custom-molded earplugs. Consider factors like comfort, noise reduction capabilities, and portability when making your choice.

Here are some practical tips to optimize your earplug experience.

1. Set specific writing goals and use productivity techniques alongside earplugs to enhance focus and creativity.

2. Experiment with different earplug types and find the ones that suit you best.

3. I would also recommend finding earplugs rated as NRR 33dB

4. IMPORTANT: Read the instructions on how to use earplugs. You don't want to damage your eardrums. 

From my experience sitting in a bustling café, desperately needing to work on my writing. The clinking of cutlery behind the counter, the murmurs of conversation, and the sound of the coffee machine seemed to compete for my attention. Not to mention the speakers over your head blaring loud music. Feeling overwhelmed, I decided to try using earplugs one day. As soon as I inserted them, the external world faded away, and I entered a cocoon of peace. Suddenly, my thoughts flowed effortlessly, and I immersed myself in the worlds I was creating. Earplugs became my secret weapon for conquering the noisy environment and propelling my writing with utmost focus and clarity. I have never looked back.

In an increasingly noisy world, using earplugs when writing on the go can provide significant advantages. From enhanced concentration and improved cognitive performance to personal comfort, privacy, and convenience, earplugs offer a simple yet powerful tool for writers seeking a peaceful and mostly distraction-free environment. By taking control of your auditory surroundings, you can fully immerse yourself in your work, unlocking your creative potential and producing exceptional pieces of writing. So, the next time you find yourself in a bustling environment, don't forget to reach for your trusty pair of earplugs and experience the benefits they offer firsthand. Your writing and your focus will thank you.

Below in the comments, do you use earplugs when writing or is this the first time hearing about using them for writing? No pun intended.

Although I didn't finish NaNoWriMo, this is what I have learned.

For every author it is different in how they construct their pros. I have come to an understanding that as a writer, you find your own particular path by the way you process information. In other words you approach writing as if your attempting to learn something new.

Some writers are “Pansters” (writers that sit down with out a plot and just write.) and other are “Plotters” (writers that are architects and have to have an outline.). For me I am some were in between. I like specific plot points to be met, this way I can insure that the pace of the novel is intact and for characters to stay fresh, I try to leave them alone and let them live their own lives until I put obstacles in their way and let them figure out how to get out of them.

NaNo dogmatic mentality helps when you have writers block. So in the future when I do get stuck and can not figure out what to write. I will pull out the tool called freeform writing. Just stack words together and see what happens. If it ever goes astray, there will always be revisions to cut them out.You can learn a lot about your characters if you do this.

Next time when I do Nano, I will not create a very complicated project. The more complexity a project has for me, the harder it is to write. This year I decided to create a plot that has seven, yes seven different plot lines that actually would cross reference each other through out the novel. The approach that I took was to try to write each plot strand as a self contained story. I had a few ideas for some of the plot strands but became lost when those strands where completed. That is why I couldn’t finish this year combined with time restraints. We all have our own excuses.

NaNo has helped me find more confidence in myself to become an author. NaNo broke down the barriers for me that the first draft were I had to be perfect before you could move on. Growing up in an age of non computers I had limited resources. I had to make every page count. So it has taken me some time to brake old habits and start creating with a new found freedom. It is a luxury to be able to go back and change things without the worrier of running out of paper.

NaNo teaches you how to manage your time well. One of the tools that has help me is to set up speed writing sprints. With each sprint I try to be the best word count from the last. For me, I like to use thirty minute time blocks. Time zooms by more quickly when you do this. I found that if I just try and sit there and type out the story my mind stalls. I need the time boom switch to push me to crank out the words.

Although I did not finish this year. I couldn't be more happier with the things I have learned if I had finished. There are more tools that I can use to help write. There can be a middle ground for plotting your work and be wilily nellie when it come to crafting pros. The most important is what I learned about myself in this process to become an author.

Create your very own Google Chrome theme

If you use Google Chrome as your default browser, Google give you the ability to install or even create your very own backdrop theme from your personal photos. I created mine just in time for National Novel Writing Month to help me be inspired to wirte.

If you like to give this a try:

1) launch Google Chrome.
2) Under the back and forward page direction there should be a link to "Apps". Click that. Reference in the image below as "1"
3) Then click "Web Store".
4) In the search store box type "theme creator" Reference in the image below as "2"
5) Install the app in the image below as "3"

6) Just follow the easy instructions and you are ready to go.

You can even share your themes with others if you like. If you like Lord of the Rings, Warcraft, or fluffy kittens, you can create your very own theme. Every feature is customizable. If you are having trouble finding an image, you can go to Google Images and look for ones that you like under wallpaper. If you have any questions let me know. Have fun and be creative. 

The easiest way to finding your writer's voice.

