3 Deadly Traps for a Writer

No such thing as writer's block....this made me think. :)


Jonathan Gunsun at Bestseller Labs has a guest post by author Roger Colby, who speaks about Deadly Traps for a Writer. I found it interesting. Why not pop on over and have a read?


I tried to upload a photograph, but blogger won't let me. :(

Grammar

Do you get confused when two words, almost identical, mean something different? I don't profess to know it all and one of my stumbling blocks are the words passed and past.

You'd think I'd get over it and have a clear understanding by now. All I can say is that it's getting better, but at times I find that I have used them incorrectly.

I know past is a noun, and passed is a verb. But past is also a modifier. It can be an adjective or an adverb.

Passed means to go by, to move beyond, some other object.
He passed her on the street. I passed the cup to her. She passed the test.
When using passed it should always be an action.


Past refers to a time and can be used as a noun:
There were many wars in the past.
He wouldn't speak about his past.


Past can also be used as an adverb.
He ran past the bridge.
The bus was past them before they realized.
The lady walked past the fence.


Here's one tip I remember, if there’s no verb in your phrase, then you are usually safe to use passed. 
However, if you already have the verb, then you need to use past.
Do you have anymore tips, or something to add, please do? :)

A Golden Rule

I hope everyone had a great weekend/or are having a great Sunday. The time difference isn't something I have gotten use to. I'm trying. :)I've finished another manuscript, well, before we moved. I hadn't read this manuscript for some time, and one of the golden rules is:  'let your work sit for a while'. It's amazing what you will find when you give it that final read over after a few months.


This particular manuscript the characters weren't polished enough. So I had an editor look over at what can be improved. As I went over the manuscript, I did pick up some discrepancies as did the editor. I had to make sure the hero and heroines internal logic was motivated, also that they didn't change their opinions to flippantly. So hopefully it's on the right track now.I'm gradually getting through it. So over the next few days, you know what I'll be up to--My final draft of a Romantic Suspense that I absolutely love. I love the hero. He's kind, considerate and mysterious. Oh did I mention such a spunk. lol... It's set on the edge of the Outback, and has some twists along the way. I have my fingers crossed that a publisher will pick this one up. :)


Have a great week. If you want to catch up with me during the week you can find me on Face Book. I pop in there often.Have a good one, and don't forget smile. You know you use more muscles frowning than by smiling. Try it. :)

Write the Whole Book Before Pitching?

A great article and advice.



I totally agree. Writing the entire novel before you pitch it to a publisher. Why? It makes you a better writer. Apparently the more we write the better we become.


Pop on over and check out the list of reasons why that novel should be finished.


Rachelle Gardner