Grammar Peeves: Tips for Keeping it Clean

Like with many writers, language and grammar are important to me, but that doesn't make me an expert. I try to keep my writing free of errors, even when taking a casual tone or while using social media, but I've caught my own carelessness plenty of times. Here are a few commonly misused words, along with some general tips for remembering how to avoid future mistakes:

1. Affect and effect. 
Affect is a verb. Effect is a noun. 

If you can use "the" in front of the word you're trying to use, you probably mean to use the noun, "effect". If this is troublesome for you, think of "the sound effect", which is a noun.

2. Lay and lie. 
Lay is the action of putting something down. Lie is the action of reclining.

This is a tricky one! I keep in mind that chickens lay eggs, so I can't lay down unless I'm laying down an egg, or some other object. Translate that to all the conjugations, and you'll think twice about saying that something is laying on the floor. Unless it's laying eggs.

3. Passed and past.
Passed is a conjugation of the verb pass. Past relates to a period of time that has already happened, or sometimes a location beyond a defined point.

"Past" can be a noun, adjective, adverb, or preposition. Because "passed" is generally used as a verb, the simplest way to check your usage is to see if your sentence still makes sense using a different verb tense.

-She passed/past a finely dressed gentleman. (Switch test: She passes a finely dressed gentleman. Passed is correct!)
-She brushed passed/past a finely dressed gentleman. (Switch test: She brushed passes a finely dressed gentleman--huh? Passing doesn't work, so it must not be "passed".)

4. Should've and should of.
Should've is the contraction for "should have". Should of is just plain wrong.

Moving on...


5. Then and than.
Then is used in reference to time. Than is used to compare.

There are a lot of ways to use "then", but the word "than" is pretty much only used for comparison. One quick way to check if you're using the wrong word is to check if you're comparing anything; if you aren't, you know you should be using "then".

Flash Round: Mistakes I Make That Leave Me

Gnashing My Teeth Because I Do Know the Difference!

Its and it's

Your and you're

Too, to, and two

Their, they're, and there

What are your worst grammar peeves? Are there grammar mistakes that leave you gnashing your teeth at the offender--even if it's yourself?

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Diana Paz is the author of TWISTS OF FATE (Rhemalda Publishing, April 2013). She writes books for teens about magic, adventure, and romance. Born in Costa Rica, Diana grew up on Miami Beach, moved to Los Angeles in high school, and went to college in San Diego. Basically, she’s a beach bum. Diana graduated from California State University, San Marcos with a Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Arts. She loves thunderstorms, warm chocolate chip cookies, and reading a good book. Preferably at the same time. Find her at her blog:dianapazwrites.blogspot.com or on Twitter @dianapazwrites

Writing a Solid Story: Avoiding Rain Beneath a Leaky Roof

At the time of this writing, it's raining outside. The patter on the roof is without rhyme or reason. Gentle chaos, but only if I think of the random drops falling as individuals. Together there's a kind of sense to it, and the rain sounds orchestral. It's a soothing hum, an exciting roar, a secretive murmur; thousands upon thousands of tiny sounds that surround me.

A good book reminds me of this kind of rain. The words wash through my mind with nothing pulling me out of the story. No awkward phrases. No unrealistic dialogue. No infodumps or abrupt transitions. Instead, I forget that I'm reading at all. I'm connected. My consciousness and the book are one. I hear the words like rain and they're beautiful, both individually and as part of a mysterious whole.

But...

At the time of this writing, it's raining outside and I hear a leak. An unnatural plunk I can't help but focus on. I try to ignore it. The rain takes precedence for a moment, but my mind hones in on the leak again. Its rhythm mocks the rain's delightful chatter. The rain is no less lovely, but I'm no longer under its spell.

Even if I could ignore the leak, it wouldn't make the greater implications of this problem go away. The leak is going to turn into a water spot. We need to have the leak repaired. And if I'm honest, there's a leak in the garage I've been avoiding, too. If I don't take care of these issues, I'm going to end up needing a whole new roof. Or, maybe it's too late and I already do need a new roof. Horror!

Writing reminds me of this. Am I overlooking problem areas? Did that little issue I forgot to address in chapter three become a plot hole? I read through my work and listen for the leaks. Sometimes whole scenes need to be rewritten.

