{"appState":{"pageLoadApiCallsStatus":true},"categoryState":{"relatedCategories":{"headers":{"timestamp":"2022-05-17T12:31:17+00:00"},"categoryId":33711,"data":{"title":"Writing","slug":"writing","image":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Academics & The Arts","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33662"},"slug":"academics-the-arts","categoryId":33662},{"name":"Language & Language Arts","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33687"},"slug":"language-language-arts","categoryId":33687},{"name":"Writing","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33711"},"slug":"writing","categoryId":33711}],"parentCategory":{"categoryId":33687,"title":"Language & Language Arts","slug":"language-language-arts","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33687"}},"childCategories":[],"description":"What are you writing? Whether it's your doctoral dissertation or the great American novel, we can help you get organized, polish up your prose, and get the right kind of attention for your words.","relatedArticles":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles?category=33711&offset=0&size=5"}},"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33711"}},"relatedCategoriesLoadedStatus":"success"},"listState":{"list":{"count":10,"total":157,"items":[{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-27T16:50:37+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-03-16T14:10:58+00:00","timestamp":"2022-03-16T18:01:10+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Academics & The Arts","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33662"},"slug":"academics-the-arts","categoryId":33662},{"name":"Language & Language 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book.","description":"When you explore writing children's books, you enter a different world, one filled with book formats — from board books to young adult novels — and a whole different set of rules to follow and restrictions to heed for each.\r\n\r\nIf you want to become a successful children's book author, you need to know how to edit your work and how to promote your book.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9734,"name":"Peter Economy","slug":"peter-economy","description":"Peter Economy is a best-selling business author, ghostwriter, development editor, and publishing consultant with more than 100 books, including several Dummies books, to his credit.","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9734"}},{"authorId":9757,"name":"Lisa Rojany","slug":"lisa-rojany","description":"Lisa Rojany has written and ghostwritten more than 100 children's and grown-up's books, both fiction and nonfiction, including board books, picture books, and young adult 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Children's Books For Dummies, 3rd Edition","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":true,"authorsInfo":"\n <p><b data-author-id=\"9757\">Lisa Rojany</b> has written and ghostwritten more than 100 children's and grown-up's books, both fiction and nonfiction, including board books, picture books, and young adult series. <b data-author-id=\"9734\">Peter Economy</b> is a best-selling business author, ghostwriter, development editor, and publishing consultant with more than 100 books, including several Dummies books, to his credit.</p>","authors":[{"authorId":9757,"name":"Lisa Rojany","slug":"lisa-rojany","description":"Lisa Rojany has written and ghostwritten more than 100 children's and grown-up's books, both fiction and nonfiction, including board books, picture books, and young adult series.","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9757"}},{"authorId":9734,"name":"Peter Economy","slug":"peter-economy","description":"Peter Economy is a best-selling business 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Here’s a quick overview of the most important points to keep in mind:</p>\n<ul>\n<li>If a sentence doesn’t contribute to plot, character development, or setting, delete it.</li>\n<li>Make sure your characters don’t all sound the same when they speak.</li>\n<li>If you have a page or more of continuous dialogue, you probably need to tighten it up.</li>\n<li>When changing place or time, or starting a new scene or chapter, provide brief transitions to keep your story moving smoothly.</li>\n<li>Make sure to keep the pace moving from action to action, scene to scene, and chapter to chapter.</li>\n<li>If you find yourself using a lot of punctuation (!!!), CAPITAL LETTERS, <em>italics,</em> or <strong>bold,</strong> you don’t have your words working hard enough for you.</li>\n<li>If you can find one word to replace two or more words, do it.</li>\n<li>Be careful with changing tenses midstream. If you tell your story in the past tense, stick with it throughout. If you tell it in present tense, then stick with that. Be consistent.</li>\n<li>Don’t use an excessive amount of adjectives, adverbs, and long descriptive passages.</li>\n<li>After you choose a point of view for a character, stick to it.</li>\n<li>If your character hasn’t changed by the end of your story, you probably haven’t yet fully fleshed them out.</li>\n<li>If your character talks to themselves or does a lot of wondering aloud, give them a friend to talk to.</li>\n<li>If you’re bored with a character, your reader will be, too.</li>\n<li>If you can’t tell your story in three well-crafted sentences — the first one covering the beginning, the second one alluding to the climax (the middle), and the last one hinting at the ending — you may not have a complete story yet.</li>\n<li>If you find yourself overwriting because you’re having trouble expressing exactly what you mean, sit back and say it aloud to yourself, and then try again.</li>\n<li>Get quality feedback; you don’t have to edit in an isolation bubble.