Monday, December 21, 2020

Happy Holidays and 2021 Events


As 2020 comes to a close – thankfully – we at the Insecure Writer’s Support Group would like to thank our members for your support and participation in our events and social sites this year. They were all created for you so that you might be just a little less insecure on your writing journey.

We have several events lined up for 2021:


The next blog posting for the IWSG is January 6.

That is also the day we will be announcing the anthology contest winners. Be sure to tune in that day.



The next #IWSGPit Twitter pitch party is January 20, 2021.

This is a great opportunity for writers to pitch their manuscripts to publishers and agents all day long.

Get all the details at the #IWSGpit page.



We are planning for another anthology contest in a never used genre before.

The contest will open in May.



On behalf of the IWSG admins, we wish all of you a Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and Happy Holidays.


Monday, December 14, 2020

The Recharge Window

 


Writing is a long road. Sometimes the road goes smoothly, but other times the road goes through so many pot holes, stupid gates with stupid locks, down trees, and muck that you may not think you will ever see civilization again. What? You never experienced a gate that protects another gate that protects a house no one lives in before? Okay. Maybe that is less writing and more day job. Literal roads like that stink. Trust me.

Lots of times we drive on through. We push and sometimes it works out great. Other times not so much. You get stuck in the deep, dark woods and have to wait for someone to pull you out. Only to find you have no cell service. That would be when the voices in your head decide to run away. But by pushing, did they really run? They could have been telling you, much like your body when you over exercise, that they need a break and you didn't listen. Now they aren't listening to you.

It's been said many a time this time of year to break and take time with family. That is true. Do it. Real life has to take priority in many a case, but don't rely on the "magic" day. Much like new years where many throw words around like "fresh" or "new start" or some other delusion, going until certain stops like the holidays isn't necessarily going to help you write more.

Your mind needs a break when it needs a break. It may be a few weeks in December or it may be April Fools day. Or Barbie in a Blender day. Yeah. That's a thing. There may never be a rhyme or reason to it. It may never have a certain schedule. But if you force it, you may end up stuck in the deep, dark woods and having to wade through mud to get a cell signal before the voices finally come back.

So my convoluted and run-on point would be to not wait for anything. If you need a break, no matter when it is, take it. If you want to start an exercise routine then do it. You can enjoy family time, writing, and many other aspects of life any time of the year. You just have to make a conscious effort to do so and not buy into the "magic" or "fresh" or whatever other words that make little practical sense are thrown at you.

And hopefully by taking that break when you really need it and not when a schedule or holiday dictates, you will find yourself a more productive writer. Unless you are productive another way. Then do that! Don't ever change something that works. Even if a rhyming cat tells you to.

Do you believe in a fresh start with a new year? Do you think there is a magic day? Have you ever gotten stuck down a long crappy road? Have you ever pushed yourself too far and found you couldn't write anything? Do you wait for a certain time or take the break when you need it?



And don't forget to have your tweets ready to go for:


The next #IWSGPit will be in January 20, 2021
8:00 am - 8:00 pm Eastern Standard Time

Create a Twitter-length pitch for your completed and polished manuscript and leave room for genre, age, and the hashtag. On January 20, 2021, Tweet your pitch. If your pitch receives a favorite/heart from a publisher/agent check their submission guidelines and send your requested query.

Many writers have seen their books published from a Twitter pitch - it’s a quick and easy way to put your manuscript in front of publishers and agents. 

Go HERE for more info and the rules!

Monday, December 7, 2020

From Solitude to Connection: Jackie Fender from Creative Colloquy on Starting a Writing Community with Open Mics and More

 


If you are reading this, you can likely attest that the action of writing, the very being of a writer is a solitary endeavor.

Though the process of writing tends to be a very raw, vulnerable, and emotional experience, the art of storytelling is an extrovert by nature. From the dawn of time, communities have gathered to narrate tales through the tradition of oral storytelling while gathering around an open flame, to joining over a shared feast to connect and conspire. It is in our instinctual nature to weave tall tales for others.

