How to Include Animals in Your Fictional Book

One of my favorites parts of writing fiction is the room it gives the author for creativity. There are many ways to add color to one’s story so that it comes alive for the reader. One such way is by adding animals to your book. An animal character in your story can benefit you in several ways if you follow certain guidelines.

Benefits of Animal Characters

You can benefit from adding an animal character in three ways. One way is by making the story more interesting and natural. Animals are a part of our everyday lives and including them in your characters’ lives can make your story more believable. They don’t necessarily have to be a pet either. Even a wild animal can add to your story and grab your readers’ attention.

Another way an animal can add to your story is by moving the plot along. You can tie the animal into the plot line somehow and use that animal to drive the action. Take, for instance, a mystery novel. You can use your character’s dog to unveil a clue or rescue another character from the antagonist. There are many possibilities depending on the animal and type of story you choose.

A final benefit of an animal character is the possibilities for side stories or comic relief. A cat with odd mannerisms or a birdseed-stealing squirrel adds personality to your plot and helps develop your characters as they interact with these animals. The animal can also add humor to your novel so that readers can have comic relief amid heavy action scenes and drama.

Advice for Writing Animal Characters

Adding an animal to your fictional work may be beneficial, but that is only true if it is done right. There are several recommendations you should follow if you add an animal character to your story that will help you avoid some common mistakes.

            The first tip is the most important: authenticity. As a writer, you need to make sure you are giving your readers accurate information. It doesn’t matter if you are writing fiction; authenticity is critical. Be certain you are portraying your animal character accurately. It won’t add to your story if it doesn’t feel natural to the reader. It will especially cause problems if someone familiar with that animal sees something inaccurate.

            The best way to avoid mistakes is by completing thorough research. If it is possible, you should go see the animal in-person or interview an expert so that you can get all your questions specific to your story answered. Such in-person research can be more beneficial because you can get the answers necessary for what you want to write rather than generic information you might find in books and on websites.

            Another piece of advice to practice is consistency. Make sure that as your plot moves along, your animal characters don’t suddenly disappear and reappear at random. It can jerk the reader out of the story because it breaks the flow and causes the reader to backtrack.

            This is one area where notes are invaluable. Keeping track of details will keep your story consistent and make it feel natural. So, if you have a cat lying on the main character’s couch, don’t forget that fact and allow a visitor to sit on the poor cat. Readers will notice!

            A final practice you should implement is moderation. Don’t let your animal character become so prevalent or quirky that they overshadow your characters and plotline. You want your readers to focus on the action and the point you are trying to make, not the animal. If your animal character becomes too distracting, it will undermine its purpose in your writing.

Conclusion

           Your story should take your readers into its world. One way you can accomplish this is by adding an animal into your book. Animals can be a fun addition that helps move your story along. If you do add an animal, be careful to portray it accurately and consistently. If done right, animals can make your book more interesting and capture your readers’ attention.

How To Balance Your Intentions with Your Audience's Interests

            For every document, article, and book there are two interested parties: the author and the audience. It doesn't matter if you have an assigned topic or freedom to choose; either way, the interests of both you and your audience will affect what you write and how you write it. As the author, you might find it tricky to balance your interests with that of your audience. Before you begin writing, there are three questions you need to ask yourself to help you determine the best balance.

            The first one is deceptively simple: Who is my audience? Sometimes it will be obvious, but not always. Rather than assuming you know, take the time to think about what you are writing and who will be most likely to read it. Who is going to be most likely to look at your work? You can’t begin to balance the intent of your writing unless you know who you are communicating the information to. If you are lucky, you can choose the audience you direct your work towards. It can sometimes be easier when you get a choice in the audience you write to, especially if you have a subject already in mind. If you have an assignment, an audience is already in place. In the former case, it is important to know who you want your audience to be so that you can ensure that your topic is of importance to them. In the latter, knowing who your audience is will help you determine the direction your writing will need to take.
            Once you have identified your audience, you need to do a little research about them. The second question you need to ask is “What does the audience want to know?” This is a key question once you know whom you are writing to. If you have a particular audience you want to reach, this question will give you advice on what to write about. The author is reflected in the information and writing style while the audience is represented in the topic. Whatever you write about should answer the questions of your target audience. In the case of an assignment, researching your audience is important because it will tell you what to communicate to them in a way that will solve a problem for them.
            The third question also involves researching your audience, but from a different angle. By this time, you have determined what you will be writing about and who you are writing for. Now the answer to this final question will tell you how to write. You need to ask, “What does the audience already know?” The answer to this question will tell you what voice and tone to use as well as other stylistic choices such as how much jargon to include. If your audience is beginner users of a software and you need to explain certain functions to them, you will need to write more descriptions with plain language to make your directions clear to them. On the other hand, an advanced user looking for information about advanced settings in the software will be fine with minimal descriptions and use of technical terms. Once you know where your audience is at concerning your topic, you will know how to proceed in explaining your point clearly.
            Writing reflects the author and serves to share that author's message. It also needs to address the audience and their needs. By answering the questions of who, what, and how; the author can find a perfect balance between the author's intentions and the audience's interests. These questions will guide you in deciding what information to share and how best to share it.

Use Your Punctuation: Semicolons

            At some point, you have probably been told—most likely by your mother— “Use your words!” That person knows that words are a huge part of communication. The different nuances of each word allow us to express ourselves very specifically. The same is true in writing, but words are not the whole story. You need to use your punctuation! We can do so much more if we go beyond the basic comma and period. To help you make better use of your punctuation, I would like to introduce you to my beloved punctuation mark: the semicolon.

            The semicolon is most easily described as a cross between a colon and a comma in both appearance and function. A semicolon, generally speaking, indicates a pause in a sentence that is more pronounced than a comma. Because of this, semicolons spend most of their time somewhere in the middle of a long or complex sentence. If you read classic literature, you are most likely very familiar with semicolon usage. Past authors made great use of semicolons. Some even used the punctuation mark to string clauses together so much that a single page could only fit a few sentences.

