Writing Tips
On my Writing Tips Blog I offer writing tips and encouragement as we journey together in our writing ministry. (I blogged previously at Next Step Coaching Services with Amy Carroll.)
I love to partner with writers of all abilities to help make their dreams come true! Find more about this and under the Writing Coaching section of my website.
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- writing tips on punctuation and grammar
- teaching about organizing and developing your manuscript, no matter what size
- encouragement for the tough days, when you’re doubting your ability and calling
- guidelines for how to use Scripture in your writing
Latest Writing Tips
Should I Address My Reader by Using the Pronoun You or We?
When I’m writing, should I address my reader by using the pronoun “you” or “we?” The answer? Both. Let me explain with an example. Notice in this excerpt from a devotion I wrote that I’ve italicized you pronouns and emboldened we pronouns. ++++++++++++++++ Excerpt from “Do You Think I’m Beautiful?” by Melanie S. Chitwood taken…
Clearing Up Confusion About Quotation Marks and Punctuation
When I am editing, I often see confusion and errors when it comes to where to place punctuation with quotation marks. So let’s look at some rules. 1. Periods and commas always go inside (or before) quotation marks. Correct Example: I often say, “It is what it is.” Not this: I often say, “It is…
Tips for Using Commas Correctly for a Professional Manuscript
I’ve been writing a series of posts about some of the common punctuation mistakes I see in manuscripts when I’m editing. (see these previous posts on punctuation tips and eliminating unnecessary words) Let’s get started on some tips about commas. Introductory Prepositional Phrase An introductory prepositional phrase is a group of words at the beginning…
Four Ways to Eliminate Unnecessary Words When Self-Editing
Concise writing is writing that is to the point and will be easily digested by your reader. Take some time to step away from your draft, and then return to do some self-editing. Here are four ways you can eliminate unnecessary words and create concise writing. Eliminate that The word that is almost always not…
3 Punctuation Tips for a Polished and Professional Manuscript
Learning punctuation and grammar rules can give you a little boost of confidence that you’re writing right! Here are a few punctation errors I commonly see as an editor. Can you start a sentence with a coordinating conjunction? (words such as and, but, so) The short answer: yes! Coordinating conjunctions are words used to join…
I’ve Got a Gift for You, Writing Friends!
I want to give you a gift! One that will make you feel loved, treasured, and refreshed. One to allow you to take good care of yourself by practicing biblical self-care. But first let me explain a little behind my passion about biblical self-care. I imagine most of us can say we’ve had a time…
My Podcast Interview About Biblical Self-Care with Jenni Elwood at The Refuge Podcast
Most women I know find themselves at some point needing rest! I had such a good time talking to my friend Jenni Elwood at The Refuge Podcast about finding rest through biblical self-care. I’d love for you to listen! You can access the audio HERE or the video HERE. We discussed: -The story behind the scenes of Melanie’s life…
Trusting God’s Promises to Move Beyond Doubt About Our Writing with Angie Baughman
I’ve been talking to writers about overcoming doubt in the writing process. Every writer, no matter how new or experienced, feels doubt at some point when writing. I think it helps to know we’re not alone in this! And we can learn from others how to overcome that doubt. Today I’m welcoming my friend, Angie…