</li>\n<li>After you finish your draft, set your project aside for some time — at least one day and sometimes even a few months. Return to it with fresh eyes and a clear head. You can edit much more effectively with some time away, and how to fix sticky places becomes more obvious.</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Tips for writing books for children ages 2 to 8","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>The rules for writing books for children ages 2 to 8 are different from the rules for writing books for middle graders or young adults. Keep the following 12 commandments in mind.</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">It&#8217;s okay to be different from others, but it&#8217;s not easy.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Bad guys never win.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">The good guy must come out on top in the end.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Extremes rule (the world is black or white, not both — most children ages 10 and under can be quite literal).</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">All characters should be drawn with both good points and weaknesses. No one is just one or the other — even the good and the bad guy.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">It&#8217;s fine for something to be scary, but it can never touch a little kid&#8217;s body.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Little people can triumph over big people.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Poopoo, peepee, tushies, passing gas, burping, underwear — they&#8217;re all hilarious.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Turning things upside down is funny — as long as those things make sense in the first place right side up.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Magic can occur as a logical reaction to an action.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Regular children can perform extraordinary feats.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Regular children can go on implausible missions sanctioned (or not) by adults in charge.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n<p>Like with most commandments, you may be able to dance around one or two, but you’d better have a good reason.</p>\n"},{"title":"What not to do when writing a children's book","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>In the same way that writing children’s books has a unique set of rules to follow (you know that the good guy or gal always wins), you should never do some things — never!</p>\n<p>Don’t even consider doing any of the following in a book for children:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Write books that preach or lecture.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Talk down to children as if they&#8217;re small, idiotic adults.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Write books that have no real story (nor a plot with beginning, middle, end).</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Use art that is totally inappropriate for the story or vice versa.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Pack picture books with lots of text.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Pack nonfiction books with too much text and too few visuals.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Create characters who are boring or unnecessary to the development of the story.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Create main characters who have a problem they don&#8217;t solve themselves or who don&#8217;t change throughout the course of the story.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Tell instead of showing by using narrative as a soapbox.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Anthropomorphize animals or use alliterative names (Squishy Squirrel, Morty Mole — Wretched Writer).</p>\n</li>\n<li>Assume that writing for kids is easy.</li>\n<li>Illustrate your story if you&#8217;re not already an illustrator.</li>\n<li>Use an adult as the main character (except maybe in young adult fiction).</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"How to promote your children's book","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>After you&#8217;ve written a children&#8217;s book, you have to sell it — you didn&#8217;t spend all that time and effort just to entertain yourself, did you? Try to accomplish one of the following tasks each week to help your labor of love blossom to life in the marketplace:</p>\n<ul>\n<li>Add new content weekly to your website, social media, or blog to keep it fresh.</li>\n<li>Try to line up live readings in bookstores, schools, or libraries.</li>\n<li>Do an interview for a children’s book–related podcast.</li>\n<li>Submit your book for an award or prize — or ask your publisher to do so.</li>\n<li>Get your book reviewed on Amazon, Goodreads, by a children’s book blogger, or some other review site.</li>\n<li>Consider creating a trailer for your book and conduct and post a Use Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok (use the #BookTok hashtag!), and other social media to keep fans updated on professional news related to your book or your writing (or illustrating).</li>\n<li>Set up a book giveaway, using Amazon’s giveaway feature.</li>\n<li>Start working on your next book. The next book provides great publicity for previous books.</li>\n<li>Make business cards for your book, with its website and sales links included, and hand them out to everyone you know.