But after reading a post on HUGH’S VIEWS AND NEWS, I opened my comments section and lo and behold there were 18 in the spam section. And guess what? Some were not spam! Some were comments from legit followers yet they were being dumped into my spam folder.
Y’all, I’m sorry! But this will now be part of my blog housekeeping.
Hugh explains in detail how to fix your comments if you are the victim of the filter gods at WordPress. But I think it’s also important that bloggers check spam folders for our legit readers.
Here is my little video for your viewing pleasure. But you mustclick on Hugh’s link below and read more in-depth about this problem.
Well, maybe. Sometimes just like kids our characters need an attitude adjustment.
A change in attitude at our house could save my kids a world of grief. And me a lot of aggravation. Parents reading this know exactly what I’m talking about.
The mood in our house could go from calm and peaceful to stormy in zero to sixty seconds if someone couldn’t find their shoes or if one of their siblings “stole” a favorite toy.
If only I had a dollar every time I’ve said, “Watch your tone, young lady.” or “Child, you better change that attitude.” I’d be very rich.
Why am I talking about tone and atmosphere?
Because I’m learning how important it is to put these two things at the beginningof a story.
Mr. James explains the reader becomes enmeshed in their surroundings from page one. So it’s important to set the stage early, to create a mood, and tone that is consistent with promises you’ve made to the reader.
In a story, we establish the mood through the setting. Such as in music, layout, weather, room decor, lights, etc.
The tone is something else. That is conveyed through dialog. The voice, dialect, rhythm, and style that tells the story.
“You better change your tone girl.” Another admonishment my daughter has heard me say a few hundred times. In a few clipped words, she could convey acid like sarcasm that’d peel paint from the wall.
I’m not even half-way through Mr. James book but I can tell you it will find a permanent place in my library.
What do you think about setting the tone and establishing the mood as we write?
Do you have a tip that would help set the atmosphere? Do share!
Another great article on creating mood click: Creating the mood of a story: 5 tips for strong atmosphere at Now Novel
Ever wondered why a certain sentence doesn’t work?
You’ve written beautiful adjectives to describe your heroine but the sentence comes off too much. The words trip across your tongue as if your mouth is filled with marbles.
After reading a tweet that went viral, I now understand why this happens.
The adjectives must be in the correct order.
Opinion-size-age-shape-color-origin-material-purpose and last NOUN.
When we talk the words usually flow correctly. We don’t even notice it. But when writing sometimes a word ends up in the wrong place.
What is the tweet that gave me this ah-ha moment?
A tweet by Matthew Anderson. Matthew tweeted a screen shot from a book he was reading.
We all want our book to stand out, to shine brighter than all the other books. Right?
But should you design your own or hire a designer?
I used Canva for one book, but I’m considering hiring a designer for the next book. Why? Because the more I read about book covers, the more I’m convinced a book benefits from a professional’s touch.
I think Bryan over at Become a Writer Today, has some terrific tips for a successful book cover. The idea of making a Pinterest board of covers is a great idea. With this type of board, whether you design your own or hire a pro, you have an idea for what is selling. I’d never thought of that, but that is now on my to-do list.
![Story Trumps Structure: How to Write Unforgettable Fiction by Breaking the Rules by [James, Steven]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51DqhKialhL.jpg)
![The Elements of Eloquence: Secrets of the Perfect Turn of Phrase by [Forsyth, Mark]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41MbamcD7hL.jpg)
Jean's Writing 