For a moment in history, I served as Managing Editor for a local indie lit magazine. Though a short stint, it was through that opportunity that I connected with many of my peers who shared my affinity for the written word and from there friendships blossomed. Even after the demise of the literary publication that brought us together, it was over shared drinks and morning coffees a common, reoccurring topic of discussion emerged. “Would it be cool if...” Wouldn’t it be cool if we had a platform to share short stories? Wouldn’t it be cool if we could connect for a regular open mic? Wouldn’t it be cool to meet other writers in the area…and so an idea, and then a plan formed. It was not my idea alone, it was a group of us, daydreaming about the potential of a thing.  

And in February of 2014 Creative Colloquy was born with a mission to support local writers and foster relationships built upon the mutual admiration of the written word through a variety of platforms. We started first with an online publishing platform followed by the first of our live reading events and open mics. In the beginning it was all about the art of asking and hoping for the best. We didn’t even know if anyone was going to show, we just wanted to share stories.

I called six of my friends most insistent that it would be cool if we had this “thing,” and asked if they would send a story for the website and be willing to read if I could score a venue. They, of course, said yes. Next, I connected with the owner of my favorite local cafĂ©. Known for its cozy and eclectic ambiance, live events, and nicely curated beer selection, it was my very first choice. The owner to this day has a reputation of cultivating a stellar bumping space fondly remembered and sorely missed by many. He also said yes, so then it was only a matter of spreading the word.

That came easier than I anticipated. Newspapers are staffed with writers and writers tend to be eager to support other writers! So, we set a date, asked our friends to show up and were pleasantly surprised by the outpouring of support from local arts and culture publications. They too had recognized a void in this platform. You could find a few amazing and reliable organizations that supported poetry, but you would be hard pressed to find a space where you were encouraged to bring your short fiction or novel excerpt.

The stage was set, we had the gumption, wonderfully talented writerly friends, the perfect venue, and a solid buzz of anticipation, all that was left was waiting to see if anyone showed up. And show up they did. 


First Open Mic Night at B Sharp Coffee House

As people filed into the room, I was floored that the majority of faces were unfamiliar to me. 50-60-word loving souls came to fill the seats and steep themselves in the written word. As we continued on our journey it became clear that poets could dig it too and we swiftly began to expand upon our submission guidelines allowing for writers outside of Tacoma to the general “South Sound” region and including poetry and other genres to be among the words you could find among our pages and spotlighted on stage. More than anything at the core of our vision was inclusivity bridging genres and generations, spanning demographics and experience levels each and every gathering.


Creative Colloquy Open Mic


We grew more so, each event thrumming with an energy that comes when storytellers crawl out from behind their keyboards to share stories and space. Among our programming offerings you will find our online literary site open for submissions monthly. An annual print publication pairing a matrimony of poetry, short stories, essays, and art all crafted by South Sound creatives. A yearly storytelling festival each autumn boasting a pub crawl styled literary readings happening simultaneously in an evening of literary performances, art, and music. We’ve recently hidden nearly 100 messages in a bottle submitted by local scribes inspired by the prompt “Glimmers of Light."


Creative Colloquy "Glimmers of Light" 

Also, we have facilitated a selection of workshops hosted by local professionals in their field exploring themes, experiences, and creative concepts that both help participants to hone their skills and find kernel of inspiration they are seeking.

Example of a Class from CC

One of the things I’ve discovered as Founder and Event Producer of this grassroots organization is that in the art of asking, you might just help fuel the alchemy of the human spirit that happens when we find the courage to share narratives  with one another and you’ll definitely hear a good story or two.