            You probably don’t want to use semicolons that much, but they can still improve your writing. There are three ways you can use semicolons in a sentence. The first is by placing a semicolon between two independent clauses. It can take the place of the comma next to the conjunction or both comma and conjunction. Semicolons tend to create a more pronounced pause than a comma which means they can stand alone without the conjunction if necessary.

Another way you can use semicolons is to reduce the confusion that comes with long lists that include many commas. If commas occur within the items of the list, semicolons can prove especially handy in separating the items instead of using commas. They also create that greater pause which can be useful when list items verge on the side of long phrases. The semicolon’s goal is to bring clarity to your writing.

A final way you can use the semicolon is in combination with adverbs to connect clauses. This is one usage I used to practice a lot until my college professors started to complain; therefore, I don’t do it as often anymore. The semicolon works when the adverb acts as a conjunction between the clauses. The structure is usually an adverb preceded by the semicolon and followed by a comma. If the adverb appears elsewhere within the clause, it only needs two commas. The exception is at the beginning of the sentence where an adverb would need one comma to follow it.

            Semicolons are an often-overlooked tool in an author’s toolbox. They can boost your writing by helping you to communicate with stronger pauses, fewer commas, and more complex sentence structure. Don’t let the idea of complexity scare you. The semicolon helps guide the reader and prevent confusion. Try using some semicolons in your writing and see how they can make you a more effective communicator.

Lessons from Self-editing a Novel

            I recently talked about completing my goal to write a novel. Now I have moved on to the editing stage. Because I am self-editing my novel, the experience has been very different from editing someone else’s writing. I’m sorry to say that I made several avoidable mistakes by not following my own advice. My mistakes have given me a new appreciation for why editors suggest certain habits.

            Every editor stresses the importance of a style guide, including me. It is difficult, if not impossible, to edit without a standard. I now understand that more than ever. I did start with a style guide when I began my project. Only, I made one serious mistake: I didn't update it. What I created at the beginning of my project, does not match what I am now trying to edit. I didn't take the time to write down changes to character names, settings, or spellings. Because I didn’t make those changes to my guide, I have to put in extra work trying to remember which is right. Authors, when an editor tells you to keep a style guide for your book, do it for your and your editor’s sanity! I deeply regret not doing so and have wasted extra time trying to correct everything.

            The second lesson I have learned while editing is to keep a timeline. I feel completely ridiculous for not doing so while I wrote. I know better after all! But here I am, trying to piece together a timeline to correct inconsistencies throughout my story. You can keep track of where your characters are, how the story is progressing, and how plausible events are by keeping a timeline. For instance, my main character goes on a trip. After I created a timeline for myself, I realized what was supposed to be a couple of days had enough scenes to fill a whole week. Something must go for the timeline to be plausible.

            A final lesson I have learned has given me more empathy for authors. Editors understand that it is hard for an author to let go of their words. Only I never realized how hard until it was my own words that needed to go. Your story may be excellent the way it is. But by being open to changing passages, you can make your work even better. As I’m learning to chop out sections that my inner editor knows don’t work, I’m discovering that it opens the window for better possibilities. Even though I’m only halfway done with the first round of edits, I already feel like I have a better story. The plot is completely altered, but it flows better. It doesn’t have as many holes in it and has more plausibility.

            I’m still very happy that I embarked on this literary adventure because not only have I grown as a writer, but now as an editor. While you are writing your story, keep in mind some of these lessons. They can make your writing better and your editor’s job easier. Keeping notes and making proper plans can save you a lot of time later in the process. It is also important to be open to new ways of telling your story because they might make it stronger.

Getting Creative with Language Conventions

            There are many, many books out there about grammar rules and what constitutes proper English. But have you ever considered where these rules came from? What we know as English today developed out of many changes over the years. The language is still changing today and the people who help create that change are those who are willing to question the conventions of language and writing. They are willing to bend the rules to make language better express what they want to say. Even if this sounds like English is doomed, stay with me. There are few rules more closely guarded than those of the English language. I’m not suggesting that one should completely disregard grammar rules like E. E. Cummings. What I am saying is that English is fluid. Words and their meanings change, sometimes daily. Why can’t we be creative with conventions to make language work better for us?

            If you are going to push the boundaries of language, moderation is key. You need to be strategic about what you change and how you do it. Basic grammar rules like subject-verb agreement and capitalization are best left alone so that readers don’t get lost. Spelling rules should also be left intact. Some things are better left alone. What I am talking about are the style choices that have room for individuality. For example, writers love commas. They are versatile and show up everywhere in text. I can appreciate a well-placed comma. I’m amongst the staunch defenders of the Oxford comma. But there is nothing like a semicolon. When I get the chance, I like replacing those commas with semicolons. It feels more definite and authoritative to me.

            These creative changes can make your writing unique and interesting. When practicing moderation, there are several things you can consider to help you plan a strategy. The first is timing. If your venture away from convention is ill-timed, it can distort the meaning of your text or frustrate readers. If you’re writing something to a client, you might want to think twice about straying from conventional type. Why risk losing a client if you don’t have to? On the other hand, a blog post might be an interesting place to insert something unconventional to keep readers’ attention and make your post memorable. If you’re writing a book, you might not want anything too wild because books have a long life span. You should think in terms of where your writing will be seen.

            The second thing you should consider when trying to moderate changes is your audience. The audience is critical for guiding your decision. Try to answer the following questions. How lenient will your audience be with the changes? Will they be able to understand what you’re doing? Think about whom you intend your work for and how your changes might be perceived. Nothing should reduce the accuracy or meaning of your writing. It also should not jolt readers out of their train of thought. If a reader gets frustrated or annoyed enough by something unconventional in your writing, they may stop reading all together.