I want my readers to hear my stories like the sound of the rain against the earth, dropping from leaves and falling from the sky. I want them swept up by the storm and lost to the book. The moment they hear a leak, the rain is no longer something to be enjoyed; the whole story becomes suspect. They may start listening for things, holding a figurative flashlight in the garage trying to see where the water spot is.

How do you deal with leaky spots in your manuscripts? Do you catch them as you draft, or find them on the re-read? When reading published novels, do you ever get pulled out of the story because of areas that could have used some patching up?

~ ~ ~

Diana Paz is the author of TWISTS OF FATE (Rhemalda Publishing, April 2013). She writes books for teens about magic, adventure, and romance. She was born in Costa Rica, grew up on Miami Beach, moved to Los Angeles in high school, and went to college in San Diego. Basically, she’s a beach bum. Diana graduated from California State University, San Marcos with a Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Arts. She loves old movies, epic fantasy, all kinds of music, and heading to the beach with a good book. Preferably sipping a highly sweetened iced coffee. Find her at her blog:dianapazwrites.blogspot.com or on Twitter @dianapazwrites

Avoiding Blogger Burnout: Tips and Tricks to Stay Motivated

When I first started blogging, I was nervous. I remember the excitement and worry of each new post. I remember wondering if anyone would even read my posts, and being insecure about what they would think. I wondered if I might be brave enough to use my real name someday or --gasp-- my real picture. Then people started commenting. And following. And I wondered who the people were who commented and followed. I wondered what their blogs were like and what they wrote.

Eventually I made friends and saw them use real names... real pictures... before I knew it, so did I. Then along came Twitter and my world grew even larger. Thanks to Blogger and Twitter, I've made some of the closest friendships of my life. I've also found community in an otherwise rather lonely writing world.

But as time went on, blogging became less of a joy and more of a burden. I could easily go days or weeks without even thinking about it.

Is that such a bad thing? My blog is mine, a pseudo-personal space for me to be wholly and completely a writer. Non-online life takes precedent, and there are a multitude of other distractions online to keep a writer from his or her blog. Not to mention, well... the writing of the novel itself. Is the blog really even necessary?

Maybe not, but writing in any form exercises the mind. There is something to be said for the discipline of maintaining a blog and the ability to hold an audience. So, how do you stay motivated? Here are a few tips and tricks to try:

1. Create a Schedule

By setting a specific day and time when you sit down with your blog, you'll be less likely to accidentally go long periods without an update. Readers may also find it useful to know that you have a given day when fresh content will be up.

2. Slow Down

Some bloggers can write a daily blog post. I admit that I started this way during my first few months of blogging. But sustaining that kind of content long-term may not be realistic. Try setting a goal of weekly updates, and if anything extra comes up you can always add it in or schedule the post so you're ahead.

3. Drop the Guilt

There are so many fantastic blogs written by amazing people. It's not possible to visit them all, much less comment on all of them. When you do find a moment to read a blog, sometimes clicking the Share button is faster than commenting, and you can still show the author that you enjoyed their content. And the bottom line is, if you don't have time to get to other people's blogs, that's okay. They'll understand, just as you do.

4. Take a Break

Taking a step away from blogging can leave you feeling refreshed and ready to come back. If you know when you'll be back, leave a message on your page letting your readers know. If after some time you see that you're still not motivated to come back, you can always set your blog to "subscribed readers only" until you return. Your blog and all of its content will be right where you left them whenever you come back.

5. Redesign

Giving your blog a new look or adding a themes to posts ("Friday Faves", "Music Monday") can make your blog feel fun and new again.

6. Out of Ideas?

This might be the biggest hurdle to overcome. In most cases, people find websites in order to get something out of them.... specific information. But with most writer blogs I've seen, blogs are places to share about oneself; a mix between a living resume and a reflection of what's going on in that writer's life. The times I'm drawn into someone's blog voice, I tend to remember them and return. I want to be entertained. Think about why you visit someone's blog. Did you click a link on Twitter because the blog post sounded interesting? Did you want to hear opinions, or find out what a new follower was like? Did you just want to find another writer to relate to? Use these questions as jumping off points for your own blog posts because your blog is being treated similarly by other writers-- let's face it, our audience for our blog is the writing community. Take a look at your stats and see which pages have gotten the most traffic. It might surprise you.

