Don't even think the word can't right now. The easiest way to start writing a poem is to let the words lead you. Watch...
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“Flowers Are Red” — My Teaching Story (National Write Down Your Story Day)
Today (March 14th) is National Write Down Your Story Day. One of my stories is why I decided to be a teacher, which is not what I wanted to be when I was a kid. In truth, I wanted to be an archeologist for the longest time, but that dream ended in 8th grade after [...]
No excuses — What’s new this year?
Happy New Year (and one month)!I haven't written much in quite some time, mostly due to being super busy. But I'm still here, and I'm going to get back on track! You read that right. I plan to get back to my writing so much so that you will be able to read my posts [...]
“Capturing a Dragon” — a short story
Dardo’s wings were tired, his mouth ached, and his back itched underneath his midnight blue scales. After two years on the run, he knew he couldn’t stop until he found a place that could hide his massive form. “Mother?” he asked the starry sky. “Where can dragons hide if there aren’t any caves?” He smiled as he imagined her deep purple eyes thinking of an answer. His smile faded when he thought of his own answer. “Maybe we’re not meant to live.”
Red Pen Tidbits 10 (the end): Using articles — a, an, & the
Welcome back to the final in the series of Red Pen Tidbits (click for a full table of contents)! I will likely revisit this title, but it will no longer be part of a series. Last time we looked at a few of those tricky Verb Tenses. This week as we embark on the end, we'll explore the proper [...]
Red Pen Tidbits 9: Verb Tenses — 2 Tips for Errors (Author Toolbox)
Welcome back to Red Pen Tidbits (click for a full table of contents)! Last time we looked at a few of those tricky commonly confused words. This week, by special request from Erika Beebe, we'll dive into verb tenses and how they affect our writing. What exactly are we talking about here? We're all aware of the basic verb [...]
Red Pen Tidbits 8: Commonly Confused Words
Welcome back to Red Pen Tidbits (click for a full table of contents)! How has your practice with coordinating conjunctions gone? I hope it was wonderful! This week, we're looking into four pairs of commonly confused words. Sometimes it helps to have some way to remember them, so I'll offer up mnemonic devices when I can! What [...]
Red Pen Tidbits 7: Three Ways to Use Coordinating Conjunctions (Author Toolbox)
Welcome back to Red Pen Tidbits! We took a dive into three steps for using pronouns and antecedents correctly. I hope you've been practicing! This week, we're focusing on commas with coordinating conjunctions. Don't worry, I'll try to make this as painless as possible! This post is also part of the Author Toolbox Blog Hop. Feel free [...]
Red Pen Tidbits 6: Pronouns and Antecedents, 3 steps for getting them right
Welcome back to Red Pen Tidbits! Last time around we looked into the proper ways to use me, myself, and I. That little tidbit leads us into this week's discussion about pronouns and their antecedents. We'll look at _ steps for understanding them and getting them right (see the pronouns there?). Are you ready? Step [...]
Unknown Sins: a historical fiction short story (Week 25)
Darkness. I was surrounded in darkness again. The small, narrow room disappeared with the sun, leaving me as cold and lonely as these prison walls. Why did they arrest me last night? Why did they lock me in this tiny cell, devoid of windows and filled with spiders?
Red Pen Tidbits 5: Me, Myself, and I (Author Toolbox)
Welcome back to Red Pen Tidbits! Last time we focused on the topic with the most votes (those tricky one or two word combos). This week, we'll discuss the second topic with the most votes: how to use me, myself, and I correctly. This post is also part of the Author Toolbox Blog Hop. Feel [...]
Red Pen Tidbits 4: One Word or Two Words — 7 of the trickiest combos
Oftentimes we're writing merrily along when we suddenly stop in the middle of a word. We know exactly how to spell this word, so the trouble lies elsewhere... Is this supposed to be one word or two words?
Red Pen Tidbits 3: Who vs. Whom
Here we go again with a little Red Pen Tidbit! Last time we looked at the variety of uses for apostrophes, and before that was our introduction to grammar and usage. This week, we'll explore a few tricks to remember the difference between who and whom. Who Whom Who will be joining us today? What exactly are [...]
Red Pen Tidbits 2: Apostrophes
Welcome back to Red Pen Tidbits! I introduced this new series last week with an overview about grammar and usage. Every first and third Thursday of the month we'll look a little closer at some aspect of grammar or usage. This week, we'll check out apostrophes! I don't know about you, but sometimes when I [...]
Red Pen Tidbits 1: Introduction to Grammar and Usage
Welcome to my first post in the "Red Pen Tidbits" series where we will make mistakes and break the rules! Sort of. What are you talking about? I have taught English for several years from 6th grade up to 12th grade, and I love it. One of the moments I enjoy the most are when [...]
“Puzzle Pieces” — a short story
“Don’t tell me we went the wrong way.” Logan growled like an angry tiger and kicked the air in front of him, which caused him to trip over a hidden root and fall on his face. He started to yell, but nothing came out. Instead, he looked up and stared at the trees.
7 Types of Phrases That Add Detail to Your Writing — Author Toolbox
Welcome to your crash course in phrases of the dependent variety! Do you feel like you're at school, yet? Don't fret, there's no test. This time. Let's start with the basics: What is a phrase? A phrase is a word or group of words that expresses a single concept within a sentence. It is dependent, [...]
3 Types of Book Reviews You Can Write and How to Write Them — Author Toolbox
A book review -- your opinion about a book based on evidence from it. We've seen them on Amazon and Goodreads. We may have even read a few... but are we writing them, too? Wait? Writing a book review? I can't do that. I don't know how to do that... Please don't ask me! Please! [...]
“Remember the Tulips” — Flash Fiction, week 10
He took a deep breath. “Your dad was a wicked one when he tried to turn you back down the aisle instead of giving you away.” He laughed. “You pulled him instead to make sure he gave you away, though.” He paused. “Strong-willed, your father. Too strong-willed to stick around here, so I couldn’t even watch you grow up.”
4 Steps for Setting up a Writer’s Notebook (Classroom Edition)
Earlier this week I was asked what it takes to set up writer's notebooks in the classroom: cost, time, content, etc. I shared why I use them in my post last year (The Wonderful World of Writer’s Notebooks), but this post is dedicated to the logistics. (You're welcome, Jeffery Frieden!) To start, let me say that [...]