BIO: Jackie Fender (Casella) has been a resident of Tacoma and surrounding areas since she was just a glimmer. She’s an editorial writer with columns among the pages of the Weekly Volcano, and has been published by City Arts Magazine, South Sound Talk, Post Defiance, South Sound Magazine, and Grit City Magazine. Other creative community endeavors have included Tacoma ART BUS/Duchess of Downtown Tours, Wrist Magazine, and Art on the Ave. Fender was awarded the 2018 AMOCAT Award for Outreach by an Individual. Peruse stories, submit your own work or find out more about Creative Colloquy at CreativeColloquy.com. 

Links: Creative Colloquy Website    Creative Colloquy Facebook    Creative Colloquy Instagram

A Note from Tyrean Martinson (one of the admin team from IWSG): I can personally attest to the way Creative Colloquy builds up and encourages authors in the local community. I am inspired by their work and am honored to have a bit of writing in one of those bottled up Glimmers of Light. I've attended classes and open mic events. I've met authors and grown as an author. While we at IWSG want to encourage you to connect here, we also want to encourage you to make local connections. If you want to meet the Creative Colloquy peeps, their Zoom classes are open - a writer from Australia attended one I went to recently. Plus, you can re-watch their classes on Facebook.

 

 

Monday, November 23, 2020

Judging a Writing Contest


By Elizabeth Spann Craig

Judging a writing contest can be a real treat. You have the opportunity to read excellent emerging or established writers, sometimes in a genre that’s different from what you usually write or read. Plus, reading other writers’ work can help inform and improve your own writing.

Here are six questions I like to ask as I read contest entries:

1. Did the story comply with the theme and contest guidelines? This is sort of like following directions for school assignments—it’s key. With some stories there’s more adherence to the theme than others and it can make a difference when judging. It’s tricky working within the confines of a theme and guidelines—entries that do, and do it well, get extra points.

2. Does the story hook me right away? This is crucial for books, but especially for short stories. There’s no time in a short story to load up with backstory and entries that do will be at a disadvantage.

3. Is there obvious conflict early in the story? This goes hand-in-hand with the previous question and is vital for story pacing and keeping the reader (or the contest judge) engaged.

4. Does the character have a clear goal? Is he or she developed as much as possible within the limits of the story’s length? The protagonist’s goal is the whole point of the story . . . it’s why the story exists. The protagonist doesn’t necessarily have to obtain his goal but there does need to be one stated. I don’t expect a ton of character development within the parameters of a short story, but I do expect enough to feel a connection (good or bad) to the main character and to keep the other characters distinct from each other.

5. Is the story clear and focused?
If I get confused as I’m reading, I’ll go back and try to figure out what’s happening by re-reading. If I’m still confused, it’s a bad sign for the story.

Here are two ways I like to keep organized when judging:

1. Make notes in the margins. When you’re reading lots of entries, it helps to make notes in the margins with Track Changes or on paper if you’re working off printed sheets. The notes can help remind you of excellent sections of a story and parts that didn’t work as well. You can even tally up the totals to come up with a rating as you work through the entries.

2. Re-read my top picks. Sometimes there’s not immediately a clear favorite for me among the entries but several that I especially enjoyed. That’s when I re-read my top picks. Reading the best stories back-to-back can help clarify which is superior to the others.

Have you judged writing contests? What tips can you add?


Elizabeth is the bestselling cozy mystery author of the Southern Quilting mysteries, the Myrtle Clover Cozy Mysteries, the Village Library Mysteries, and Memphis Barbeque mysteries for Penguin Random House, Midnight Ink, and independently. Follow her on Twitter where she shares writing links @elizabethscraig or at her blog where she offers tips for writers. She lives in Matthews, North Carolina with her husband and is the mother of two.

Monday, November 16, 2020

Zero Drafting

 


Zero Drafting
Juneta Key

Have you ever heard of Zero Draft?  It is basically a way to draft your story that focuses on JUST telling yourself the story.  This way of creating that first draft is giving yourself permission to write without corrections or proper grammar or punctuation.  

You just write (tell it) until you get the story told.  The first draft will be a revised version or it may be your final draft just depends on your process and how well it works for you. 

There are many different styles, and different names for zero draft that mean similar if not the same thing.  


