Writing Hint #3 Prepositions and conjunctions
5 Comments »16th August, 2006; Category: Writing Hints
My wife and I usually agree on most things. There is one matter on which we often clash swords – in a friendly way I might add.
My wife is adamant that it is very bad form to start sentences with a conjunction. I must admit to doing this on many occasions, usually for special effect. And it really riles her. But in my defence, I am not alone in using this writing style.
And this quote says it all:
“Prepositions are not for ending sentences with. And don’t start sentences with a conjunction.”
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Writing Hint #2 Avoid repetition
There is one error I find myself falling into on occasions. Too many occasions now that I think about it. Repetition of words in close proximity to each other can be off-putting to the reader. It also shows a lack of proof reading and a certain amount of laziness on the part of the writer.
I came across this great quote recently:
“If you re-read your work, you will find on re-reading that a great deal of repetition can be avoided by re-reading and editing.”
So I’d better follow my own advice. Proof read carefully, and edit, edit, edit… oops now I’m repeating myself.
UPDATE: A reader has kindly suggested that I should consider revising the first two sentences. I’ve done the very thing I was advising against, repeating the word ‘occasions’ (now underlined) . Ooops.
Writing Hint #1 Proof Reading
4 Comments »14th August, 2006; Category: Writing Hints
Proof reading what you write is essential. That goes without saying – but I’ll say it anyway. Anything you publish on your blog or send to a print publisher needs to be as perfect as you can make it. You owe it to your readers.
I recently came across this quote which sums it up beautifully:
“Proof read carefully to see if you any words out.”
That says it all!
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Short Fiction #8 The Meeting
No Comments »13th August, 2006; Category: Short Fiction
The Meeting
Sharon threw her arms around his neck.
“Darling!†she oozed as she smothered him with passionate kisses.
Their searing embrace continued.
Sharon continued her loving caresses; his hair, his face, his shoulders.
Finally, they both surfaced for air.
Peter – hair ruffled, blushing slightly – gazed intently at her face.
“Do we know each other?†he asked.
All Rights reserved.
Copyright 2006 Trevor W. Hampel.
Read more of my short fiction here.
Haiku #12 Ocean Waves
6 Comments »12th August, 2006; Category: Haiku
Crashing, roaring waves
Thunder on the beach; they pound
My ears – deafening!
All rights reserved.
(C) 2006 Trevor W. Hampel.
UPDATE: This haiku was published in April 2011 on the Ocean Portal site of the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural history with my permission.
I invite you to check out more of my poetry here.