Writing Tip: Varying the sentence structure keeps the reader interested and awake. Awake is very important. I do have a book by my bed that I read when I can't go to sleep. It cures insomnia.
Syntax (from American Heritage dictionary): The pattern of formation of sentences or phrases in a language.
Syntax has a great deal to do with your writing "voice."
Hemingway is never mistaken for William Faulkner because his syntax defined a different voice.Example of varying syntax from Dragons of the Watch:
When she looked again, she saw that the eyes no longer blazed at her. The expression on the dragon's face was cold and unfeeling.
Better: The blazing eyes, on second examination, appeared glazed over, cold and unfeeling.
Best: On second examination, the blazing eyes appeared glazed over, cold and unfeeling.
Mrs. Paul is a fantasy author and grandma. This blog is something like a daily journal. She will list the word count and chapter number of what she is working on and will post one writer's tip that she actually used during her day of writing.
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I like working out sentence length. It's like candy for the eyes. Sometimes, just a single word can pack a punch that leaves the reader breathless. It doesn't come easy. But it's worth the effort.
ReplyDeleteMissing your blogs. Hope all is well at your place.
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