           Have fun with your writing! It’s supposed to be creative and show your personality. As you play with the conventions of language, make sure you do it in moderation. The best way to decide what changes to make is by thinking about the timing of the change and who your audience is. When done right, your creative writing can delight readers and make you stand out from the rest.

I Wrote a Novel

            The past week has been taken up by more pressing matters, so I hope you'll forgive me for not having an actual post this week. Instead of writing and editing tips, I'm including you in my celebration. If you’ve been reading some of my other posts, you know that I have been working on a novel project for the past nine months.  Ever since my 5^th-grade creative writing class, I have been developing ideas and trying to write stories. None have been successful—until now.

            This week I finally finished writing a rough draft for a novel. What started as merely a fun personal project, has turned into an exploration of writing. I know I'm not the greatest writer, but this experiment has taught me much and helped me improve. All those experts out there that say you should practice writing are correct. This project has been the best practice for me. Now I have just under 60,000 words down on paper and many lessons to apply to future writings.

            Don't think I'm going to let my project end just yet. What self-respecting editor would leave their writing unedited? I'm now looking forward to the next step of the writing process: editing. For me, the editing stage is so much more fun than writing. Writing is wide open with possibilities, a blank canvas. My mind doesn't appreciate so many options. I like having parameters to work with. Editing provides that because the words are already there. I can take what exists and shape it into something grand. 

           Writing taught me about developing characters, creating descriptions, wording dialogue, and so much more. I am certain that editing will be the same way. Even though it is a familiar territory, I never stop learning. Language evolves and so do the people who use it. There is no end to learning. Each project I take on teaches me something new about editing and how language works. In other words, be ready for some future posts about editing fiction.

Writing with Dialects and Accents in Fiction

            I have a weakness for westerns. I blame it on genetics since I have family members who enjoy westerns too. One part that I like about these novels is the language. It isn't overly grammatical or polished, but it's plain-speaking (or straight-shooting if you prefer that expression). Different elements can give writing a new personality and color. Dialects and accents in writing can bring a story to life. If done right, they can give characters an instantly recognizable identity and build a more imaginative setting. The key to doing them right is to make sure they are identifiable. A badly done accent will both be unrecognizable and bring down the quality of the writing. This week, I’ll give some tips about how to write a better accent and why including one might be beneficial to your story.

            Dialects and accents can be tricky for any author. To make them work well for your story, there are three points you need to be careful of. The first is legibility. The wording needs to be legible for the reader. Spelling and punctuation have some leeway when trying to recreate a certain accent, but it should not be sacrificed to the point that a reader cannot decipher what is being said. If it is coming out in a way that can be hard to read, you have several possibilities to consider. First, illegible words might be a sign that you’re trying too hard to create the accent. In this case, you might want to step back for a moment and rethink how you portray the language. On the other hand, dialects sometimes use words or pronunciations that are unusual and unknown to the average reader. In that case, you should consider including cues that help a reader understand what is being said.

            Another point you should be cautious of is consistency. This is a critical point. If you start with a certain dialect, you should be finishing with it. It is imperative that the dialect is consistent throughout the whole work and doesn't come in and out. The lack of consistency will detract both from your writing and your character's authenticity. Consistency also applies at a more minute level. Not only should the accent stay true throughout the work, but the qualities of it should be consistent. The same spellings and punctuations should be used every time. The easiest way to ensure this is to keep notes about the usages you have in your work. As an editor, I suggest you have a copy of those notes available to your editor. Your editor can then know what you intended and catch any variations in your writing.

            A final caution, and the most important one to take away from this, is accuracy. If you write consistently and legibly through your whole work, it will mean nothing if you portray the dialect or accent inaccurately. Do your research and make certain that you are writing the speech correctly. And I mean truly correct and not just stereotypes of accents. If you aren’t careful about accuracy, it will sound “off” to readers and potentially offend those who do speak with that dialect or accent. You wouldn’t like it if someone misrepresented you so be careful that you don’t do it to someone else.

            With that being said, I hope I didn’t completely scare you off from trying to write a dialect or accent because it does have benefits. One such benefit is the local color an accent can bring to your writing. It is, like I said earlier, instant identity. It is a creative way to carry one’s reader quickly to a certain time and place. It can also create a connection for the reader with the story. For those familiar with the accent, it can give them a sense of investment because it is something they know. I like reading books that include a Southern accent because it reminds me of my childhood. My favorite teacher was from West Virginia and I loved hearing her talk. That brings up a third benefit. Even if a dialect isn't personally known to the reader, it can be intriguing. There is something about a foreign accent or dialect that piques others' curiosity. Either way, it can grab readers’ attention and create a more vivid picture for them.

            The next time you decide to write, why not try adding a dialect or accent to your story? It can give your work a unique flare that draws in readers and creates a setting through speech. Just be careful that as you write you keep an eye on legibility, consistency, and accuracy. These three keys will help guide you as you try your hand at writing dialects and accents.

Grammar Tips for Grammar Day

            Today is officially Grammar Day. In celebration, I'm sharing some things writers should watch out for when self-editing. Written communication increases with every year because of social media posts, emails, and text messaging. We share a great deal of information every day through the written word. Knowing how to self-edit is invaluable. Editors and proofreaders know all too well what can happen when errors are left uncorrected. It can be as simple as being misunderstood or as complicated as landing in court. As you edit your work, keep these grammar tips and style suggestions in mind.

            The first tip for writers is to never, and I do mean never, rely on grammar and spelling checkers. Simply put, they don't catch every mistake and give bad grammar advice at times. They are meant to be tools, not editors. No one knows your writing style better than you. You know which words trip you up and which grammar rules make you pause. Always start there when checking your grammar and spelling. For instance, I know that when I type I tend to misspell environment. If that word comes up, I either check every instance of it for spelling or replace it with another word.

