Writing help sites

[Arcane_Scroll]

I've noticed a few writers have trouble with sentence structure and grammar so after seeing one of these posted on tumblr I decided to collect some links here.

How to use a semicolon - The Oatmeal.
When to use i.e. (and e.g.) in a sentence - The Oatmeal
How To Use An Apostrophe - The Oatmeal
What it means when you say "literally" - The Oatmeal
10 Words You Need to Stop Misspelling - The Oatmeal

Feel free to add to the list.

[sargecadet]

Thanks! I've never understood semicolons or the i.e. thing.

[Mister_Clacky]

The best writing resource I have found is the Writing Excuses Audio Blog

It is a panel of writers discussing fundamental challenges for new and experienced writers. Although not a grammatical resource, I have learned a ton from listening to their podcasts. I can not express enough how much I recommend anyone who wants tips on writing to look through the archives and listen.

[Arcane_Scroll]

I knew some of these, but some are new to me. 14 Punctuation Marks That You Never Knew Existed. I love the interrobang ‽ and snark ⸮

[Faindragon]

http://www.synonyms-antonyms.com/synonyms-for-said.html

For those who have grown tired to just use "I said", or the like.

[No One]

http://www.synonyms-antonyms.com/synonyms-for-said.html

For those who have grown tired to just use "I said", or the like.

Can I just say no? Said is what you should be using 90% of the time. Said Bookisms do nothing but distract you from the story by repeating what we already know, and taking us out of the story. Either use said, or completely avoid the word said altogether, but constantly using said Bookisms will only make you look like an amateur.

Basically all they do is repeat information. For example.

"Hey, Jack," John said.

"Hey John," Jack responded.


We already know Jack responded. it's right there in the text. Adding it does nothing for the story but repeat itself in a short period of time and distract from the actual dialogue. Generally speaking it's best to use 'said' or avoid dialogue tags altogether. Stephen King agrees.

"Don't do these things. Please oh please. The best form of dialogue attribution is said, as in he said, she said, Bill said, Monica said." -Stephen King.


Here, let TV Tropes explain: http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/SaidBookism


Just my two cents.

[LuckyLeaf]

I once considered using colored text to dialogue attribution or something like it. Though it can become a bit of a mess depending on how many characters are involved and the color attribution consistency throughout the story.

The complete lack of attribution can get confusing sometimes. I suppose the way of speaking and the subject matter can help, but I've seen situations where that was not enough.

[Bad Horse]

The best writing resource I have found is the Writing Excuses Audio Blog

Writing Excuses is great! And free! I bought their first CD, I don't even remember why. I think I had a brief bout of morality.

[Bad Horse]

Can I just say no? Said is what you should be using 90% of the time. Said Bookisms do nothing but distract you from the story by repeating what we already know, and taking us out of the story. Either use said, or completely avoid the word said altogether, but constantly using said Bookisms will only make you look like an amateur.

On the one hand, you're right. On the other hand, readers complain more when you use "said". They really do. So will at least one Equestria Daily pre-reader.

The 'saids' only really stick out when you have many lines of pure dialog, which is usually a bad sign, unless the dialog is very interesting.