A writing teacher shares strategies that work from 34 years of teaching writing. These articles are practical and easy to implement immediately.

Brenda Mahler

Writing Strategies to Improve Your Craft By Brenda Mahler

In writing, a transition serves the purpose of creating a smooth and easy to follow exchange in ideas. Their addition to writing increases understanding as well as the pleasure of reading. Think of a…

In writing, a transition serves the purpose of creating a smooth and easy to follow exchange in idea ...

Transitions Convey Readers Smoothly Through the Story

Every writers’ dream begins differently. Even though the names of the main characters differ as much as the motivations that drive the action, they all share a basic desire. They all want success…

Every writers’ dream begins differently. Even though the names of the main characters differ as much ...

Don’t Allow the Writer in You to Die

Recently, I started writing stories about my dog. Seems natural since retiring. I spend more and more time with her, Dagney. Because of the bond we share, I notice her attention to detail, her…

Recently, I started writing stories about my dog. Seems natural since retiring. I spend more and mor ...

Writing Entertaining Stories is Not Enough

Yes, I am that person. When driving through town I will sigh heavily when the wrong word appears on a billboard. Yes, I will point out usage mistakes, in an overly polite manner; I tell myself it is…

Yes, I am that person. When driving through town I will sigh heavily when the wrong word appears on  ...

There — Their — They’re: A Simple Strategy for Proper Usage

For the first time I comprehend the definition of writer’s block. Lately, I have immersed myself in reading about writing. My mind swirls with suggestions of what to do and what not to do. The lists…

For the first time I comprehend the definition of writer’s block. Lately, I have immersed myself in  ...

Don’t Allow What Works for Others to Stifle Your Writing

Sometimes writers believe comma placement is determined by where a natural pause occurs. Unfortunately, what feels natural for one reader may be different for another. For example, an often shared…

Sometimes writers believe comma placement is determined by where a natural pause occurs. Unfortunate ...

Commas Cheat Sheet - Live Your Life On Purpose

In the age of text messaging, capital letters are often disregarded. Shortcuts become embedded practices. Then, when the mode of communication changes, the rules become forgotten. Sometimes, a…

In the age of text messaging, capital letters are often disregarded. Shortcuts become embedded pract ...

Capitalization Cheat Sheet - Live Your Life On Purpose

When I relax with a book, I want it to escort me into another world so completely that my body shivers from the chilling winter winds and usher me past the words on the page to visualize individual…

When I relax with a book, I want it to escort me into another world so completely that my body shive ...

Writers Escort Readers to New Worlds - Curiosity Never Killed the Writer

When a publisher told me to define my voice, I released a piercing scream. Everyone within a block radius heard my frustration. The voice emerging from my lips was not impaired. Voice!? What does…

When a publisher told me to define my voice, I released a piercing scream. Everyone within a block r ...

Create a Voice that Captures a Reader - The Writing Cooperative

For many, writing creates apprehension and uncertainty. The first stage of the writing process reduces negative emotions as it provides strategies that encourage writers to begin the journey to a…

Writing Strategies to Improve Your Craft By Brenda Mahler

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