</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Age levels for children's books","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>If you’re writing a children’s book, familiarize yourself with how publishers classify those books. Publishers generally assign various formats to these reader age groups:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Board books: Newborn to age 3</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Picture books: Ages 3 to 8</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Coloring and activity (C&amp;A) books: Ages 3 to 8</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Novelty books: Ages 3 and up, depending on content</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Early, leveled readers: Ages 5 to 9</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">First chapter books: Ages 6 to 9 or 7 to 10</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Middle-grade books: Ages 8 to 12</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Young adult novels: Ages 12 and up, or 14 and up</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n<p class=\"Remember\">You can veer off a year or so in either direction when you assign a target audience age range to your work.</p>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Advance","lifeExpectancy":"Five years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2022-02-04T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":208138},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-27T16:53:48+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-03-15T20:34:27+00:00","timestamp":"2022-03-16T00:01:10+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Academics & The Arts","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33662"},"slug":"academics-the-arts","categoryId":33662},{"name":"Language & Language Arts","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33687"},"slug":"language-language-arts","categoryId":33687},{"name":"Writing","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33711"},"slug":"writing","categoryId":33711}],"title":"Writing Young Adult Fiction For Dummies Cheat Sheet","strippedTitle":"writing young adult fiction for dummies cheat sheet","slug":"writing-young-adult-fiction-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Learn the rules and quirks of writing for the very opinionated audience of teens and tweens, including crafting realistic dialogue.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"The elements of storytelling are the same for young adult fiction and adult fiction, but writers of young adult fiction must come at those elements with a wholly different mindset. After all, this category has its own rules, its own quirks, and its own very opinionated audience: teens and tweens.","description":"The elements of storytelling are the same for young adult fiction and adult fiction, but writers of young adult fiction must come at those elements with a wholly different mindset. After all, this category has its own rules, its own quirks, and its own very opinionated audience: teens and tweens.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":10170,"name":"Deborah Halverson","slug":"deborah-halverson","description":"Deborah Halverson founded the writer's advice website DearEditor.com and was a veteran editor for young adult and children's fiction before picking up a pen and writing the teen novels Big Mouth and Honk If You Hate Me. She's worked with authors for more than 20 years.","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/10170"}},{"authorId":10171,"name":"M. T. Anderson","slug":"m-t-anderson","description":"","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/10171"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33711,"title":"Writing","slug":"writing","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33711"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":187560,"title":"Creating Teen Dialogue when Writing Young Adult Fiction","slug":"creating-teen-dialogue-when-writing-young-adult-fiction","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/187560"}},{"articleId":187555,"title":"Evaluating Character and Plot in Young Adult Fiction","slug":"evaluating-character-and-plot-in-young-adult-fiction","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/187555"}},{"articleId":187552,"title":"Young Adult Fiction Categories and Age Ranges","slug":"young-adult-fiction-categories-and-age-ranges","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/187552"}},{"articleId":187551,"title":"Writing Young Adult Fiction: Creating a Youthful Narrative Voice","slug":"writing-young-adult-fiction-creating-a-youthful-narrative-voice","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/187551"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":290254,"title":"Writing Sci-Fi, Fantasy, & Horror For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"writing-sci-fi-fantasy-and-horror-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/290254"}},{"articleId":288489,"title":"College Admission Essays For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"college-admission-essays-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/288489"}},{"articleId":285236,"title":"APA Style and Citations For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"apa-style-citations-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/285236"}},{"articleId":283563,"title":"10 Ways to Grow Your Personal Power with Writing","slug":"10-ways-to-grow-your-personal-power-with-writing","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/283563"}},{"articleId":283552,"title":"10 Steps to Writing a Book","slug":"10-steps-to-writing-a-book","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/283552"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":282683,"slug":"writing-young-adult-fiction-for-dummies","isbn":"9780470949542","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0470949546/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/0470949546/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/0470949546-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0470949546/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/0470949546/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/writing-young-adult-fiction-for-dummies-cover-9780470949542-202x255.jpg","width":202,"height":255},"title":"Writing