While checking your grammar, keep an eye out for capitalization and verb tense. These are two areas that can be tricky. Make sure that proper nouns, names, and items such as acronyms are all capitalized. On the other hand, check that common nouns like business analyst are lowercase. In business, I often see words capitalized that shouldn't be. Watch your verb choices to make sure they are all the same tense. It shouldn't flip flop between past and present unless you are actually speaking about the past and the present.

            The mechanics of grammar are important, but your writing style also plays a critical role. As you edit your work, be aware of consistency, clarity, and citations. Most people are not going to be checking the Chicago Manual when writing a tweet. I certainly don't blame them because in that context it isn't as important. What is important is choosing a way to write and sticking with it. Use the same punctuation, spellings, and tone throughout a single work so that it is cohesive. Being consistent in your choices prevents the reader’s flow from being disrupted. As soon as a reader gets thrown off by something in your writing, the reader is less likely to understand your point because their focus will be on that element that upset their train of thought.

Consistency does little good if your writing is not clear. Make sure what you’re writing can be understood by your intended audience. You can never please everyone, but it is good to strive for making your work accessible. To have clarity, pay attention to word choice and count. Think about a word's connotation. It needs to imply exactly what you mean. Concerning word count, don't use five words where two can complete the same job. However, don't take that advice and cut out all extra words. Sometimes those extras are what give writing personality.

            Finally, pay attention to citations. Always cite your sources. Nothing will get you into trouble more than not citing your source. When you do cite a source, be certain that you are providing the right information. Even if you don't follow a particular style guide, be careful that you supply enough information that a reader could easily track down your source and read it for themselves. If anything, check that all hyperlinks to your online sources work properly. The citation does little good if the hyperlink either doesn’t work or directs readers to the wrong page.

            There is plenty more that goes into editing, but not all writing needs the same amount of scrutiny. As you use different forms of written communication, these tips should help you catch some common mistakes and express yourself better. If you find yourself in over your head though, don't be afraid to ask for help from an editor. Editors are writers' cheerleaders and want to assist writers in presenting their best to the world. Happy Grammar Day, folks!

Using "Who" and "Whom"

            Every day brings new examples of English's fluidity. Sometimes the change comes swiftly. Other changes take many years and face much resistance. One change that has been slowly coming is the usage of who and whom. One side declares that whom is dead and that only who should be used. The other side stubbornly insists that whom is still relevant enough to be used in modern English. The question is which side is in the right. Which word should one use in their writing and speech?

            Before we can make a certain decision about these two words, we need to do some research. It is important to understand how to use the words and what their purpose has been in the past. Both who and whom are pronouns but serve slightly different purposes. Who completes several different jobs, but as a pronoun it acts as the subject. As a slight variation, whom is an objective pronoun meaning that who becomes whom when it acts as an object in a sentence. For example, you can say “I asked my friend who gave him the gift.” In this case, who is the subject of the clause "who gave him the gift." However, you can also say "To whom did you give the gift?" Whom is the object in the phrase “to whom.”

            Both who and whom have existed in English since before the 12^th century according to Merriam-Webster[1]. They have also seen relatively little change in their meaning. The spelling has gone through a transformation as the language moved into Middle and then Modern English[2]. If anything, these two pronouns have proven a great tenacity. As was the case for many words, grammarians of the 18^th century had much to say about their usage. The grammarians of the following century declared that whom was dying out. Unlike with other words, English-speakers largely ignored these grammarians and continued to use both words as they always have.

            That brings us back to our original question. Which word is the correct one to use? The experts of today see it in two ways. One side says that whom is a valid word but is tricky to use. Thanks to the aforementioned grammarians, many English speakers are out of practice concerning the correct way to use it. Therefore, people either avoid the word at all costs or use it everywhere. If one can learn to use the two words in the right context, there is no problem with them.

            However, other experts say that it shouldn't matter. Because people don't understand how to use it, the word should be allowed to die. They believe that who can easily replace its counterpart and clear up the confusion once and for all. Besides, these experts say that whom is pretentious and gives the wrong tone in most forms of writing and speech today.

            Who should we listen to? I honestly believe that it is a matter of personal choice. If you like having separate words, you should use them. Only be careful that you are using them correctly. You'll be doing yourself no favors if you continually use whom in the wrong context. You should also consider tone. Sometimes, whom might be correct but causes a sentence to sound clunky because it doesn't match the tone of the surrounding text. If you're of the party that wishes whom would disappear, using who is perfectly fine. That is part of the beauty of the English language. It is fluid and gives much leeway towards a person’s style and personality.

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[1] Merriam-Webster, s.v. “whom,” accessed February 9, 2020, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/whom.

[2] Ibid.

Descriptions in Fiction

            Over the last six months, I have learned much from fiction writing. This novel-writing attempt looks like it might be successful. I now have just over 10,000 words. Previously, I talked about what I was learning as I sketched a cast of characters. I am now several scenes into my story and am realizing that there is much to learn about other types of descriptions.

            Describing action is one type that can be difficult. I can think about a scene and see it unfold in my head. It is another matter to put what I am picturing down on paper. I want to describe the action so that the reader can see what I am seeing and be able to enjoy the story. I can say that a character is speaking. But how is he talking? What is his facial expression? His body language? It can completely change the meaning of his words based on what he's doing. For me, the difficulty is capturing every detail I see in my mind. However, I am learning that details are especially important with one of my supporting characters. If I only put down her words without anything else, she doesn't come across as the kindest person. I need her facial expressions, her tone of voice, and her hand gestures to show that she means no harm by her words. She is simply passionate and extroverted.

