Rob Bignell

Constructing Your Story’s Main Character

Typically a story is about a single character who overcomes some problem. This player in your story is called the main character. Common examples are Dorothy in “The Wizard of Oz,” John in James Baldwin’s “Go Tell It on the Mountain,” and Jessica Fletcher in “Murder, She Wrote.” Main characters usually are the hero of the story. The tale often isContinue reading “Constructing Your Story’s Main Character”

How to Properly Punctuate ‘et al.’

One of the most common abbreviation mistakes that new writers make, especially when penning academic papers, is the Latin phrase et al. Part of the problem is that we don’t know Latin; another part is that neither do our computer spell checkers. Et al. means “and others”. Et is Latin for “and” while alii is Latin for “others”. In modern English, we don’tContinue reading “How to Properly Punctuate ‘et al.’”

Make Use of Local Dexterity

One of the kindest things writers can do for their readers is employ “local dexterity.” This occurs when images, sentences, paragraphs and scenes are pleasurable to read because of their vividness. To achieve the descriptions, imagery and symbolism in your story must work in concert with all of the other techniques discussed so far inContinue reading “Make Use of Local Dexterity”

Develop a Sense of Voice

Great Writing Quotes by Author Ursula K. Le Guin

A story rises from the springs of creation, from the pure will to be; it tells itself; I takes its own course, finds its own way, its own words; and the writer’s job is to be its medium. Modernist manuals of writing often conflate story with conflict. This reductionism reflects a culture that inflates aggressionContinue reading “Great Writing Quotes by Author Ursula K. Le Guin”

What is “The Craft of Writing”?

“Writing is easy. All you do is cross out all the wrong words.” – Mark Twain You’ve written an action-packed plot full of great twists. It’s got fascinating characters who grow and develop. You’ve maintained a consistent point of view, provided incredible descriptions of the setting, and even offered a profound message. Yet, every timeContinue reading “What is “The Craft of Writing”?”

Great Writing Quotes by Author Roland Smith

…a good writer should draw the reader in by starting in the middle of the story with a hook… Once you have the reader hooked, you can write whatever you want as you slowly reel them in. When you do your research write down whatever interests you. Whatever stimulates your imagination. Whatever seems important. AContinue reading “Great Writing Quotes by Author Roland Smith”