  • Discovery Draft

  • Pre-draft

  • Initial draft

  • Blueprint

  • Original draft

  • Early draft

  • First Outline

The main distinguishing factor with zero draft for me is that you are giving yourself permission to tell instead of show, write crap, use bad grammar or no punctuation.  

The goal is to get the whole story told so you have something to work with, and not having to  imagine in “scene style” trying to figure it ALL out.  

Once you have your zero draft and you start writing scene style, you have a good idea what the scene is you are writing and where it is leading because of the zero draft.

I don’t quite throw all the rules I use to the wayside (although you can--give yourself permission to throw them all out), however, I do tell myself the story first, rather than show.  Sometimes I incorporate a traditional style scene into my zero draft, if I have a strong image in my mind.  

So my zero draft may have pieces fully played out (shown) and others more like an outline (tell). The best part is I can do anything I want to do---I gave myself permission because the ONLY GOAL is to get the story told, so I can start the real writing and polishing, molding and shaping.  

After all, the revision is where the magic will really happen, but first I have to have something to work that magic on, right?

(BICW) Butt in chair writing!!!! Zero draft and just keep going until the end.  The point is to finish.  The persistent turtle crossed the finish line, while the unfocused rabbit ran a million circles and never made it to the finish line. 

THE KEY

The key is--get it told.  The zero draft is your clay, and revision is the place you create the final mold. Yes, I repeated that sentiment, more or less, because it is an important concept and writing process that helps you find your way through the meandering quagmire of the first story.  

The interesting thing I have found is that by allowing myself to tell the story, the story structure, especially the five plot points of the story, are almost always present in the zero draft.  

Why?  Because we humans naturally know how story works because we have heard it, read it, watched it, and told our own all of our lives.  

Zero draft for me is easier than just coming up with thirty scenes per act as is often done in the creation of outlines.    I can also use the one sentence or paragraph method in the zero draft, which can be similar to outlines.  

As a pantser, it has really helped me move forward in my writing but even if you are not a pantser, you might find this method freeing, allowing you to create an expanded synopsis of your outline.  

I have tried giving my EDITOR (Me) and my MUSE (me) their own identities, personifying them.  At one time I named my left brain the Editor Hook, and my right brain, the muse, Dark Muse.  

I would send the crocodile (in my imagination) after Hook to chase him away, so Dark Muse could play.  It works sometimes but mostly I still have the same troubles.  I also find myself floundering at about 20,000 or 25,000 words approaching that HUGE middle.  

That is why I was excited when I learned about the zero draft.   It is something I have been experimenting with and finding forward progress for my writing. 

I hope if you try it, you find it gives you some freedom from the hamster wheel of never finishing, and moves you forward to the end.  


Zero Draft Videos from YouTube

Here is my favorite video showing zero drafts, by Katytastic. I believe her approach is more like a panster sort of...


https://youtu.be/cHnoBhjScGQ

Here is another zero draft video, this one by Kim Chance, that I like, but her approach is definitely as a person who outlines, and has a lot of stress about the first draft.  She helped her anxiety by learning the zero draft to finish her second contracted book.

https://youtu.be/SPMkA5Lv4Ec


Monday, November 9, 2020

4 Manuscript Errors to Fix Before You Hire an Editor

You did it! You’ve seen through the whole process of writing a book, and that’s certainly cause for celebration. But as one chapter closes, so to speak, experienced authors will know all too well that another is waiting to begin. Once you and your manuscript have had some time to cool off, you’ll need to start the tedious task of editing.


Though it can be a long and arduous job, a thorough edit is crucial to any book’s success. Enlisting the help of a professional will make for a smoother ride, but a complete overhaul of your book won't come cheap. So to avoid paying editors to fix problems you can take care of yourself, first rid your manuscript of these four errors!

