Zoe M. McCarthy's Blog, page 9

Words Misused – Part 3: The Real Meaning of These Words

This is the final post in my Words Misused series. Here’s a list of words many people use with an incorrect meaning in mind. I use The Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Often Misused Words Appraise: to set a value on. Not to inform. Bemuse: bewilder or confuse. Not to amuse. Dichotomy: a division or the process of dividing […]

The post Words Misused – Part 3: The Real Meaning of These Words appeared first on Zoe M. McCarthy.

Words Misused – Part 2: Incorrect Construction of Common Phrases

Although many common phrases have become clichés, if we use them in our writing, we should use the right word for the meaning of the phrase. Here’s a list of phrases writers often misuse. Often Misused Phrases Another think coming not another thing coming. Comes from, “If you have an incorrect thought, you’d better think again.” Bated […]

The post Words Misused – Part 2: Incorrect Construction of Common Phrases appeared first on Zoe M. McCarthy.

Words Misused – Part 1: Confusion Between Words

Has the use of the wrong word ever embarrassed you? I used clench when I meant clinch. Here’s a list of words that writers often confuse. Words Often Confused I won’t give full definitions but the differentiating sense between the words. Look up the words for precise and additional meanings. 1. Accept is to receive; except excludes. 2. Adverse describes something […]

The post Words Misused – Part 1: Confusion Between Words appeared first on Zoe M. McCarthy.

Tips to Improve Story Description When Using Adjectives

Writers want readers to picture the multiple-faceted things in their stories. Try these tips on when to use adjectives and how many in an adjective string. Evaluate the Need for Adjectives   First, decide whether the object is worth highlighting. Is it something you want the reader to picture and then move on? Or does […]

The post Tips to Improve Story Description When Using Adjectives appeared first on Zoe M. McCarthy.

A Help to Write or Tailor the Manuscript on Your Heart

Today, I publish my 300th blog post. To celebrate, I share with you the major project I undertook to use many of my 300 blog posts. The project produced a resource soon to release that will help you write or get your manuscript in shape to publish. Below is the story about Tailor Your Fiction Manuscript […]

The post A Help to Write or Tailor the Manuscript on Your Heart appeared first on Zoe M. McCarthy.

Sticky Sentences Slow or Confuse Readers

ProWritingAid introduced me to sticky sentences. ProWritingAid says this about sticky sentences, “A sticky sentence is one that is full of glue words.” To me, it’s a special way of looking at wordiness. Sticky (or Glue) Words Glue words are words that the reader has to go through before he gets to exactly what the […]

The post Sticky Sentences Slow or Confuse Readers appeared first on Zoe M. McCarthy.

Self-Editing? Look for These 5 Common Problems

Editing programs such as ProWritingAid will help you catch these problems. For most of them you can use your word processor‘s Find tool to search for the problems. Problem 1: A character is going to do an action. Examples: He was going to make retribution. Better: He would make retribution.   “I’m going to take […]

The post Self-Editing? Look for These 5 Common Problems appeared first on Zoe M. McCarthy.

A Story for Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving. Today I share a short story from my book, Crumbled, Tumbled, humbled—Saved. The (Grape)Fruit of the Spirit   Charles called to Marilyn in the shower. “There’s a message from yesterday on the answering machine saying the citrus is here. I’m going over to the church now to pick up our box of oranges. We, […]

The post A Story for Thanksgiving appeared first on Zoe M. McCarthy.

Don’t Make Your Characters Do the Impossible

I could enjoy the book I’m reading more if the characters would stop being contortionists. Every time they do the impossible, they pull me out of the story. This happened so often that I turned to see who published the book. I was surprised. It was a small but reputable traditional publisher. This book has […]

The post Don’t Make Your Characters Do the Impossible appeared first on Zoe M. McCarthy.

Which Is the Right Way to Write This Word?

Just when you thought it was safe to write a word or abbreviation a certain way the guidelines change. Yes, trends exist for how to write words. Also, different publishing houses have different guidelines. You may research the word and become confused or unsure. Here’s the important thing to do: Choose one way of writing […]

The post Which Is the Right Way to Write This Word? appeared first on Zoe M. McCarthy.