While trying to become an author, I’ve been thinking about the writer's voice lately. I have read several books and articles on the subject searching for answers. They all offer various tips and tricks on how to find your writer's voice and make it sound easy. But those of you that have tried know that it’s not.  For those of you who do not know what a writers voice is, here is the basic definition from Wikipedia:

The writer's voice is the individual writing style of an author, a combination of idiotypical usage of syntax, diction, punctuation, character development, dialogue, etc., within a given body of text. Voice can be thought of in terms of the uniqueness of a vocal voice machine. ...

Paraphrasing from the book Gotham Writers Workshop “Writing Fiction”, the practical guide from New York’s acclaimed creative writing school: 

The writer's voices is what the readers “hear” in their heads when their reading. Voice is the sound of the story. The dirty truth is that the writers voice is created by the most elemental tools in writing – namely, what words you pick, how you string them together in a sentence, and how you mix and match your sentences to form paragraphs.

Sounds more technical than practical doesn’t. Though to be a author you have to find a voice that is unique that you can claim as your own. Most writers say that to become an author you have to write and read massive amounts of other authors works, then rewrite what you have written to become an author. There is some truth to that. For me, I have been struggling to find my own writers voice since I’ve tried to become an author. It seemed the more I read about how to obtain a writers voice the more allusive it became. I do think it is wise to study other people's work and to assimilate some technical aspects of their style into your writing.  Other well-known authors throughout the ages have done this.  But it is a waste of time to over analyze another author's craft. Not that I am speaking from experience mind you, ahem.  It becomes a crutch and then a detriment to what you are trying to achieve.

One day an idea struck me.  First, as usual, I was trying too hard to be perfect. This is not something new. I always gave one–hundred and fifty percent to whatever project that I’m working on.  Second, after watching hours upon hours of videos from well-known authors interviews on YouTube, I had a small epiphany.

For you to grasp what I’m trying to say, I need to give you a little amount of homework.  Sorry, but it should be painless.  On the upside, you’ll find a lot of small nuggets of wisdom within them.  When you watch the videos of Neil Gaiman speeches, take note of how he delivers the speech.  Then I would like you to go and find some samples of his writing.  This can easily be done by going to Amazon.com and searching for Neil Gaiman books.  There you should find some sample chapters that you can read. Then finally go to his blog and read a few of his post.

Neil Gaiman Amazon Page click link for samples.

    

Take notice of how his writing style slightly changes for each platform.  What do all three have in common?  If you haven’t noticed, it’s good storytelling.  Whether if he is giving a speech, writing a story, or if he’s posting to his blog, he uses his own unique writers voice.  It flows naturally from him like a well that never dries up. It comes from a good verbal sense of what sounds right as opposed to putting down garbled words.

It's more important of how you tell the story than to actually write the story.

Take a moment and think about it…

Okay, right this minute I want you to think on the project that your writing on now and say what it is about within sixty seconds.  Can you do it?  Most likely, your brain freezes, words are jumbled and it doesn’t make much sense.

Now, think about this last summer as if it your best friend was sitting right beside you.  Now say what happened this last summer vacation. Hopefully I’m not wrong, but the words came out more easily than trying to explain what your story was about.  For the very fact you are telling a story, not writing one.

If you listen carefully then look between the lines of his writing, you can find Neil Gaiman’s voice as if he’s reading the story himself to you. As an author, this is what we need to strive for.  A writers voice needs to be unique on its own and to be easily comprehended in the written form.

The transference of the verbal art form of storytelling to the written form with clarity will determine how well you will be received by others.

With a few small exercises that I created for myself, the first thing I've notice is that words flowed more easily out of me. With practice of transferring verbal to written, I should become a better storyteller, which will equal becoming a better author. A writers voice should not be compartmentalized, but should be allowed to breathe and make mistakes.  That’s the only way you grow in the creative arts.

Start writing, no matter what.  Water does not flow until the faucet is turned on. – Louis L'Amour

My First Spooky Story

A long time ago when I was a kid, if you can imagine, about the age of seven or eight. It gets a little foggy when thinking back towards the seventies. Joe Cool from Peanuts and the Mickey Mouse Club were all the rage. If you don’t know who Joe cool is, you might want to look him up.

Even at an early age I wanted to be an artist. Any spare time I could get my hands on I would spend it drawing. From time to time I might have done a little daydreaming, per se, that might of turned into a doodled of something in my notebook in class. I was pretty good not getting caught by the teachers. I loved everything about pencils: how many shapes, sizes, colors, etc. It gets even odder, I absolutely loved the smell a number two pencils after being freshly sharpened. I still do to this day. What can I say, I'm easily amused. At home it was hard for me to get my hands on a pencil sharpener. My parents would let me use a sharp stake knife or something bigger to sharpen them with. It was a different world back then. My classmates were quick to notice my love affair for pencils. When I would borrow there's before class, they when surprised when they got it back with the eraser gone. I was more into drawing Spider-Man, Batman, Red Sonja, or some form of a scary monsters then to try come up with a story.

