in literary terms, the four-letter word EVEN is primarily used to provide emphasis, and once invited into sentences, can infect multiple sentences without a writer’s conscious intention.
Author: Laura Fineberg Cooper
Laura Cooper loves books! When she manages to tear herself away from reading, she writes about dragons, tree frogs, math-loving kids, and more. Laura is also a Copy Editor, licensed English Teacher, and experienced College Essay Coach who has often been referred to as a walking, talking dictionary. For grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary in short, easy-to-swallow doses, check out her blog, A Spoonful of Grammar, at www.laurafcooper.com/grammar-blog.
JUST: Let it Stay or Hit Delete?
The subject of this post is JUST, a four-letter word that sneaks into sentences without invitation. Learn when to let it stay…and when to hit DELETE!
Examining the Personality Traits of Memorable Characters
Harry, Hermione, and Ron. Charlotte, Wilbur, and Fern. Winnie-the-Pooh, Tigger, and Christopher Robin. If you read and/or write kidlit, I’m sure you know these well-loved characters and the phenomenally popular books they inhabit. So how do we create characters as memorable as these?
ATLAS of DOGS: Explore the PAW-SOME World of Pooches
The ATLAS OF DOGS introduces 150 paw-some pooches in the geographic region from which they hail with engaging, kid-friendly language and vibrant, personality-packed illustrations. Though the reading level is tagged at grades 1-3, this is an atlas an entire family of dog lovers can enjoy!
Write What You LOVE
Before writing about what you love, it helps to identify your ten greatest passions first. Think of this as creating your personal inspirational guide. You’re welcome to peruse my list before or after you write yours.
Before We Turn the Page: The 2022 Writers’ Rumpus Year in Review
2022 brought a marvelous array of posts to inspire, inform, teach, and delight Writers’ Rumpus readers, but don’t fret if you missed one here or there. Each December, it’s my honor to highlight one post from each of our talented contributors with an image, a link, and a brief summary. So kick back with your favorite beverage and cuddly blanket while you peruse the 2022 Writers’ Rumpus Review.
The Differences Between PLOT and THEME … and How They Intertwine
I’m certain that most book writers are intimately familiar with how difficult it can be to write a PLOT that engages readers from the first sentence to the last. But determining, developing, and maintaining the THEME (singular or plural) of your book demands a considerable amount of effort, too.
INSTANT KARMA by Marissa Meyer: Is it love, hate, or … fate?
Perfectionist and overachiever Prudence Daniels casts judgment on those around her and finds most people seriously lacking. High on her list of disappointments is her lab partner Quint Erickson, who waltzes in late for their end-of-year presentation.
How NOT to become a published author
There are many useful books and posts to help you get your completed manuscript published, but if you’re bound and determined NOT to become a published author, avoid them like the plague. Instead, here are 10 quick and easy tips to help you remain safely unpublished.
Laura Hatosy Talks about Self-Publishing DRAWN FROM MEMORY, her Debut YA Novel
Not only is Laura an immensely talented YA author, she’s also a mother, avid reader, member of SCBWI critique groups, and social justice activist. She
Something Spooky Comes Our Way: Nancy Tandon Talks About Her New MG Novel, THE GHOST OF SPRUCE POINT
It’s my pleasure to welcome author Nancy Tandon back to Writers’ Rumpus to discuss her second middle grade novel, GHOST OF SPRUCE POINT. If you missed our interview on Nancy’s poignant debut novel, THE WAY I SAY IT, click here. By the title alone, we can tell something spooky comes our way in Nancy’s newest book, published by Aladdin and available on 8/2/22.
THE ASSIGNMENT by Liza Wiemer: Would YOU speak up for what is right?
Imagine this scenario: Your favorite high school History teacher passes out an assignment requiring you and your fellow classmates to debate the Final Solution as members of Hitler’s Nazi Elite. You must provide five well-researched points to defend a PRO or CON position on how best to destroy all Jews. The PRO position is extermination and the CON position is sterilization, ghettos, and work camps.
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