Writing Resources

3 Writing Tips from Published Authors

by Gabbi Hall There is no replacement for the lessons that experience teaches. Three published authors share their writing advice, which comes straight from years of telling stories, with The Penmen Review.   Amy Cotta, author of “Six Weeks to Skinny Jeans,” says, Writing is a process of drafts, edits…

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20 Essential Questions to Ask Your Character

by Gabbi Hall Think of the early stages of character development as the early stages of a relationship. You  go on a first date to get to know another person. To get comfortable with your characters and understand what motivates and deters them, you need to sit down with them…

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3 Horrifically Bland Words (and Alternatives to Add Some Flavor)

by Gabbi Hall Writing is like cooking; you need the right ingredients to be successful. Think of the age-old metaphor: “That’s the cherry on top.” Using descriptive words in your story equates to adding the perfect toppings to your sundae or the final strokes to a painting. The right words…

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