Too often we focus on modifying the nouns, but don't give a thought to modifying the verbs. I've learned while teaching IEW (Institute for Excellence in Writing) that the "ly" words completely (there's one!) enliven writing. A good exercise is to have kids write something simple like: Jill jumped.
Then, challenge the student to add as many adverbs as possible to change the meaning of the sentence: Jill jumped quickly. Jill jumped quietly. Silently, Jill jumped. Steadily Jill jumped. Seriously, Jill jumped. Jill jumped triumphantly!!
Don't be shy with your "lys." Using them can transform otherwise boring sentences.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Monday, August 2, 2010
Writing Tip #1:
My first magazine editor gave me some invaluable advice that - after 25 years - I still follow. It is the same advice I give my students: Read every completed writing project OUT LOUD. It is amazing how much jumps out at you - both good and bad -when you actually hear the words you have written spoken. You may have read an essay or a poem or a book report a dozen times silently. However, when you read it out loud, you hear those repetitious words, those poorly described nouns, those pauses where you should have put a comma. At the same time, on a more positive note, you also hear the sentences that work - and they are music to your ears. Read it out loud alone, or read it out loud to friends or family; an audience often helps to pinpoint some mistakes as well.
Quote for the week: "There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it." Edith Wharton
My first magazine editor gave me some invaluable advice that - after 25 years - I still follow. It is the same advice I give my students: Read every completed writing project OUT LOUD. It is amazing how much jumps out at you - both good and bad -when you actually hear the words you have written spoken. You may have read an essay or a poem or a book report a dozen times silently. However, when you read it out loud, you hear those repetitious words, those poorly described nouns, those pauses where you should have put a comma. At the same time, on a more positive note, you also hear the sentences that work - and they are music to your ears. Read it out loud alone, or read it out loud to friends or family; an audience often helps to pinpoint some mistakes as well.
Quote for the week: "There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it." Edith Wharton
Friday, July 16, 2010
My friend and computer whiz, 11-year-old Anna Katherine Daley, was kind enough to bring me into the 21st century this morning and set up a website and blog site for this antiquated writer. I am a huge fan of Edith Wharton's and daydream sometimes about what it must have been like when there were few women writers, when writing was all about selecting the most beautiful and well-intentioned words to grace the pages of a hand-printed, leather or fabric covered book, and when writers hung out with other writers all day and eloquently discussed their prose. But, alas, I am in the high-tech, fast-paced, modern world and I must adapt. Thus, my goal for this blog is to effectively communicate with other writers, with those who want to write, and with those who aspire to teach writing. I will plan to have some weekly writing tips available and will strive to answer questions based on any "writers blocks" that any of you experience.
Quote for the day: "Your word as my text, each circumstance your pen, my heart as your page," Beth Moore.
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