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5 Quick Writing Tricks and 1 Treat by Irene Latham

1. When you want to get to know your character better, write 100 affirmatives in the character's voice:
like...

I am 11 years old.
I love horses.
I don't like riding the bus to school.
I am good at climbing trees.
I have a secret.
I am not good at keeping secrets.
...

2. When you're stumped, try writing a scene from the antagonist's perspective.

3. When you're ms is sagging, introduce a new character. (You don't have to keep said character, but it can really help open your mind/keep you going.)
4. Scan the ms for the word “feel” or “feels.” Convert those sentences to body language to SHOW the feeling instead of telling it.

5. Use a thesaurus to amp up your verbs! 

 ...and now for the TREAT:



Just puts things in perspective, doesn't it?! Happy day!
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Comments

  1. Janet,October 3, 2015 at 8:09 AM

    Good advice. I practice # 4 and #5 on a regular basis. I'll have to give the others a try. Cute treat!

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    Replies
    1. Irene LathamOctober 4, 2015 at 9:05 AM

      Yes, Janet, I am all about the tricks. And the treat. Sweet kittens... happy writing!

      Delete
  2. Carole Estby DaggOctober 3, 2015 at 12:07 PM

    Thank you, Irene! I'll try these methods to wake up my sleeping WIP!

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    Replies
    1. Irene LathamOctober 4, 2015 at 9:06 AM

      Oh Sleepy WIP... sounds like a poem! :) Happy writing, Carole!

      Delete
  3. Kimberley Griffiths LittleOctober 3, 2015 at 2:23 PM

    Great ideas, Irene! I use the thesaurus for verbs a lot. And the treat is adorable! I showed it to the kiddos and they loved it. :-)

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    Replies
    1. Irene LathamOctober 4, 2015 at 9:06 AM

      Thank you, Kimberley! Nothing like a kitten, eh? Happy writing!

      Delete
  4. Holly SchindlerOctober 3, 2015 at 3:08 PM

    Love the "feels" suggestion. I'll have to give that one a go! And the KITTEN!!!

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    Replies
    1. Irene LathamOctober 4, 2015 at 9:07 AM

      Holly, I have watched that kitten a billion times and it makes me smile EVERY TIME. Happy wriitng!

      Delete
  5. Margaret SimonOctober 3, 2015 at 3:08 PM

    Going to scan now. Great advice. Thanks, Irene. I love finding you here with flipping kittens.

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    Replies
    1. Irene LathamOctober 4, 2015 at 9:08 AM

      Ha, Margaret, flipping kittens! :) Happy writing my poet-friend! xo

      Delete
  6. darlenebeckjacobsonOctober 3, 2015 at 3:39 PM

    Love the tricks and the treat!

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  7. Sarah DooleyOctober 4, 2015 at 1:58 PM

    I love this post!

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  8. Deborah LyttonOctober 5, 2015 at 12:26 PM

    Irene, I can't stop watching the kitten! So adorable. And thank you for the tips. I especially love #4.

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  9. UnknownOctober 10, 2015 at 7:23 AM

    Great suggestions. I especially like the affirmation idea. And....KITTENS!

    ReplyDelete

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