Reposting this from my other blog because–well, because it belongs here. And I needed the refresher.
Sometimes–no, often–Gracee amazes me with insightful words. Lately she has dispensed writing advice with wisdom beyond second grade. Who needs to attend a writers’ conference when you have a live-in mentor?
Here are 7 of her tips.
1. Think of your story as a gift. Put lots of excitement in the box. Make it fun to read.
2. Have a central idea. Put it on the back cover because that’s what authors do.
3. Add description (detail words).
- No: I got my ears pierced.
- Yes: My mom took me to a little store called Claire’s in the mall to get my ears pierced for my seventh birthday.
4. Use dialogue (talking words).
- No: I was nervous.
- Yes: “Mom,” I said. “Hold my hand because I’m kind of nervous.”
5. Use lots of action (energy words)
- No: I sat in the chair.
- Yes: I climbed up on a tall stool, kicked my legs back and forth and bit my lower lip.
6. Use expression (feeling words).
- No: It was over.
- Yes: I felt proud when it was over and smiled big when I saw my earrings in the mirror, even though one giant tear floated in my right eye.
7. Use onomatopoeia (noise words). Yes, she said this!
- No: The gun was loud.
- Yes: Bang! Bang! The gun shot an earring into each ear, and I did not jump.
When you are done writing your story, wrap it up. Tie up all loose ends. Make the book cover pretty!
Copyright © 2010 by Sandra Heska King
I enjoyed reading Gracee's writing wisdom again. Thanks for reposting it. 🙂
Thanks for reading it again. 🙂 She said something funny and amazing again last night. I should have written it down . . .
I teach English and it takes me 3 goes to say onomatopoeia!
This is adorable. Perhaps Miss 7 needs her own writing blog 😉
Hi, Charmaine. Welcome! Gracee was so excited to have another comment. She says her teacher made them say it over and over. She says it's easy. LOL. Her own writing blog? Hmmm.
Thanks for visiting!
Oh, and following. 😀
Love this! What a writer's mind she has!
Thanks for sharing. 🙂
What amazes me the most is, she knows what an onomatopoeia is! I didn't learn that word till adulthood. LOL!
~ VT
@Lainie: Maybe she and I could write a book together. Wouldn't that be cool
@VT: I had to look it up!
I know I’d read this before, but I don’t see my comment. Anyway–what a cutie Gracee is! She’s going to be a best-selling author someday!
Probably because it first appeared on my old blog. The comments didn’t transfer. 🙂
And I hope so–but not before me!