What I've learned

For those of you that do not know me, I am the author of Tiffany's Twisted. I am a 25 year old novelist and have alot to learn about the craft. WCP taught me about writing, and an editor [who shall remain nameless, unless she wants to say who she is ;o)] helped me hone my writing skills. Remember, I am still learning and if this doesn't help anyone, at least it's good for a laugh.

Commas;

RIGHT

Mary had a little lamb and she ate the lamb

Explanation: There are two independent clauses (or sentences) seperated by the conjunction (and), since the subjects are the same (she and Mary are the same person--unless some weird twilight stuff happens), you don't need a comma.

WRONG

Mary had a little lamb, and she ate the lamb


'To be' verbs: am is are was were be being been has have had can could shall should may might must do did does will would

Rule: If you can get rid of them, please do.

Example:

WEAK
Lita could have arrived at the store had she not been caught in traffic

STRONG
Lita got caught in traffic and arrived late to the store.


POV-This is a real fun one!

WRONG

The stalker's gaze followed Tara. He carried a knife in his hand. Creeping up to her--this would be his fourth victim. This revelation excited him. He felt a bulge in his pants as he inhaled her perfume. Tara realized somebody was following her, but the fear of turning around and facing her attacker was overwhelming. She trembled with fear. He could sense this terror as he grabbed her by her neck and with one swift motion slit her throat.

RIGHT
Stalker's POV

The stalker's gaze followed Tara. He carried a knife in his hand. Creeping up to her--this would be his fourth victim. This revelation excited him. He felt a bulge in his pants as he inhaled her perfume. The stalker scouted this apartment complex for a few days before deciding on this woman. Her name was Tara, and she lived alone--A perfect target. He applauded his stealthiness, moving closer to her. He grabbed her by the neck and with one swift motion slit her throat.

Tara's POV

It's been a long day. Tara worked overtime for four straight days and it showed by the way she trudged up the steps to her apartment. It used to be safer in this area. At the office today, a coworker informed her that there had been at least three stabbings around here--She'd better be careful. As she headed up the last flight of stairs, she felt leather closing around her throat and then the cold finality of steel.


Christopher Tran"An Author of Twisted Fiction with a Hint of Darkness"
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