Editing

Shape Up Flabby Writing with Stronger Words

Today’s post is written by regular contributor Susan Bearman. Choosing the right words can make the difference between flat, tedious writing and writing that sings a clear, sweet song. Adjectives and adverbs are fine in moderation, but strong verbs will propel your writing forward and engage your reader in a sensory adventure. Flowery or distracting

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How To Balance Dialogue and Description

Today’s post is written by regular contributor Sarah Baughman. I often read about the importance of spicing writing up with dialogue or description: a little show-don’t-tell language, a heated argument relayed with fast-paced exclamation points, a vivid image, an exchange whose subtext reveals more than the words themselves. “Absolutely!” I always say. “I need to include

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Excerpt Critique: “Rails,” Paranormal Mystery

Please welcome today’s aspiring author, “rathrift,” ready for a peer critique. Take a moment to read the excerpt, then please leave some thoughtful feedback in the comment section below. If you are a writer whose excerpt has appeared anonymously on Write It Sideways, and now you’d like your name to appear on your piece, please contact

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Excerpt Critique: “What Happens in the Dark”

Please welcome today’s aspiring author, Zoe McKnight, ready for a peer critique. Take a moment to read the excerpt, then please leave some thoughtful feedback in the comment section below. If you are a writer whose excerpt has appeared anonymously on Write It Sideways, and now you’d like your name to appear on your piece,

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Excerpt Critique: “The Disease,” Suspense

Please welcome today’s aspiring author, Rob Kennedy, ready for a peer critique. Take a moment to read the excerpt, then please leave some thoughtful feedback in the comment section below. If you are a writer whose excerpt has appeared anonymously on Write It Sideways, and now you’d like your name to appear on your piece,

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Excerpt Critique: “My Johnny,” General Fiction

Please welcome today’s aspiring author, Yve Camino, ready for a peer critique. Take a moment to read the excerpt, then please leave some thoughtful feedback in the comment section below. If you are a writer whose excerpt has appeared anonymously on Write It Sideways, and now you’d like your name to appear on your piece,

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