When students of literature are asked to identify elements of a novel or short story, they’re pressed to pinpoint what the story is about. They could answer with plot details, something about the actions of the characters. However, they could also go for a behind-the-plot meaning, something less about events and more about significance, perhaps even […]
If you want to learn how to use your imagination in creative writing, the easiest way is through writing exercises. Everybody has imagination. Everyone. If you disagree with this statement – try not to build a picture in your mind of a pink elephant wearing a white hat and cool shades. EXERCISE YOUR IMAGINATION See More
But How Do I Start a Novel? Read More »
The root of this “like versus as” controversy is that traditionally like is a preposition and as is a conjunction. Nevertheless, people have been using like as if it were a conjunction (as I did) for at least 100 years, and grammarians have been raging against that use for just as long. In fact, the Harper Dictionary of Contemporary Usage states that “probably no single question
By Brian Klems Q: In the battle of lay vs. lie, when do you use each and can you provide examples? —Annemarie V. Don’t forget about “lain,” my friend! All these verbs have two things in common: They begin with the letter “L” and confuse the bejeezus out of many people. But here’s a simple breakdown
Lay vs. Lie (vs. Laid) Read More »