Young Adult Fiction For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":"\n <b data-author-id=\"10170\">Deborah Halverson</b> founded the writer's advice website DearEditor.com and was a veteran editor for young adult and children's fiction before picking up a pen and writing the teen novels <i>Big Mouth</i> and <i>Honk If You Hate Me</i>. ","authors":[{"authorId":10170,"name":"Deborah Halverson","slug":"deborah-halverson","description":"Deborah Halverson founded the writer's advice website DearEditor.com and was a veteran editor for young adult and children's fiction before picking up a pen and writing the teen novels Big Mouth and Honk If You Hate Me. She's worked with authors for more than 20 years.","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/10170"}},{"authorId":10171,"name":"M. T. Anderson","slug":"m-t-anderson","description":"","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/10171"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;academics-the-arts&quot;,&quot;language-language-arts&quot;,&quot;writing&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9780470949542&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-623128c6ccfea\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;academics-the-arts&quot;,&quot;language-language-arts&quot;,&quot;writing&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9780470949542&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-623128c6cd93f\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Cheat Sheet","articleList":[{"articleId":187552,"title":"Young Adult Fiction Categories and Age Ranges","slug":"young-adult-fiction-categories-and-age-ranges","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/187552"}},{"articleId":187551,"title":"Writing Young Adult Fiction: Creating a Youthful Narrative Voice","slug":"writing-young-adult-fiction-creating-a-youthful-narrative-voice","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/187551"}},{"articleId":187560,"title":"Creating Teen Dialogue when Writing Young Adult Fiction","slug":"creating-teen-dialogue-when-writing-young-adult-fiction","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/187560"}},{"articleId":187555,"title":"Evaluating Character and Plot in Young Adult Fiction","slug":"evaluating-character-and-plot-in-young-adult-fiction","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/187555"}}],"content":[{"title":"Young adult fiction categories and age ranges","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>The two categories of young adult literature — young adult (YA or &#8220;teen fiction&#8221;) and middle grade (&#8220;MG fiction&#8221;) — are split into several age ranges to help book buyers and readers judge the age-appropriateness of the content and the writing. The shift from tween to teen begins around age 12, and standard age ranges reflect that.</p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Middle Grade (MG)</b><b></b></p>\n<p>25,000 to 45,000 words</td>\n<td>Ages 9 to 12</td>\n<td>Older elementary into middle school, grades 4 through 7</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td></td>\n<td>Ages 10 to 14</td>\n<td>Middle school into early high school, grades 5 through 9; these<br />\nkids may be reading older MG and younger YAs</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Young Adult (YA)</b><b></b></p>\n<p>40,000 to 60,000 words</td>\n<td>Ages 12 and up</td>\n<td>Older middle school into high school, grades 7 through 12</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td></td>\n<td>Ages 14 and up</td>\n<td>High school, grades 9 and up; generally understood to cap at<br />\nage 17</td>\n</tr>\n</tbody>\n</table>\n"},{"title":"Writing young adult fiction: creating a youthful narrative voice","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p><i>Narrative voice</i> — what your narrator says and how he says it — is a defining feature of young adult fiction. Here are five ways to make your narrative voice teen-friendly, whether your narrator is your young main character or an all-knowing omniscient being:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Embrace your inner drama queen. </b>Use hyperbole, or words and phrases that suggest an overly dramatic view of the situation, its extent, its implications, and its impact on the protagonist herself. &#8220;It was the best day ever.&#8221; &#8220;Mom was going to kill me.&#8221; Many teens lack the experience to put things in perspective, and their stress and frustration often show up as exaggeration.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Relax your grammar. </b>Let sentences purposely run on, double-back on themselves, repeat, and end prematurely for a natural flow. As long as you keep the meaning clear, the grammar police won&#8217;t come after you. Creative grammar lets you selectively deviate from the rules for a more casual, off-the-cuff, and ultimately youthful quality.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Match sentence structure and paragraphing to your audience. </b>As young people&#8217;s emotions, intellect, and interests change, a writer&#8217;s word choice and sentence structure must adjust. Generally, use shorter, more declarative sentences and frequent paragraph breaks for tweens and younger teens so the pages don&#8217;t seem dense and daunting; slip in longer sentences for rhythmic variety as long as they&#8217;re direct and active. More complex sentence structure and longer paragraphs tend to convey a more mature voice for older readers.