How to Avoid Clichés in Writing

how to avoid writing cliches

I hope this isn’t unoriginal, but reading clichés in writing make me feel like I’ve woke up on the wrong side of the bed. Really, clichés in writing are a dime a dozen. It’s language that, quite frankly, is dead as a doornail. I hope I’m not beating a dead horse. Clichés are everywhere. They’re common parts of the…

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How to Read Poetry Like a Poet

how to read poetry like a writer

Poetry is the densest and richest use of language there is, and learning how to read poetry is an art in itself. Learning how to read poetry like a poet—to not only feel the impact of poetry but to have a sense of the craft elements that make that impact possible—even more so. Reading poetry like…

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Concise Writing: How to Omit Needless Words

how to write concisely

This article is all about concise writing, summed up in the timeless phrase “Omit needless words.” We’ll examine some of the best advice on writing concisely, define what concise writing is and isn’t, and describe 11 writing habits that encourage concision. “Omit Needless Words” and The Elements of Style In 1920, William Strunk Jr. published…

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Common Writing Mistakes: Creative Writing Tips for Beginners

common writing mistakes

Creative writing mistakes are nothing to feel down about. All good creative writing is not just writing: it’s writing, revising, editing, and proofreading—not only to polish the beauty of our language, but to work with common creative writing mistakes that pop up for all of us. Today, we’ll be looking at eight common writing mistakes,…

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12 Literary Devices in Poetry: Identifying Poetic Devices

literary devices in poetry with examples

What do the words “anaphora,” “enjambment,” “consonance,” and “euphony” have in common? They are all literary devices in poetry—and important poetic devices, at that. Your poetry will be greatly enriched by mastery over the items in this poetic devices list, including mastery over the sound devices in poetry. This article is specific to the literary…

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112 Common Literary Devices: Definitions, Examples, and Exercises

common literary devices

Common literary devices, such as metaphors and similes, are the building blocks of literature, and what make literature so enchanting. Language evolves through the literary devices in poetry and prose; the different types of figurative language make literature spark in different ways. Consider this your crash course in common literary devices. Whether you’re studying for…

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The Importance of Word Choice in Writing

word choice in writing | gems

All strong writers have something in common: they understand the value of word choice in writing. Strong word choice uses vocabulary and language to maximum effect, creating clear moods and images and making your stories and poems more powerful and vivid. The meaning of “word choice” may seem self-explanatory, but to truly transform your style…

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9 Essential Poetry Manuscript Format Tips to Get Published

poetry manuscript format

After months of writing, editing, rewriting, hair-pulling, and late-night coffee sessions, you have a finished poetry manuscript. There’s only one thing standing between you and submitting your poetry for publication: the poetry manuscript format. Poetry manuscript submissions must conform to certain formatting guidelines to even be considered by publishers. Poetry manuscript submissions must conform to…

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24 of the Best Writing Exercises to Become a Better Writer

24 writing exercises

The best writing exercises bring out our latent creativity. Especially if you ever feel stuck or blocked, making creative writing exercises part of your daily writing practice can be a great way to both hone your skills and explore new frontiers in your writing. Whether you’re a poet, essayist, storyteller, or genre-bending author, these free…

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