            Another form of description that I have been wrestling with is the characters' environment. I might be able to see exactly where the characters are and what is going on around them, but the readers can't unless I tell them. I tend to focus on the dialogue when I am writing and forget about the surroundings. The setting is imperative because it affects the characters and what they are doing. For instance, in my opening scene, the main character is annoyed with the crowds around him and what he considers childish behavior. That is only going to make so much sense unless I make it clear that the opening scene occurs at a masquerade ball.

            The main question I have struggled with as I write these descriptions is what counts as enough. Too much description will bog down my story and bore readers. Not enough will make the story vague and confuse readers. How do I find an equilibrium in description writing? As usual, I turn to published authors to discover an answer. Some books like Thomas Hardy's are so filled with descriptions that it can feel like a chore to read the book. The descriptions do make a very detailed and vivid picture but require effort on the reader's part. On the other hand, I've read some books that are so sparse on descriptions that I constantly find myself thinking, "Wait! What? Where did that come from? Has that always been there?"

            Based on the books I have read and studied, I think that going with descriptions through the eyes of the characters is the best way. Allow the reader to see whatever the character sees but not that much more. By doing so, I feel like I’m including what is critical to the character's story without adding in a lot of trivial details that mean nothing to what the character is doing. I imagine at some point I will reach a part where I’ll need to describe something that doesn’t seem important at first, but I’ll make those decisions when I get to them. Time will tell how my descriptions will fare, but I’m hoping I have found a good amount that makes the story come alive for more people than just me.

            In addition to thinking about things through the character's eyes, I have also picked up a few other tricks to help. First, pictures are a lifesaver. Even if I can imagine what a scene or character looks like, a picture can be beneficial. I can study that picture and pick out which details are important enough to include. Going by mental images might not allow the same amount of accurate details. Accuracy is another point. A picture that I can save helps me stay consistent as I return to certain scenes.

            Another thing I find works well is talking. Describing something out loud helps me figure out what works and where I might have holes in my descriptions. Talking it out forces me to fully explain what I can easily gloss over in my head. As I talk, I sometimes compare it with examples from reality to consider what might make it more believable and clearer to the reader. I suppose one could describe scenes to another person who can ask questions, but I have yet to get that brave.

            As your writing descriptions for your fictional story, I hope some of my discoveries will help you out. If you have any tips for writing excellent descriptions, please mention them in the comments. I’m always ready to try out new ideas. Whether this novel experiment works out or not, I have learned a great deal about writing because of it. Writing is a completely different thing from editing. If I didn’t believe that before, I certainly do now. I’m developing a healthy appreciation for the patience, talent, and effort that authors put into their stories.

Business Jargon: Can You Talk the Talk?

            Jargon has become increasingly easier to find in both speech and text. Essentially, jargon is the technical terms and buzzwords associated with a particular topic or field. Jargon can be frustrating to an outsider because it makes it difficult to understand what others mean. The problems and emptiness of jargon gave it a negative connotation long ago. That has not stopped people from using it. What is a person to do as jargon persists?

            Jargon is especially a problem in the world of business. Different fields have their language and appear to take pride in using it. They have no problem dropping their buzzwords and peculiar phrasing because it is assumed that everyone else understands. It isn’t just technical terms that serve as roadblocks. Common words such as “empower,” “innovate,” or “diversity” are used so often in written materials that they’ve lost their meaning. This has created many issues and wasted too much time.

            The way to survive business jargon is twofold. First, don't accept it as a reasonable answer. Speak up if something does not make sense. Ask for an explanation. It is better to get an answer right away than to waste time trying to figure out what it means. It is not going to make you look bad or taint your reputation. It is honestly the responsible approach because you're taking the initiative to keep clear communication and use your time efficiently. Those are two things that businesses love.

Sometimes asking for an explanation is not possible such as when one is dealing with written materials. In that situation, it is best to begin researching. Sadly, business jargon has initiated the creation of many jargon dictionaries. If you often come across jargon, it might be a good idea to invest in such a dictionary. A simple internet or book search can also provide the meaning of the troubling word or phrase.

            The second part of dealing with business jargon is to not use it. Don't be part of the problem by keeping these words alive. As jargon continues to be used, it loses its meaning and becomes nothing more than a trite expression. At that point, it becomes an excuse. Rather than taking the time to write something meaningful that readers can understand, the writer inserts jargon. This is far from right. If something is important enough to be said, it should be important enough to say in common sense terms. It might require more effort on the part of the writer, but it is worth it because of the benefits to readers and businesses. Work will get done and communication won't be a confusing jumble of words.

            Jargon and buzzwords are persistent problems in the business world and other industries. The best way to handle it is by asking questions and researching meanings. It is also important that you don't use jargon yourself because it only makes the problem worse. Writers need to think about what they want to write and write it in common sense terms that explain their full meaning. If writers will take the time to use plain English, readers will be able to do more with the information that they’re reading.

Making Sense of American and British English

            As I continue in my career as a copyeditor, the many differences between American and British English have become more apparent to me. On the one hand, I have gotten great pleasure out of discovering the many British words that have worked their way into my vocabulary. I assume that is a direct result of the amount of British literature and TV that I indulge in regularly. On the other hand, it has also served to be a conundrum. There are so many differences and I don't want to jump back and forth between the two versions of English within the same work. I am certain I am not the only editor or writer who has quickly become confused and uncertain of what is right. With personal experience in mind, I am offering you several tips that I have found work best when dealing with American and British English.

            The first tip is fairly basic but very much a necessity. Learn about the most common variations. Research either American or British English so that you can know how that form of English works. You don’t have to be an expert, nor have it all memorized. You do need to be aware of what differences exist so that your mental editor can recognize any possibilities for trouble. The first difference to be aware of is spellings. That is a sticking point for me that has often resulted in me cursing the name of Noah Webster and wondering why one spelling wasn't good enough. Be aware of differences like "colour" versus "color" or "centre" instead of "center." It is the slight deviations in spelling that can be the trickiest to catch.