7. Ask Yourself Why You Blog

Do you blog because you feel you have to? You may want to read this post by agent Mary Kole:Do Unpublished Writers Have to Blog? I've read other agents who differ in opinion, but the truth ultimately is, your novel matters more than you do in fiction. Blog about your cats or knitting or a day at the beach if it brings you joy, but not if it's because you feel it's the only way you'll get a book deal. Writing a great book is the only way any of us will get a book deal.

In case you're wondering, here's why I blog (pulled from my blog's sidebar):

I'm reclusive in the non-online world. I have to force myself to interact with others, though I can fake it convincingly in social settings. The truth is, I'm always drawn more to the world in my mind than the world around me... I prefer it here. I'm comfortable. But I do still want to share. I do enjoy community. I like the understanding that comes from talking to other writers. I want to find others like myself and commiserate, offer companionship, experience camaraderie and ultimately feel like I'm not all alone. So that's why I blog. And tweet. :P

~ ~ ~

Diana Paz is a web content writer and aspiring YA author. She was born in Costa Rica, grew up on Miami Beach, moved to Los Angeles in high school, and went to college in San Diego. Basically, she's a beach bum, but she did graduate from California State University, San Marcos with a Bachelor's Degree in Liberal Arts. She loves old movies, epic fantasy, all kinds of music, and heading to the beach with a good book. Preferably sipping a caramel frappuccino. Find her at her blog:dianapazwrites.blogspot.com or on Twitter @dianapazwrites

Lines in the Sand: How Much of Your Life is in Your Work? Or, isn't?

When I write, I try to make my characters their own people. Unless I'm writing for myself and for cathartic purposes, I don't make myself the "star" of a novel. I enjoy the role of creator and not that of character.

There's a big difference in writing a novel and thinking, "What would I do here?" and "What would my character do here."

But it's no surprise to me that I see parts of myself scattered throughout the characters in my stories. I draw on life experiences to color the world I'm trying to create. To an extent.

No-Fly Zones

I have certain no-fly zones; topics I won't include in my novels. For example, I won't base my fiction on my kids or the experiences I've had with my husband. I don't want anyone to read my stories and "find" the people I care about in my stories. I don't want them to be dissected or "figured out"--people already make assumptions about who I am because of how I portray my characters, but that's my burden as a writer.

Public Domain

Although I don't tend to use my own experiences in my writing in a specific sense, broad experiences like a day at the beach or how it feels to hold a helpless, trembling kitten are part of the public domain. I do pull from those feelings and look at them through the filter of my characters' lives. There are also personal experiences of my own that, with the passage of time, have dulled in significance; they don't seem to belong to me anymore. What once might have been too private and personal to include even symbolically becomes part of the public domain of my life experiences.

Perception

Not everyone believes that I don't base my characters on myself, and that my secondary characters aren't based on people I know. When a non-writer friend of mine read my novel, Sinister Charms, she remarked that the love story was so sweet, it must have been based on the experiences I had when my husband and I were dating. I laughed; Derek couldn't be more different than my husband, and Gwyn's feelings toward him were completely unique to her. Nevertheless, I couldn't convince my friend that Gwyn and Derek's love story was their own.

More Perception

I used to let my mother read my work. This turned out to be a big mistake. In one of my first novels, a medieval romance, the mother of the heroine was depressed and suicidal. She was also bitter and vindictive and basically a wreck of a human being. My mother called me, upset that I'd portrayed her in such a negative way. I was baffled. I told her that I hadn't based the character on her at all! My mother is a cheerful and often silly person. I've only seen her cry at sad movies, and she's the least vindictive person I know. Although my mother believed me, she was still upset and wanted me to change the character. She was sure that whoever read the book would think I had based the mother of the story on her. It didn't matter that it wasn't true.

And to Contradict Myself Completely...

Now that I'm between novels, ideas rise to the surface and evaporate as quickly. I search for the balance between truth and fiction that makes a novel real. Maybe that girl who ate lunch alone, reading over sheet music for her violin solo later that week, maybe she used to be me, but she isn't anymore. Maybe I can draw on some of those experiences and create an entirely new character. If I write her story, my biggest challenge will be erasing my imprint from the tips of her fingers and letting her be a real person in her own right.

