1 Guide to: Proper Punctuation Sat Apr 21, 2012 3:37 pm
Jordan
FMHubster
Guide to: Proper Punctuation
All you need to know to write a story
All you need to know to write a story
The idea of storywriting may seem daunting and you may be unable to think up some ideas for an interesting, attention-grabbing story. However, before you consider writing stories by the masses, you should consider reading my guide on Proper Punctuation. Proper Punctuation refers to the way you write your sentences. In this guide, I will explain to you the easiest and most effective methods to use when writing a story.
Ending the Sentence
Whilst writing a story, it becomes apparent how hard it is to find the perfect time to stop the sentence. Always aim to grab the attention of the reader in one sentence. It is most popularly used when describing the looks of characters, and the need to continue the sentence in order to describe the character is required.
What to do when describing a character
She was a tall, beautiful women with blazing blue eyes. Her hair was of silky blonde texture and her face was angelic.
What NOT to do when describing a character
She was a tall beautiful women with blazing blue eyes and her hair was of silky blonde texture and her face was angelic.
NOTE how in the second example, there are too many ANDs in it. Too many of one word is boring and uncreative. Always end your sentence when it feels right. Instead of typing 'AND' between "blue eyes" and "her hair", put a period (or full stop) instead. It makes it (a) a lot neater and (b) easier and more attention-grabbing to the reader.
Commas
Commas are a great way to separate but not end the sentence. It is vital that you use these whenever possible as they lengthen every sentence you put them in. Below are TWO examples which will help you define the usefulness of commas.
Using Periods (Full Stops)
My vision blurred by the smoke around me. But the faint outline of a tall-standing man was still visible. He was approaching me.
Using Commas
My vision blurred by the smoke around me, but the faint outline of a tall-standing man was still visible, he was approaching me.
See? So much more effective! Commas are so attention-grabbing. They allow the reader to read on to fully engage in the situation transcribed in your story and further imagine it in their head. By doing this, you are sure to get a lot of readers interested.
Fancy words
Fancy words are by far the greatest way to attract your readers. People love fancy words, it's a well-known fact! When typing, think of (or search up on http://thesaurus.com ) for alternate words. For example, when writing a discussion, you ALWAYS want to use a different selection of words.
An example of fancy words
"You know that's dangerous," said Nathan, staring abruptly down the abyss, "We should leave while we still can!"
"Not until we find what we're looking for!" muttered Jordan, on a small stone ledge ever so slowly to avoid falling down the long, dark crevasse, "You can turn back, but I'm not leaving!"
Hopefully my guide helped you, and I will do my best to improve it within the near future, when and if I get the time. Please be sure to read my other guides when they are released, and to also direct yourself to the rules of this category if you have not yet done so.
Do not reproduce this without prior permission from the author. If you wish to post this, please PM me to gain acceptance and ALWAYS credit me in the article.