Two more differences to keep in mind are wording and grammar. For instance, a muffin in American English is a very different thing from a muffin in British English. Also, Americans and British treat verbs and subject/verb agreement differently. The British have also retained some words and verb conjugations that have already fallen from favor in America. While I am on the subject, it isn't enough to be aware of American versus British English. For the sake of your audience, you need to think about what dialect the text is using. Just like there are differences between the parts of the US, different parts of Britain will have variations.

            At this point, it might sound hopeless. How is anyone supposed to make it through a manuscript without botching the language? The second tip I have for you is the biggest lifesaver. Invest in both a good British English and American English dictionary. You can’t know everything, so it is best to be armed with the answers for when the questions arise. Even when you feel certain you have the right word or spelling, check the dictionary. You can never be too certain. It is much better to take the time to check a right answer than to miss a wrong one.

            A dictionary is fine but looking things up does take time and can throw you off when you're on a roll. This is where a style sheet becomes imperative. As you look things up or find yourself referring to a certain point repeatedly, write it down on a style sheet so that you can have easy access to the answers you need. This will save you time throughout your work and make it so that the most common answers you need are readily available.

            Finally, I suggest that you practice. The more you write or edit with a certain type of English, the more comfortable you will become. It will feel more natural as you learn how to use it and get used to the sound of it. Speaking of sound, it can also be helpful to read that variant of English. I can certainly testify to how well reading can work in teaching one either American or British English.

           An editor or writer who has to use either American or British English may find the differences in grammar, spelling, and meaning to be confusing. By being aware of these differences and preparing for them, one can master the variations and write clear English manuscripts. An editor or writer simply needs to arm themselves with a dictionary and style sheet so that they can use either form of English without the struggle of guessing which way is correct.

Seasonal Felicitations: The Art of Writing a Christmas Letter

            Christmas is coming, folks! It's time to get some paper and pens because we are going to write letters. I am without question a traditionalist because I thoroughly enjoy both writing and receiving letters. Letter-writing was an important form of communication for many centuries. It is one part of past society that I do not wish to give up. A card is always nice, but there is something about a letter that makes it seem extra special to me. A letter is such a unique way to communicate with others, especially for the holidays. It forces a pause as you take the time to write. It is symbolic of what the receiver means to you because you took that time to write those words. This week, I am going to be sharing some tips and ideas for you to use as you write letters to your friends and family this season.

            Before you begin writing, there are a few things you should keep in mind to make your letter better. The first is to avoid trite expressions and cliches as much as possible. You mustn't just put words on a page for the sake of filling it. Using filler words defeats the purpose of writing a letter. This message should be, in some ways, similar to having a face-to-face conversation with the person. It should mean something for both of you. Rambling about everything that pops into your head or stringing together overused holiday phrases does nothing for you or the receiver. The letter should communicate whatever it is that you want the reader to know. The Christmas cheer you're sharing means more if you stay on point and don't stray into trivial topics that are not part of that point.

            It also helps if you shut off the mental editor. The length of the letter and the grammar does not matter. Remember, the message of your letter is more important than the length of it. If you cannot stop yourself from editing while you write, I suggest writing a draft before making the actual letter. In actuality, I would advise everyone to start with a draft. It makes it so much easier to decide what you want to say without the pressure of it being a final decision.

            Now it is time to start writing. Often, it can be very hard to get that first word onto the page. The following are some ideas that will hopefully get you started with your holiday letters. My first suggestion is to be reflective. Write about the past year. What has changed? Did something good happen over the past year? You can think about your relationship with the receiver. What do they mean to you? What would you say to them if you were with them right now? Is there something you wish they knew or would take away from the past year? As you answer these questions you might be able to see the beginnings of a letter forming. Christmastime is good for all those deeper thoughts as you face the end of another year. It can also make you more appreciative of people and circumstances.

            If you don't want to venture into overly emotional writing, you can take a more conversational approach. Treat this letter similarly to the way you would treat any other letter. Talk about whatever you want to tell the recipient the same way you would in a conversation with them. Of course, this letter is supposed to be for the holidays. You can always decorate it by having a conversation about the holidays and what you both have happening in your lives. Write about holiday plans or what you would like your holiday season to be like. Ask the receiver about their holidays and the traditions they will be keeping. You can mention memories of past holidays and what about them you hope will carry on into the approaching season.

            There are many more ideas out there that one can find on the internet. You can also look at different books, movies, and songs for inspiration. I found several hours worth of enjoyment looking at Victorian Era books about correspondence. Just be certain that you give credit where it is due when quoting so that it doesn't appear that they are your words. The possibilities are endless which is something that I have always liked about writing letters. I can say what I want without all the noise. I feel like I have better chances of being heard because it is simply my words on a page without any other added nonsense.

            I hope these tips and ideas get you started as you write letters this holiday season. It can be just as enjoyable to write these letters as it is to receive one. Besides, you can brighten people’s day by making sure there is something worth receiving in their mail. A letter can be a nice change of pace and a very pleasant surprise. Happy writing to all of you! For those of you who celebrate it, I hope you have a lovely Santa Lucia Day.

Seasonal Felicitations: The Art of Writing a Christmas Card

            It is once again that time of year. People all over are getting ready to send out their holiday cards and letters. For many folks, the thought of any type of card or letter sends their brain into a panic that results in writer's block. There is no need to worry though. Writing a holiday greeting can be enjoyable and is much simpler than you think. There are many tips and tricks you can use to help you know what to write. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be giving you some of the tips and ideas I use for filling the blank page with a nice and heartfelt message.

            First, let’s focus on cards. Sending a card to family, friends, or other acquaintances can be a thoughtful and personal way to wish others well no matter what season it is. It can be tempting to let the card do the talking and simply sign your name, but I promise you that writing something will make the card that much more special to the receiver. To start, I’ll give some basic parameters to help you as you think about what to write. Afterwards, I will include some ideas that I often use to help get the words flowing.

