Sandy Tritt

The PLAIN ENGLISH Writer's Workbook Sandy Tritt

The PLAIN ENGLISH Writer's Workbook explains writing concepts in simple terms. It's written for fiction and memoir writers of all levels, from beginners to previously published. The workbook is divided into six sections: 1. Getting Ready to Write (Advice for Beginners); 2. The Basics (Understanding Plot, Characterization, Setting, Dialogue, and Point of View); 3. Advanced Techniques (Understanding Pacing, Flashbacks, Foreshadowing, Cutting the Flab, and Adding Muscle); 4. Self-Editing (Grammar, Punctuation, Proofreading, and Editing); 5. The Next Step (Applying for a Copyright, Writing a Query Letter, Writing a Synopsis, Understanding Self-Publishing, Finding an Agent, and Tax Deductions for Writers); and 6. Reproducible Worksheets with Detailed Instructions (Novel Summary Worksheet, Memoir Summary Worksheet, Chapter Summary, Character Trait Chart, Juvenile Trait Chart, Personality Components Worksheet, Character Growth Chart, Character List, and Setting List). Additionally, three appendices are included: List of Genres, Glossary, and Writing Resources. The generous 8.5 x 11" size allows for easy reproduction of the worksheets. This workbook gives you the techniques you need to bring your writing to the next level--and it's written in PLAIN ENGLISH. Tips give reminders of important concepts in just a few words. Nine worksheets with detailed instructions help you plot, create memorable characters, and edit your own work like a pro. Throughout the workbook, generous samples are given to show the right and wrong way to perform various techniques. SAMPLE TIPS: Replace dialogue tags with action or body language. This, alone, will bring your writing up a level. Any word that doesn't add value to your prose detracts from it. Make a scene feel complete by ending it with the focus on the viewpoint character. If multiple viewpoints are used in a manuscript, the current viewpoint character should be the first character named in each scene. Avoid the temptation to explain. Readers are smart--they will "get it." Never name an emotion. Use body language and dialogue (internal or spoken) to show the emotion. ** EVERY WRITER NEEDS THIS BOOK.