The first steps I took learning to draw was to actually trace an image. Over and over again until I was satisfied with the results. In modern terms this is call muscle memory retention. But at seven, I didn't know that. Then without tracing, I would attempt to draw the superhero and try to get it as perfect as possible. As before without tracing, over and over again I would draw the same image until I thought it presentable.

Fortunately my father worked a side job on the weekends in a bookshop. At the time, if a comic book was not sold they had to tare the cover off and put it into the trash. What a travesty. Every now and then he would bring some home. Among the superhero comics there would be The Unknown Soldier, The House of Mystery, The Witching Hour, Midnight Tales, or The Unexpected which had a tad more adult content than a seven year old probably should have had in his hands. Back then I didn't try to read comics as much as I fell in love with the images within the pages. At an early age, I knew images could tell a powerful story. So I stuck with drawing.



There did come a day when I though it might be cool to write a story for a comic book. At seven I was thinking, how hard could that be. My parents had a Royal typewriter and gave me permission to take care of it. I was beyond excited! I pulled out a table with metal collapsible legs in the upstairs living room and a chair. I set a stack of blank typing paper down right beside the typewriter. My parents taught me how to roll the paper in and set the margins.

Now for the first time I was set to be an author. In the beginning as any author, I would sit at the table looking at a blank page. How long, I don't know exactly. I would try to peck out a title. When nothing would come to mind, I would type random keys. A word here, a word there. You could say I was practicing typing, but in reality I was lying to myself. Page after page of random characters found themselves on a page. It looked like Martian gibberish than anything else. The more I tried, the more frustrated I became. Compared to drawing I felt like I didn't have the tools to become a writer. So, what was I supposed to do.

Well, I did what any seven year old would do, “plagiarize!” Before jumping to conclusions, I had good intentions. If you were wondering if I knew what the word plagiarism was back then, the answer is a resounding yes. Like with drawing, I would pick a story line that I thought was interesting and took the same approach. Instead of picking a Batman or even a Red Sonja comic book, I would choose more of the adult titles like The Unexpected, Midnight Tales, or The Witching Hour for the source of inspiration. With each bubble of dialogue I would create a new paragraph and type it word for word as if I was practicing drawing a stroke. I did this time and time again, but unlike with drawing I still wasn't able to create my own story-lines. There is not a word in the english dictionary, that could describe the frustration of a seven year old. So, I continued developing my drawing skills.

The following year I was enlightened by an odd english teacher. Not odd in the way she looked or acted but how she taught. She gave us a enormous project that started the day before October. The premise was to create the scariest story imaginable and have it completed by the end of the next month. Like this would fly in today’s school system. For the first time I took this seriously. At home I and went through my comics again and tried to find some form of inspiration. By using them as a crutch, I only found one thing, more failure.

Meanwhile, sometime during the first week of October my mom bought an vinyl album to played for trick-or-treaters for Halloween. Walt Disney Studios produced an album called Chilling, Thrilling Sounds of the Haunted House. On the back cover it read, “Turn Your home into a haunted house with these spine-chilling, heart pounding, hair-raising sound effects. They’re perfect For spicing up parties. welcoming trick-or-treaters... or listening alone in the dark!” If you are wondering how I remembered all of that, it’s not because I have a mind like a steal trap, it’s because I still have the album. Remember it gets a little foggy. I absolutely loved this album. I played it night after night. One of the soundtracks I’d liked most was the was the “Mad Scientist’s Laboratory”. Listening to all the electrified sounds of pumps and bleeps set my mind raging. I would imagine myself outside the haunted house and as the record played the sound effects, I would meander through the house in my mind. I’d picture what the night creatures looked like and as the sounds progressed I imagined how the grave was dug to put somebody in.

I found a copy of it on YouTube if you like to listen to it.

Then, it finally hit me like the back-end of a shovel on the top of my head. I finally determined what the scary story was going to be about. Can you guess? Okay, I'm transparent. It was about the haunted house. Then all of a sudden came a horrendous problem of how to move through the story, or should I say, try to find the narrative. I couldn't just say this happened, then this happened, then this happened, and oh by the way, this happened. Time started to run out and I had one week to finish before the deadline was upon me.

One thing that helped in retrospect was to look at other peoples work in progress. Seeing how they constructed their story-line was immensely helpful. From reading them, I found that I was missing an important ingredient - characters. So for the first time I placed myself into the story. At this point it felt like for the first time I was getting somewhere with writing.

After reading my story a few times, I though that the story was lacking something. So I added my best Friend “Tom” into the story. In a way without realizing it by put myself and my friend into the story-line it became more personable. The story ended up as our adventure as we walked through the haunted house. When I was done with writing it, like when I tried to draw a superhero, I would start writing the story from the beginning and improve upon it as I went along. That in itself was a valuable lesson learned.

When it came time for me to receive my grade, I received a passable grade. I wished I could say that I be came a writer after that. But that would be a lie. I went to what came easy, drawing. But that’s another story in of its’ itself.

Click on the YouTube link to listen to this article.