The Unnecessary Necessary Scene

Moonstruck is one of my favorite romantic comedies of all time. I can watch it a dozen times and never get tired of it. The story follows widow Loretta, played by Cher (in an Oscar-winning performance) who agrees to marry her unremarkable boyfriend Johnny, who is on his way to see his dying mother in …

Confessions Of An Ellipsis Abuser

Hi, my name is Debbie and . . . I . . . abuse . . . ellipses. I can't seem to help myself. I love using those suckers. I use them in dialogue. I use them in description. I use them to give my stories big dramatic pauses. I . . . just . …

Two Neat Editing Tips

I'm currently in the process of editing my WIP. I like to edit. I also hate to edit. Editing is great because so much stuff is already there on the page.  I spoke of "blank page fright" in my post about writers block.  Without having to face a blank page, it seems far less intimidating.  …