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.

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.

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!

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.