1. A shaky story structure 

“When you write a book, you spend day after day scanning and identifying the trees. When you’re done, you have to step back and look at the forest.” This is the advice that literary legend Stephen King gives to aspiring authors in his memoir On Writing. What he means is that the first step in any successful edit is to look at your book as a whole.


Though it’s essential to tidy your prose further down the road, the first round of editing should focus on ensuring that your story structure is complete and compelling. Big changes can be daunting (which is why lots of authors jump straight to the minutiae), but now’s the time to roll up your sleeves and get to work — your book will thank you for it.


One way to assess your big-picture plot is to make a note of every scene in your manuscript, either on notecards or using writing software. Describe what happens in a couple of short sentences and jot down any advancement in the plot. To make the process more visual, try color-coding the scenes according to character, plot thread, and theme, so you can clearly see what the scene is advancing, what might be hogging the limelight, and what could use more airtime. 


By looking at your manuscript as a whole, you’ll quickly recognize any major structural problems. Don’t make the mistake of assuming you’ll have none! Whether you’re a plotter or a pantser, it’s nigh impossible to write a book without going off script: perhaps you got carried away with a character’s backstory, or inspiration struck and you took an unexpected turn. Discovering errors as large as a pacing problem or tangled plot thread is painful for any writer, but it’s always better to fix them before hiring a developmental editor — who would charge a pretty penny for a whole structural rewrite.

2. An unmotivated cast

You can never be told too often about the importance of character motivation: what your character wants is what drives the narrative arc. Without this, your story wouldn’t exist. 


Every single character, but especially the protagonist and antagonist, should have a multilayered chain of motivations. For example, you might say that Harry Potter wants to defeat Lord Voldemort. Sure, but to truly understand his motivation, you need the ‘in order to’: what influences are driving this desire? Harry Potter wants to defeat Voldemort, in order to save the Wizarding World. Why? Because he wants to protect the people that he cares about. Why? Because he grew up without parents and now treasures his relationships more than anything. 


A well-rounded character will have a whole set of varying motivations. For example, Harry is also motivated by the desire to fit in and make friends. You can think of your own character’s motivations like a hand of playing cards: if they’re going to act, they must first ‘play’ a motivation. Picture each scene through their eyes and ask yourself what reason they have for acting the way they do. 


As the puppetmaster behind your characters, you’ll have a much deeper understanding of their motivations than an editor, so it’s best to save the expertise of editors for other tasks. And if you do come across a scene where your character’s motivations are unclear, the error should hopefully be fixable with a quick clarifying tweak, or the addition of a scene or two. If not, perhaps that scene is unrealistic and you should cut it!

3. Small descriptive inconsistencies

Once you’re happy with your characters on a big-picture scale, it’s time to take out your magnifying glass and zero in on all the details.


Little descriptive details are essential to character development. They bring your cast to life and lend insight into what they’re inclined to notice about their surroundings. However, if these details are inconsistent — if your protagonist’s neighbour is six feet tall on one day, for example, and struggling to peer out the kitchen window on another — then your believable characters begin to crumble. 


Of course, it’s easy to see how small descriptive inconsistencies can slip through the cracks. When you’re writing a novel with a large cast and interlacing plot threads, minor details about secondary characters and infrequent settings are hard to keep track of. And if you, the author, find it difficult to remember these details, you can understand how long it might take an editor to comb through — which is why it’s best to check your manuscript for overlooked errors before hiring a professional.


As you read through your manuscript you might create a master document of easily ‘forgettable’ details — perhaps for each character and location — to refer back to. And if you want to double-check (because it’s always good to be thorough) you can go through your list and use Command + F to search your manuscript for each instance of that detail.


4. Lots of excess fat

I always like to bring my posts full circle, so let’s end with another writing quote from the esteemed Stephen King. “When your story is ready for a rewrite, cut it to the bone. Get rid of every ounce of excess fat.” If you want to know what this looks like as a number, the general rule is that you should be cutting around ten percent. I know that sounds like a lot of hard work down the drain, but trust me, you will end up with a stronger manuscript. 


