Last week I attended a workshop hosted by Greater Los Angeles Writers Society, one of the premier writers organizations in Los Angeles. The title was Top Ten Errors Writers Make. Let me first say, and this is real important that if you are writing anything that you want published, you must invest in a proofreader, or copyediting.
Spell Check does not always work with proofreading, spelling and g...rammar. The facilitator, Editor, Helga Schier talked about agents and editors are particularly sensitive to the writing and will make a determination on whether they can help you solely based on the simple fact of using correct grammar, or misspelled words, such as dye instead of die. Do not rely on spellcheck.
One of the things that was interesting to me, is the use of clichés, which can be important markers for character development. I never thought about it like that, but clichés can personalize your characters.
Who do you see when you hear these clichés?
"Play your cards right"
"Dog tired"
"Grass is always greener"
"Bored to death"
"This is the first day of the rest of your life"
Think about it, clichés can also DEFINE a personality or relationship. When I read "Dog tired", I think of a hard working man, who is working two jobs because his wife is sick. Or a single mother, working 12 hour shifts to make sure her children have all their needs met. It speaks about the integrity of the person, it defines what they will do for the good of their family.
If you are writing non-fiction clichés can add depth to your writing, "This to shall pass" or " " A closed mouth is never fed"
Sometimes a clichés can lighten up serious writing. As a writing exercise, pick a cliché and add it to your writing and see how it feels. Does it change the purpose of the writing? Does it compliment it? Does it cause your reader to reflect, or think?
Share with us what you discover.
Spell Check does not always work with proofreading, spelling and g...rammar. The facilitator, Editor, Helga Schier talked about agents and editors are particularly sensitive to the writing and will make a determination on whether they can help you solely based on the simple fact of using correct grammar, or misspelled words, such as dye instead of die. Do not rely on spellcheck.
One of the things that was interesting to me, is the use of clichés, which can be important markers for character development. I never thought about it like that, but clichés can personalize your characters.
Who do you see when you hear these clichés?
"Play your cards right"
"Dog tired"
"Grass is always greener"
"Bored to death"
"This is the first day of the rest of your life"
Think about it, clichés can also DEFINE a personality or relationship. When I read "Dog tired", I think of a hard working man, who is working two jobs because his wife is sick. Or a single mother, working 12 hour shifts to make sure her children have all their needs met. It speaks about the integrity of the person, it defines what they will do for the good of their family.
If you are writing non-fiction clichés can add depth to your writing, "This to shall pass" or " " A closed mouth is never fed"
Sometimes a clichés can lighten up serious writing. As a writing exercise, pick a cliché and add it to your writing and see how it feels. Does it change the purpose of the writing? Does it compliment it? Does it cause your reader to reflect, or think?
Share with us what you discover.
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