Free Software for Writers Dozens of software applications are available and marketed to writers, yet many of these programs can be both expensive and difficult to use. While standard word processors serve the needs of many writers, some writers require more adaptable and agile solutions. For writers unwilling or unable to spend hundreds of dollars to invest in the multitude of purchasable programs, there is a plethora of free, user-friendly programs available for download. Q10 is a free, highly customizable, full screen word processor. This program includes live stats, word count, auto-correction, auto-save, timer alarm for timed writing sessions, and optional typewriter sound effects. For writers who are easily distracted or crave a simple, effective word processor with no frills, Q10 is extremely simple to use. yWriter yWriter is a word processor alternative that allows users to organize their projects in a completely new way. Celtx OpenOffice OpenOffice is an open source alternative to Microsoft Office. Sonar
45 ways to avoid using the word 'very' Three Telling Quotes About ‘Very’ Substitute ‘damn’ every time you’re inclined to write ‘very;’ your editor will delete it and the writing will be just as it should be. ~Mark Twain‘Very’ is the most useless word in the English language and can always come out. More than useless, it is treacherous because it invariably weakens what it is intended to strengthen. ~Florence KingSo avoid using the word ‘very’ because it’s lazy. A man is not very tired, he is exhausted. If you enjoyed this, you will love: If you want to learn how to write a book, join our Writers Write course. by Amanda Patterson © Amanda Patterson
Greek Mythology Dreamcast - Sam Claflin as Icarus Friends - we all need them - Ministry Magazine The young woman's voice broke down She was close to tears. "At the semi nary they told us not to have any friends in our church. My husband manages well enough, because he has such a lot to do. We were sitting on the floor in a circle around candles, a group of 30 ministers' wives who had convened for a seminar on counseling. Friends—we all need them. Of course, we can plug into the divine power plant, and that should be our prime effort every day. One conference president testified that at the beginning of their ministry he and his wife avoided close relationships with parishioners. Naturally, it is not wise to favor some church members with friendship while neglecting others. Acquaintances and friends Real friends are those you can disturb in the middle of the night if necessary and still find yourself welcome. Good friends will help us cope with all the rest of the church! No, it is not easy to have friends among the pastoral corps. Keeping in touch Just be yourself Other friends
6 Ways to Create Riveting Conflict in Your Story Who says conflict is a bad thing? Who says world peace is the most important goal of humanity? Who says arguing with your little brother when you’re a kid means you’ll grow up to be an ill-mannered ruffian? Not a writer, that’s for sure! Arguably, the single most important tenet of fiction can be summed up in the saw “no conflict, no story.” You can break every rule in the book (pun intended) and still have a whopper of a tale—so long as you remember to throw a dash of conflict in your story. The simple fact is: fiction has its very basis in conflict. So how does one go about manufacturing this most precious of story ingredients? 1. This is the easiest (and, often, the best) way to throw a little conflict in your story. 2. Many stories base their entire premise on this idea (think of the Pevensie siblings tumbling through the wardrobe into Narnia in C.S. 3. 4. 5. 6. Stories are about balance. Tell me your opinion: What is the chief source of conflict in your story?
Five Creative Writing Projects You Can Do Today These creative writing projects only require you to write based on your own experiences or the wondering and fantasies of your constantly working brain. Let’s check them out. Six Word Memoirs By far the easiest and most interesting short form writing site is Six Word Memoirs. As the title suggests, you write about very detailed moments and experiences in your life in a mere six words. Auntie hung me from a tree. Two poems published. 1976. Assigned seat behind high school sweetheart. Pork chops, green beans, and rice. We sang under the street light. Founded in January 2006, Six Word Memoirs is a community of story tellers who share pithy and often clever stories about a wide range of topics and categories. At least three books have been published based on the six word memories of both novice and published writers, including Wally Lamb (“Shiny head. OneSentence.Org If six words is a little too limiting for you, you might prefer a similar but still short form genre site called One Sentence.
icarus Internet Resources - Writers Resources - Writing Links & Writers Links for Writers - Word Stuff Unsorted [/writers] James Patrick Kelly - Murder Your Darlings - "When time comes to make that final revision, however, you must harden your heart, sharpen the ax and murder your darlings." Greda Vaso - Determining the Readability of a Book - includes formulas for Gunning's Fog Index, Flesch Formula, Powers Sumner Kearl L. Kip Wheeler - Literary Terms and Definitions L. Kip Wheeler - Comp - Lit - Poetry - Links - more Style - Grammar - Errors in English [/writers]American Heritage - Book of English Usage - free download Band-Aid AP StylebookPaul Brians - Common Errors in EnglishCJ Cherryh - Writerisms and other Sins The Chicago Manual of Style FAQ Gary N. Curtis - The Fallacy Files - Logical fallacies and bad arguments Prof.
30 tips to improve your writing now Writing is a fundamental part of communication, yet many people are poor writers. Part of becoming a great writer is practice. You become a better writer with every email, story or blog post you draft. There also are things you can do to improve your writing immediately. Here are 30 tips to improve your writing now from my friend, Carrie Coppernoll, a staff writer and columnist at The Oklahoman: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. What is this list missing?