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Writer’s Toolbox

Ask The Writer

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Your most pressing and perplexing questions about writing answered here by Gotham teacher Brandi Reissenweber.

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  • Adaptation
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Language

I've been cautioned to avoid passive sentences with "was." But is every use of "was" passive?
If the pronunciation of the main character's name is not apparent, should some explanation accompany it the first time it's mentioned?
I've seen this word spelled two ways: all ready and already. Which is right?
How do I know if something is a cliché?
Are ellipses the best way to show a pause in dialogue?
I like using adjectives but I often hear they make for weak descriptions. What's so bad about them?
When is it appropriate to use "you" in fiction?
Why does the exclamation mark have such a bad reputation? When is it acceptable to use it?
Showing 41-48 of 52 items.
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