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Embrace immaturity. </b>Young tweens are typically focused inward, with conflicts stemming from that. They&#8217;re struggling to find out who they are, first and foremost.<b> </b>Don&#8217;t let young narrators sound too self-aware by analyzing themselves or others. Let them judge and act quickly, harshly, and wrongly — and then face the consequences. Teens are starting to look outward as they try to find their places in the world and realize that their actions have consequences in the grander scheme of life, affecting others in immense ways. Your narrator&#8217;s observations and commentary must reflect the appropriate youthful outlook for your protagonist and audience age range.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Don&#8217;t preach. </b>Let the characters embody your message and live your lessons.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Creating teen dialogue when writing young adult fiction","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Writing dialogue that sounds like it spilled from the lips of teens makes your young adult fiction novel more believable to your audience. Use these five tips to defy your age and write dialogue that&#8217;s both young-sounding and youth-pleasing:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Blurt things out. </b>Teens often talk first and think second. And their tact filters aren&#8217;t fully developed yet.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Choose simple words. </b>Young people don&#8217;t generally break out the 50-cent words in normal dialogue unless they&#8217;re fascinated by words or maybe want to show off how smart they are.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Exaggerate. </b>For emphasis, teens and tweens often talk in exaggerations, revealing their still-developing perspective of the world and their tendency to overstate in times of high emotion and frustration. Think, &#8220;I&#8217;m a total loser.&#8221;</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Lighten up.</b> Ditch stiff, proper grown-up delivery and embrace casual syntax instead. String your words together in a more footloose fashion, and maybe throw in a little bad grammar while you&#8217;re at it. Few people implement grammar precisely when they&#8217;re in a back-and-forth. After all, when you&#8217;re trying to get the words out, why bother sorting out sentence structure just so you can use &#8220;whom&#8221; properly? Loose syntax is more effective at conveying youthfulness than depending on slang, which can date your book.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Make the conversation about the speaker. </b>Teens are a self-absorbed lot, and that can come out in their words. Frame teen dialogue from a perspective that focuses on how the circumstances affect the speaker. Thus, instead of &#8220;Tom seemed sad today. I wonder why?&#8221; use &#8220;Tom blew me off today. What&#8217;s up with that? What did I do to him?&#8221;</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Evaluating character and plot in young adult fiction","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p class=\"Tip\">As you write your manuscript for young adult fiction, edit your work by evaluating characters and plot. Self-editing lets you address story issues even before you ask someone to read your young adult novel. Here are five questions to help you decide whether you still have some character- and plot-shaping to do:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Did you force your protagonist out of their comfort zone at crucial moments?</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Has each obstacle pushed the plot and characters forward?</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Are the consequences of failure dire enough at each stage of the plot?</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Does each scene in each chapter contribute to its chapter&#8217;s overall goal, and does every chapter contribute to the character&#8217;s achievement of their story goal?</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">If you take your protagonist as they are in the final scene and drop them back into the first scene of the story, have they matured enough to handle the initial conflict so well this time around that your novel wouldn&#8217;t even be necessary?</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n<p>If you&#8217;re confident answering <i>yes</i> to all, you may indeed be at word-tweaking stage and perhaps last draft.</p>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Advance","lifeExpectancy":"One year","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2022-03-15T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":208603},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2021-09-16T18:33:37+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-03-15T20:23:06+00:00","timestamp":"2022-03-16T00:01:10+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Academics & The Arts","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33662"},"slug":"academics-the-arts","categoryId":33662},{"name":"Language & Language Arts","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33687"},"slug":"language-language-arts","categoryId":33687},{"name":"Writing","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33711"},"slug":"writing","categoryId":33711}],"title":"APA Style and Citations For Dummies Cheat Sheet","strippedTitle":"apa style and citations for dummies cheat sheet","slug":"apa-style-citations-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Get advice for using the APA style, which is essential for writing college essays and adjusting to college experiences.