If you’re unsure where to start and what to cut, then you can find ‘how to edit a book’ checklists online, or you can try an online editing tool like ProWritingAid or Hemingway. But don’t worry — whether it’s filter words or whole characters, there is always a way to trim your novel. 


As you nip and tuck your book in preparation for hiring a professional editor, the most important thing to remember is to be patient. The more careful and thorough you are during your self-edit, the less money you’ll have to spend on a professional editor — not to mention, the more time they’ll have to elevate your book in more nuanced, interesting ways.




Eve Lynch is a writer with Reedsy, a marketplace that connects authors with the world’s best publishing resources and professionals. In her spare time, Eve enjoys travelling with friends and reading literary fiction, so she’s often on the lookout for scenic new places to sit down with a book — or maybe do a little writing of her own!


Wednesday, November 4, 2020

#IWSG - To snack or not to snack! That is today's musing.



It’s time for another group posting of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group! Time to release our fears to the world – or offer encouragement to those who are feeling neurotic. If you’d like to join us, click on the tab above and sign up. We post the first Wednesday of every month. I encourage everyone to visit at least a dozen new blogs and leave a comment. Your words might be the encouragement someone needs.


The awesome co-hosts for the November 4 posting of the IWSG are Jemi Fraser, Kim Lajevardi, L.G Keltner, Tyrean Martinson, and Rachna Chhabria!

November 4 optional question - Albert Camus once said, “The purpose of a writer is to keep civilization from destroying itself.” Flannery O’Conner said, “I write to discover what I know.” Authors across time and distance have had many reasons to write. Why do you write what you write? 

 

 It's my turn to post on the main blog and I'm late! I even have my calendar set to send me a reminder and I still managed to screw it up!

But...I'm here now and I'd like to talk about something that's really important to writers...

 Snacks

There are a few types of writers.

Those that eat snacks while they write.

Those that don't eat snacks while they write.

 

Those that eat snacks as a reward system.

Those that eat snacks when they can't write. 

Those that forget to eat all together.

 

 What type am I? All of the above. Except that last one. I don't think I've ever forgotten to eat. :)

If you're wondering why beverages were left out of this post, its only because beverages are imperative to writers.

So, do you have a writer snack type? What's a favorite snack? Do you need a snack intervention?

 ***

 


The next #IWSGPit will be in January 20, 2021
8:00 am - 8:00 pm Eastern Standard Time


Create a Twitter-length pitch for your completed and polished manuscript and leave room for genre, age, and the hashtag. On January 20, 2021, Tweet your pitch. If your pitch receives a favorite/heart from a publisher/agent check their submission guidelines and send your requested query.

Many writers have seen their books published from a Twitter pitch - it’s a quick and easy way to put your manuscript in front of publishers and agents. 

Go HERE for more info and the rules!

Monday, October 19, 2020

Those Tricky Words

I just don't have time to do all I want anymore. Or should that be any more? English loves to keep writers on their toes with words like these. For example, if I'm surprised that someone ate every blasted cookie I baked that morning, I huff into the room with the empty cookie jar and demand, “Clarence, how could you eat all of these already?" But what about all ready? 

Why couldn’t English be more logical and clearer?
The problem about English, well about human language in general, is nobody “designed” it. And maybe I shouldn’t call it a problem at all, because like humans, language has evolved and survived as a most fascinating part of our world. English is all about life and how it changes. We borrow from other languages when people immigrate, conquer their neighbors, and marry into different cultures. Our language changes because new ideas, new inventions, new ways of doing things come into existence. This process is irregular and unpredictable, so it’s no wonder we’re confused about something as simple as word choice. 

Then there’s the fact that spoken English changes far faster than the written form, so we hear the “wrong” word choice a long time before what is “wrong” to set down on the page becomes “right.” One thing grammarians and linguists agree on is that we must have rules, otherwise, we definitely won’t be able to communicate with the written word.  

