Category Archives: writing craft

What does the viewpoint character know? A reminder from Nancy J. Cohen.

I’m reading Writing The Cozy Mystery by Nancy J. Cohen. Here’s a reminder she gives to writers using the first person or a close third: Avoid out-of-body experiences, such as “If I knew what was going to happen, I’d never have walked through that door.” Who has knowledge of the future? The Author, that’s who.Continue reading “What does the viewpoint character know? A reminder from Nancy J. Cohen.”

When Etc. Should Be ‘Et Cetera’ — With Special Reference to Fictional Dialogue

Wondering when to use et cetera instead of the abbreviation etc. in your writing? Especially in fictional dialogue, getting this small detail right can make a big difference in authenticity and flow. Learn why et cetera should always be written in full when characters say it, and avoid common styling mistakes that can pull readers out of the story. Perfect tips for writers who want polished, professional fiction!

Can you end a sentence with a preposition?

Here we have a video about ending sentences with prepositions. In short, it’s fine! Go right ahead. But be aware of context and clarity. Here’s some further useful info, including where this preposition ‘rule’ came from. More information here: https://www.merriam-webster.com/grammar/prepositions-ending-a-sentence-with

What Are Your Characters Made Of? Fay Weldon’s Take on Character Creation

Do you build detailed character profiles, or let your characters grow as the story unfolds? Fay Weldon shares her unconventional approach.