Author Archives: Rob Bignell

One area of character description that novice writers often overlook is physical gestures. That can be problematic. For example, many novice writers will tell a characters’ emotional state rather than show it. Describing a character’s physical gestures and body movements, however, allows the reader to infer that emotional state while adding a level of detail toContinue reading “Use Physical Gestures to Show Rather than Tell”

With all of these different spellings of bull’s eye (or is it bullseye?), how do you when you’re on the mark with the right one? The good news is that no matter which one you use, you’ll score a direct hit. All are acceptable spellings. Check with your house or publisher’s style guide to determine whichContinue reading “Aim Right: Bull’s Eye vs. Bullseye vs. Bulls-eye”

Suffering from writer’s block or need to add some spunk to your writing? The problem may be that you need to change up your routine. To that end, try this tip: Many writers use journaling to deal with trauma and emotional upheaval. One way to do that is to write about what you need to let goContinue reading “Writing Prompt: Let It Go”

When creating your story’s setting or explaining what your characters are doing, you’ll need to use imagery. Imagery is necessary to move along the plot and to establish tone. When describing a landscape, character or action, you’ll need to appeal to one or more of the senses that people use to perceive the world. There areContinue reading “Incorporate Imagery Into Your Story”

“A poet can survive everything but a misprint.” – Oscar Wilde “Poetry is a deal of joy and pain and wonder, with a dash of the dictionary.” – Khalil Gibran “Poetry is what gets lost in translation.” – Robert Frost “A poet gives life to his thoughts and feelings and with inspiration, breathes life into his work for itContinue reading “Five Great Quotations about Poetry”

All too often in our modern day and age, we attempt to cure every ailment with a pill or capsule. That might be fine for our physical aches and for the most serious of mental illnesses, but it’s not so wonderful for the moments when we just feel down or stressed out. Writers, though, know thatContinue reading “Writing Heals My Heart Like No Pill Ever Could”

Suffering from writer’s block or need to add some spunk to your writing? The problem may be that you need to change up your routine. To that end, try this tip: Fictionalize yourself in a difficult situation that someone else faces. How would you resolve the problem? ______________ My name is Rob Bignell. I’m an affordable, professional editorContinue reading “Writing Prompt: Fictionalize Yourself”

Thanks to insure and ensure being so similar in the way they’re pronounced, they’re often confused. They do share similar word origins, and a few grammar pontiffs say they’re interchangeable. Such an opinion is in the minority, however. Ensure means to guarantee a situation. For example: By bringing an umbrella, Jane ensured they would not get wetContinue reading “Guaranteed to Get It Right: Insure vs. Ensure”