How much of yourself do you put into your characters? Is everything fair game, or do you have lines in the sand you just won't cross? Do friends and family who read your work ever "look" for themselves, you or others in your fiction?

~ ~ ~

Diana Paz is a web content writer and aspiring YA author. She was born in Costa Rica, grew up on Miami Beach, moved to Los Angeles in high school, and went to college in San Diego. Basically, she's a beach bum, but she did graduate from California State University, San Marcos with a Bachelor's Degree in Liberal Arts. She loves old movies, epic fantasy, all kinds of music, and heading to the beach with a good book. Preferably sipping a caramel frappuccino. Find her at her blog: dianapazwrites.blogspot.com or on Twitter @dianapazwrites

Creative Pursuits to Stimulate the Muse

Some writers have no problem coming up with new ideas, and may have so many they could never write them all. Other writers might stare at a blank screen for hours hoping for genius to strike but the muse just doesn't want to cooperate.

In either case, a mindset of creativity can often lead to inspiration. After all, if like begets like in life, maybe creativity begets creativity... whether it's directly related to our writing or not.

Creative Pursuits to Stimulate the Muse

1. Music-

• listen to music outside of your normal genres; it could inspire new ideas
• pay attention to the lyrics and think of a story the song could be telling
• sing out loud, make up songs, or try playing an instrument
• compile a playlist of music that goes well with your WIP or that inspire your writing in general

2. Art-

• search the internet for great works of art to ponder
• create your own art: pencil sketches, clay, painting, graphic design or chalk on your back patio-- the point is artistic creation
• find artwork that seems to fit your characters and what they would draw or hang on their walls
• design your WIP's cover art, or create visual interpretations of scenes from your story

3. Writing- ...not in your WIP and without an audience in mind, but writing for its own sake:

• flash fiction (either using a writing prompt or just with whatever comes to mind)
• characterization pieces that won't go into your WIP, but will help you get to know your character, either as backstory or reactive writing (what would your character do if she saw someone drowning? How would your character react to being pulled over? How about if someone asked to copy his homework or do something illegal at his or her job?)
• descriptive writing for the sake of the art of writing, and that won't go in any WIP you're working on; a paragraph about clouds or honeybees or pebbles on the beach-- the freedom of writing something no one will see can often lead to work you're proud enough to show off.

4. Poetry-

• read poetry from classics or contemporary poets. It's actually quite beautiful
• try writing poetry, even if no one will see it
• try different styles of poetry. Poetry can be fiction (a poem about a kitten alone in the woods, a poem about a girl lost at sea, a poem about a boy on his first day of school) or non-fiction (nature poems, or poems about something you've experienced personally); it can rhyme or not; it can have rules about syllables, cadence and iambic pentameter or not; it can be stark, descriptive, flowery, emotional-- basically it can be anything.

Inspiration can come from anywhere. Indulging in our own moments of creativity outside of our WIP might help us tap into new thoughts and ideas, so share some creative pursuits of your own. Is there anything you do to foster the creative process?

~ ~ ~

Diana Paz is a web content writer and aspiring YA author. She was born in Costa Rica, grew up on Miami Beach, moved to Los Angeles in high school, and went to college in San Diego. Basically, she's a beach bum, but she did graduate from California State University, San Marcos with a Bachelor's Degree in Liberal Arts. She loves old movies, epic fantasy, all kinds of music, and heading to the beach with a good book. Preferably sipping a caramel frappuccino. Find her at her blog:dianapazwrites.writespot.com or on Twitter @dianapazwrites

Music and Mood, and Explosive by Bond

Music is a great way to inspire creativity, and often overlooked way to help you grow as a writer.

Capturing the Cadence

One aspect of writing that many writers overlook is cadence, rhythm, and flow. This is something that comes instinctually to some writers, but it can always be improved on. The way our sentences sound matter as much as what they’re saying, both on their own and as a part of the whole scene and story. When you listen to music, pay attention to the lyrics and how the words sound as you say them. Tune your ear to hear the way words work both in and out of music, and your writing will begin taking on a lyrical quality to it as well.