            To begin, the most important thing to take away from this is to not be trite! No one wants to hear "'tis the season" or "deck the halls." It has been said way too often and is an opening for some very bad puns. You can do better than that. The point is to make the card special for the receiver. For it to be special, it needs to carry your voice in the words. If you truly mean it when you say one of these classic phrases, by all means, use it. Just don’t let it be a way to cut corners in your writing.

            That leads me to my next tip. You don’t have to be a poet. No one expects you to write a long, fancy message in a card. If that is part of your personality and writing style, it will work well for you. Otherwise, it’s best to use plain English and only write a few lines. It takes the pressure off you if you stop trying to write a well-polished piece ready for publishing. It isn’t necessary and can make your card overly formal. The Victorians firmly believed that something handmade was more valuable whether it was clothing, decorations, or a remedy for illness. Your card should follow this same idea. Its value comes from you.

            My last tip is to be concise. Cards are small. They are meant to send a nice little note. It doesn’t have to contain a novel about the past year or what the receiver means to you. The recipient of your message is not an editor (unless, of course, they are) and is not judging your writing. No matter the length of your message, the person receiving it is going to be focused on the heart behind it. You took the time to write to them and that is what matters. Remember: quality, not quantity.

            OK, now that you have some guidelines to follow as you write, it is time to start generating ideas. With cards, it can be much easier because the message tends to only be a few sentences. It is just enough space to get your meaning across without being overly verbose. I will give you some ideas that I use to start writing in my cards. I know that some of these tricks are unusual, but they’ve always worked for me and, hopefully, they will for you as well.

            The first idea is to turn to the greats. Start with a good quote or just read what literary geniuses have written to see if it inspires some writing gold of your own. It can especially be helpful if you know of someone your recipient particularly likes. A quote from that person, book, movie, or song can be a good personal touch to the card’s note. There is a myriad of quotes out there. The best way to find the perfect one if you don’t have a person or work in mind is to choose a theme. What exactly do you like about that person or want to tell them this holiday season? As an example, let’s say I want to tell my family and friends how much they mean to me in the cards I’m sending. After doing various searches online, I decide I want to quote the poet Christina Rossetti. I’ve loved her work ever since I read her poem “Remember” not long after my grandma passed away. I find a collection of her works available on poets.org[1]. Sifting through her works, I decide to use the final stanza of her poem “Christmastide.”[2] Using that I can write in the cards something along the lines of this: “’Love shall be our token, / Love be yours and love be mine, / Love to God and all men, / Love for plea and gift and sign.’ I send my love to you this Christmas and thank you for the gift of yours.”

            If quotes just aren’t doing it for you, there is another trick you can try. As someone who loves languages, I’ve been known to diversify the location of my cards. I can’t claim credit for this idea though. Many years of cards I couldn’t read because my brother wrote them in multiple foreign languages served as inspiration. In all honesty, it can be a useful idea. Languages often have words with nuances that your native language can’t convey. It can also be a personal touch if there is a certain country or culture the receiver enjoys. For instance, I might write “Buon Natale!” in a card to my family because we are Italian and that is how you say “Merry Christmas” in Italian. I have an interest in Norway, so folks aren’t surprised to receive Norwegian messages from me. Hey, I have to practice on somebody! I know ancestry has gained new prominence in society as of late. Try writing a greeting in your ancestors’ native languages. One word of advice I would give is don't depend on Google Translate. It is better to find it either in a dictionary or on a language learning website. You have better chances of it coming out grammatically correct.

            One final idea I have for card-writing is both simple and hard. Write from the heart. Yes, I know it sounds cliché. Whether you think so or not, your best writing happens when you write what comes to mind without giving it too much thought. You can always write a draft first and put an edited version in the card. Sometimes our first thoughts can be our truest because they are unfiltered. If you are taking the time to write in a card, you want it to convey your feelings and true thoughts. You want the person receiving it to know that they are appreciated and valued. They are worth the effort of a card so your message should represent what is in your heart.

            I hope these tips and ideas will help you get started on what proves to be a successful card-writing season. I also would be happy to hear what you do to write in your cards. Do you have certain tricks or tips for getting past that dreaded blank space? I’m always open to new ideas. Next week, we’ll talk more about my favorite holiday writing: holiday letters. Until then, I hope you enjoy Advent and the rest of the holiday season.

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[1] Academy of American Poets, https://poets.org/, retrieved November 29, 2019.

[2] Christina Rossetti, “Christmastide,” Academy of American Poets, https://poets.org/poem/christmastide, retrieved November 29, 2019.

Character Development: What I've Learned So Far

            Two weeks ago, I talked about NaNoWriMo and fiction writing. Specifically, I focused on creating better characters for a truly good novel. I have been hard at work ever since developing characters that make the plotline ideas in my head better. As I have worked with these characters, I have learned a few things about fiction and character development.

            Even though I love fiction, my writing skills pertain more to essays and other nonfiction. I have learned many lessons about fiction writing as of late. Using NaNoWriMo's prep materials to develop my characters has been exciting. My characters are coming to life. Oddly enough, I'm learning things about them that I never realized before. It seems fictional characters do have a mind of their own. The work of character development has also been daunting. I believe I have never put as much effort into a story idea as I have in the last two weeks. It has been stretching my imagination and making me think about things that I wouldn't normally take the time to consider.

            NaNoWriMo has questionnaires for writers to fill out about their characters that have been a figurative lifesaver for me. My characters now have physical descriptions, likes, dislikes, mannerisms, dreams, and fears. They are still far from perfect. I have noticed some incongruencies in my descriptions, but it's a start. These questions have made me think more deeply about my characters, my settings, and my plot. They have been helping me picture how each part of a novel is connected to make one cohesive and engaging story.

