Today, I’m continuing the series, Writing a Middle
Grade Novel.
Description is used to
enhance fictional stories. Check out the following ways:
Description
is a major factor in voice, that elusive quality all editors rank as the number
one aspect they are looking for in writing. The narrative, either first person
(I) or third person (he/she), usually begins with a description of action. This
imaginative observation is essential to all stories. Rain fell is a simple
description but doesn’t do much to add interest. Kentucky rain smells different
from Chicago rain. That sentence makes us stop and ponder.
Words
that surprise us add to descriptive narrative. I like the word ponder. It’s not
used that often in today’s speech so it catches the reader’s ear.
The
pacing of the story is affected by description. Long passages slow down the
action. He strolled down the lane beneath the canopy of trees that formed a green
tunnel and offered cool comfort from the hot afternoon sun. Short phrases and
sentences speed up the pace. Horses paced. Clippity clop. Clippity clop.
Next
week, I’ll give more tips on writing descriptive passages.
Call for Submissions for Young Writers:
[I will resume Submissions for Young Writers in
September]
Call for Submissions for Adult Writers:
Thriving
Family editorial team's most recent call
for submissions. If you are new to our publication, you may want to know more
about Thriving Family by ordering a free subscription
or downloading a free
digital edition. You can also download our writers'
guidelines and a themes' list.
Theme: Christmas conflict and teens—in relation to extended
family.
Word Count: 750-800 words (including any possible sidebars)
Rights: First nonexclusive rights
Payment: $250, on acceptance
Due date: June 17, 2014
Audience: Parents of teens
Byline: Yes
Acceptance or Rejection: The Focus on the Family editors appreciate your submission. If your article was not accepted by 7/1/14, it was not chosen for publication. We hope to work with you on a different article at a later time.
Submit to: Teen.Phases@fotf.org <mailto:Teen.Phases@fotf.org> with "Attn: Ginger—Christmas conflicts and teens" in the subject line.
Word Count: 750-800 words (including any possible sidebars)
Rights: First nonexclusive rights
Payment: $250, on acceptance
Due date: June 17, 2014
Audience: Parents of teens
Byline: Yes
Acceptance or Rejection: The Focus on the Family editors appreciate your submission. If your article was not accepted by 7/1/14, it was not chosen for publication. We hope to work with you on a different article at a later time.
Submit to: Teen.Phases@fotf.org <mailto:Teen.Phases@fotf.org> with "Attn: Ginger—Christmas conflicts and teens" in the subject line.
Submission
guidelines at http://www.thrivingfamily.com/extra/call-for-submissions
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