Character Playlists

What kind of music do your characters listen to? Putting on music that your POV character would listen to can help you keep your writing in his or her head. It also helps you understand your character better, especially if you ask questions-- why does your character like a certain band or artist? Is music a big part of your characters life?

Music to Set the Tone

Don’t confine your music-listening to only the songs your characters would create. Your recalcitrant teenager might not be into sad love songs, but you as the writer might draw inspiration from them during an achey, heartbreaking scene you’re trying to perfect. An epic movie soundtrack might inspire you while you write your story’s climax, or classical music might be what taps into the creative part of your brain that allows the words to flow.

How do you use music to influence your writing? Do any specific songs or artists inspire you to write?

I leave you with one of my very favorite songs to listen to while I write emotion-packed, high-intensity scenes: Explosive by Bond. I like how the music goes from fast-paced action to softness and subtlety. What do you think?

~ ~ ~

Diana Paz is a web content writer and aspiring YA author. She was born in Costa Rica, grew up on Miami Beach, moved to Los Angeles in high school, and went to college in San Diego. Basically, she's a beach bum, but she did graduate from California State University, San Marcos with a Bachelor's Degree in Liberal Arts. She loves old movies, epic fantasy, all kinds of music, and heading to the beach with a good book. Preferably sipping a caramel frappuccino. Find her at her blog:dianapazwrites.writespot.com or on Twitter @dianapazwrites

You've Written A Novel! So... Now What?

After you’ve written your novel and once it’s been through the wringer with your trusted critique partners, you might think it’s time to query, but there’s something you should do first. Many writers find it helpful to give their completed novels to a few beta readers for overall feedback. This is especially helpful if their critique partners have been reading chapters along the way. A pair of fresh eyes can make all the difference in making a novel query-ready.

But, for months you’ve been writing and editing your novel. Now that it’s truly complete, it might feel like you’re stuck in limbo... what do you do while you wait for beta readers to get back to you, and before you begin querying?

1. Start another novel. Really? I don’t deserve even a small break after all that hard work?

Some writers have stories churning incessantly in their minds, and starting a new story is a kind of relief after spending so long on the same story. Other writers need a break to keep from burning out. Go with what feels natural, and don’t force the next story too soon if that isn’t your style.

2. Read. Ahh books... it's why we write!

Often in the frenzy of completing a manuscript, we don’t make time to feed the muse. Nestle down for a few hours and enjoy the latest book everyone’s talking about, or pick up an old favorite.

3. Reconnect. Oh? There's a world going on outside my head?

Sometimes we can become so immersed in our stories, especially as we near the finish line, that we lose touch with friends and loved ones. Now is a good time to step out of the writer cave and see what’s been going on in the world.

4. Play. All work and no play makes Jack a dull writer.

With your book finished you can take a breather and do some things you like outside of writing. Enjoy some guilt-free time with your favorite hobby, or try something new. Who knows, it could inspire another novel.

5. Research. The fun kind-- agent research!

Once you received feedback from your beta-readers, the time for querying will finally arrive. Double-check that the agents you plan to query are all still accepting submissions in your genre, and that they haven’t changed email addresses.

6. Prepare. The dreaded query letter.

If you haven’t already, now is the time to write your query letter and synopsis. Your critique partners probably know your story inside and out, so ask if they’d be willing to look over your query and synopsis to make it the best it can be.

7. Celebrate! You wrote a book!

No matter what happens, you finished your novel! Not every writer makes it to this milestone, and certainly not most of the population. It's a big accomplishment! Take a moment to appreciate the achievement of your work; remember that first day when you sat down with nothing but a blank page before you, and think of how far you’ve come.

~ ~ ~

Diana Paz is a web content writer and aspiring YA author. She was born in Costa Rica, grew up on Miami Beach, moved to Los Angeles in high school, and went to college in San Diego. Basically, she's a beach bum, but she did graduate from California State University, San Marcos with a Bachelor's Degree in Liberal Arts. She loves old movies, epic fantasy, all kinds of music, and heading to the beach with a good book. Preferably sipping a caramel frappuccino. Find her at her blog:dianapazwrites.writespot.com or on Twitter @dianapazwrites