Put ONLY in Its Place

A word’s placement makes a difference.

I have a beef with Safeway. They may know groceries, but they struggle with word order.

I cringe every time I hear this line in their radio ad: “Safeway only sells U.S.D.A. choice beef.”

What’s wrong with that? The placement of the word only.

In English, … Continue reading

Three Tasks for Scene Openings

Do your first lines make these essentials clear?

I thought I knew the way. But heading from the unfamiliar location, I took a wrong turn. What I saw didn’t align with what I’d assumed. My only recourse was to go back, check things more carefully, and start afresh.

I’ve experienced that not … Continue reading

Yes, I’ll Edit Your Sample Chapters

Send an agent only your best work.

The author had finished his novel, but knew it wasn’t quite ready to send to an agent. He wanted the sample chapters in his proposal to make a great first impression—and he’d get one chance.

So he asked if I’d help. Would I … Continue reading