To continue in the tradition of the rule makers and followers, here’s a quick reference for those tricky words. I hope this list of some of the most often confused words and how to use them will come in handy when you’re editing. 

Anymore
Refers to time
He doesn’t live here anymore.
Any more
Refers to quantities
I don’t have any more money.

Lying (Lie)
This verb doesn’t take an object. 
Brutus was lying on the rug. /Brutus lies on the rug every night.
Laying (Lay)
This verb takes an object. 
The hens are laying eggs like crazy./The hens lay eggs a lot these days. 
Note: Just in case you forgot all that boring grammar, the object is the noun following the verb. In the sentences for laying/lay the object is “eggs.”
All ready
Describes being  completely prepared
Dinner is all ready.
Already
Describes something completed in time.  
I’ve already done that.  

Lose /lewz/
Present tense of to lose, a verb opposite of find
Did you lose your wallet?
Loose /lews/
An adjective meaning the opposite of tight.
I lost ten pounds, so my pants are loose around my waist.

Advice
A noun meaning something offered as helpful guidance in making decisions or taking action.
I should have taken your advice and not bought this car.
Advise
A verb meaning to offer someone guidance in making decisions or taking action.
I’d advise you not to buy that car.

Further
Distance, but in a metaphorical sense. 
I want to further my career. 
Farther
Distance in a physical sense.
I can walk any farther tonight.
Note: This one is a slippery eel for a couple of reasons: Each one can be an adverb, an adjective, or a verb. And what is metaphorical anyway? Is “I can’t write any further tonight” metaphorical or physical? Tough call. Writers who can’t make up their minds opt for farther, and most readers aren’t going to nail you because they’re not sure either. This pair of words has caused no end of linguistic issues. In conversation you seldom hear further, so it seems that farther might be the winner here eventually. In the meantime, in written English try to make the right choice whenever possible.

Eminent
A word used to describe someone famous.
Dr. Smoooze is an eminent surgeon.
Imminent
A word used to describe something about to happen.
The fire is very close, so evacuation from the area is imminent.
Note: If you can hear that the “E” in eminent sounds more like the one in “every,” and the “I” in imminent is higher as in “impossible” that might help distinguish these two totally unrelated words.

Fewer
If you can count it, use fewer.
I drank two glasses of wine last night, one fewer than the night before.
Less
If you can’t count it, use less.
I drank less wine last night.
Note: Spoken English disregards this rule entire. Careful writers don’t. Not yet. 


Affect
A verb meaning to cause some change in someone or something. It’s a cause.
The loss of her beloved cat will seriously affect Prunella.
Effect
A noun meaning the result of some action or condition. 
Noun: Prunella’s breakdown was the effect of the loss of her beloved cat. (I hope the example is helpful in spite of the terrible sentence.)

Note: Effect is sometimes a verb as in “to effect change.” 

Principle
A noun meaning a basic rule or belief. Also chief.
Dinkle based his decision on the principle of do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

Dinkle’s principle concern is honesty.
Principal
The head of a school. 
Remember the princiPAL is your PAL. 


Compliment
A noun or verb meaning something positive said or given to another.
I love getting compliments about my hair. 
Let me compliment you on how lovely your hair looks.
Complement
A thing that completes or brings to perfection
That dress complements your complexion.
Note: These two sound exactly alike (homophones), but they are totally unrelated. It’s all about the spelling.

Destroy
A verb meaning to end something or someone completely.
The blast destroyed the outhouse.
Cranky Mosley destroyed my self-confidence with his remarks.
Decimate
A verb meaning to reduce by ten percent.
The llamas were decimated by the storm. Fortunately, the other ninety percent are safe. 

Envelop
A verb meaning to surround completely.
The neighborhood was enveloped by smoke.
Envelope
A noun meaning something made of paper to hold letters.
Don’t lick the envelope. Use the sponge.


Do you have other confusing words that send you off to the dictionary when you’re writing? If I’m seriously in doubt, I often avoid the tricky words and find another way to tell the story.