Supposedly, my personality is rare because I score highest in creative and analytical behaviors. It was a complicated explanation. The summary is that my brain is at war with itself. I can be very creative, but only if the analytical side of my brain shuts off long enough for me to explore my ideas. Writing and editing have put both qualities to the test. The creative side of me is loving the character development; the analytical side of me is enjoying the character analysis.

Developing my characters has tested my imagination and pushed me to be more creative. I've had to dwell a great deal on published books that I enjoy for inspiration. I have been thinking about which characters I like best; and, more importantly, why I like them so much. One aspect of reading that I particularly like is being able to explore the world through a viewpoint that is nothing like mine. I don't want my characters to be exactly like me, and I am trying to put a conscious effort into giving them traits that I don't possess. I want the challenge of thinking outside my default box. That is exactly why I've created a supporting character that is lively, whimsical, and very outgoing. She is my opposite, but she is quickly becoming one of my favorites. I don't think I'm supposed to say that though. Can an author play favorites with his characters? I am anyway, and that’s just the way it is.

The questions that NaNoWriMo poses have also given my analytical side much to consider. I can't just say that a character likes books. The questions make me think about the reasons behind the fact. Maybe a character likes to read both because he is an academic and finds solace in his studies. He is insecure and struggles with developing strong relationships. That could be why he is a quiet and serious type. Others might see him as standoffish or conceited because they don't understand his insecurities. I could delve deeper and think about the reasons for his insecurity. See how one characteristic can build to more characteristics as one thinks more deeply about it? I think that was the result that surprised me the most.            

  
          I still have a long way to go in my writing and much more to learn. I believe this will be beneficial for developing my writing skills and helping me be a more understanding editor. Writing can be a lonely business. I’m curious to hear what fellow aspiring writers have to say. Do you enjoy developing characters? What do you like best about your characters? Or, even better, what do you dislike? Nobody ever said an author must like all their characters. It is one of the exciting parts of writing. It's almost as unpredictable as life.

November, Fictional Writing, and Book Characters

            November has come once more. For many writers and readers, November is a time to celebrate because it is National Novel Writing Month, or as we affectionately call it, NaNoWriMo[1]. I am not participating, but I seriously considered it. That is not saying much though because I've seriously considered it every year since I first learned about it back in high school. It takes time for me to get brave enough to do something. Maybe next year will be the year - but I am getting off-topic. NaNoWriMo is directing my thoughts towards writing, especially fiction writing. What exactly makes a novel so good the reader can’t put it down? Every reader will have a different answer, but I think we can agree that the characters play a large part in whether a novel is enjoyable.

A few weeks ago, I finished reading Henry James’ book The Bostonians[2]. I’ve known about Henry James, but have never ventured far into his works. After reading The Bostonians, I realized that I have been depriving myself. That is why I immediately found another on that lovely website Project Gutenberg[3]. The part that most draws me into his novels is his characters. They are detailed, complicated, and real. Henry James’ characters are exactly the type a writer should study when learning how to create intriguing characters for their novels.

Let’s consider Olive Chancellor. Ah, poor Olive. I spent most of the book The Bostonians unsure whether to hate her or feel sorry for her. I wanted so badly to understand and help her. However, the more I tried to make sense of her reasoning, the more unsure I became of what Olive would say or do next. She has such a passion for women's rights that she comes to the point of being overwhelming. Her forceful personality is expressed by her mannerisms because Olive is shy, awkward, and Puritan. She is so concerned about what others think but tells herself she doesn't care. Her morals are of utmost importance even though they often clash and create dilemmas for her. Olive is easily offended, especially by those who she thinks disagree with her. Forgiveness does not exist in Olive's vocabulary and she can be very suspicious of others. Therefore; Olive is lonely, miserable, and extremely vulnerable. Any threat to her plan for life causes her visible terror. She spends a great deal of time staring out windows, pacing, crying, and wringing her hands. In the end, one finds Olive to be disagreeable company but feels sympathetic towards her because she is alone. Olive is judged and condemned by both the world and herself.

            The person I described in the previous paragraph could easily be a factual person. Olive Chancellor comes to life because the author has given her a unique personality, peculiar habits, and driving passions. She has her strengths and weaknesses; she makes good and bad choices. Olive's reasoning is irrational and her behavior is odd. The intricacies are what make her a compelling character. The things that make up a person in our mind are the things that make up the best characters. The common advice that aspiring authors and editors should read good writing goes far beyond Henry James. Olive Chancellor is only one example that can teach many lessons about creating unique characters for a novel. I've been more focused on characters lately because I believe it is one of the weaker points in my fictional writing. In my mind, the characters are such a pivotal part of the novel, both as the subjects and the movers of the plot. I'm learning, courtesy of Henry James, that details are what make characters real.

            In my writing, my characters are somewhat detailed by default of having existed for so many years. They are still vague in critical areas and I have been trying to take a cue from Henry James in better developing them. My main characters are the toughest for me. They are a little lost right now concerning a driving passion and their personalities have some inconsistencies. Luckily, NaNoWriMo has plenty of advice for working out solid characters. I'm hoping it will make my story better. There is no way my novel is ever seeing the light of day unless I feel at least halfway satisfied with it.

            I believe that besides good writing, a good source of criteria for good characters is the reader. I'd like to hear your opinion. Do you have a favorite character? What makes characters stand out to you? Do you like seeing the story from the perspective of the characters? All these things, when they come together, can help create a critical aspect of a truly good novel.

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[1] NaNoWriMo, Accessed November 2, 2019, https://nanowrimo.org/.

[2] Henry James, The Bostonians (New York City, New York: Barnes & Noble Books, 2005).

[3] Project Gutenberg, http://www.gutenberg.org/.