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Life requires regular adjustments to new environments — college is one of the most demanding. Maybe you're an undergraduate and want help deciphering the <em>Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, Seventh Edition.</em> In order to write A-worthy papers, you need to be able to understand and implement the APA style. This handy Cheat Sheet offers advice for using the APA style and adjusting to college experiences.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_285237\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"556\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-285237\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/apa-college-student-writing.jpg\" alt=\"college student writing an essay\" width=\"556\" height=\"371\" /> © insta_photos / Shutterstock.com[/caption]","description":"Life requires regular adjustments to new environments — college is one of the most demanding. Maybe you're an undergraduate and want help deciphering the <em>Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, Seventh Edition.</em> In order to write A-worthy papers, you need to be able to understand and implement the APA style. This handy Cheat Sheet offers advice for using the APA style and adjusting to college experiences.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_285237\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"556\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-285237\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/apa-college-student-writing.jpg\" alt=\"college student writing an essay\" width=\"556\" height=\"371\" /> © insta_photos / Shutterstock.com[/caption]","blurb":"","authors":[],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33711,"title":"Writing","slug":"writing","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33711"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":290254,"title":"Writing Sci-Fi, Fantasy, & Horror For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"writing-sci-fi-fantasy-and-horror-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/290254"}},{"articleId":288489,"title":"College Admission Essays For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"college-admission-essays-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/288489"}},{"articleId":283563,"title":"10 Ways to Grow Your Personal Power with Writing","slug":"10-ways-to-grow-your-personal-power-with-writing","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/283563"}},{"articleId":283552,"title":"10 Steps to Writing a Book","slug":"10-steps-to-writing-a-book","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/283552"}},{"articleId":209381,"title":"Writing Fiction For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"writing-fiction-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/209381"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":284220,"slug":"apa-style-citations-for-dummies","isbn":"9781119716440","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1119716446/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1119716446/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/1119716446-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1119716446/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/1119716446/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/apa-style-and-citations-for-dummies-cover-9781119716440-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"APA Style & Citations For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":true,"authorsInfo":"\n <p><b data-author-id=\"34513\">Joe Giampalmi</b>, EdD, is a Hall of Fame educator with over 50 years of experience. During his two decades at Rowan University, Giampalmi has taught more than 100 APA-style composition research courses.</p>","authors":[{"authorId":34513,"name":"Joe Giampalmi","slug":"joe-giampalmi","description":"Joe Giampalmi, EdD, is a Hall of Fame educator with over 50 years of experience. During his two decades at Rowan University, Giampalmi has taught more than 100 APA-style composition research courses.","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/34513"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;academics-the-arts&quot;,&quot;language-language-arts&quot;,&quot;writing&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119716440&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-623128c6c287a\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;academics-the-arts&quot;,&quot;language-language-arts&quot;,&quot;writing&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119716440&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-623128c6c31fd\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Cheat Sheet","articleList":[{"articleId":0,"title":"","slug":null,"categoryList":[],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/"}}],"content":[{"title":"Transitioning to college essay writing","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>High school English classes generally prepare students very well for college essay-writing courses, especially advanced high school classes and classes with self-motivated students who read regularly. But a number of students enter college unprepared for the academic demands of college essay writing.</p>\n<p>Here’s a quick comparison showing differences between high school and college essays:</p>\n<table>\n<caption><strong>High School and College Essay Differences</strong></caption>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"101\"><strong>Criteria</strong></td>\n<td width=\"180\"><strong>High School Essays</strong></td>\n<td width=\"183\"><strong>College Essays</strong></td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"101\">Grading time</td>\n<td width=\"180\">Teacher teaches approximately 150 students, five periods a day, five days a week —ten minutes grading per essay requires 25 out-of-class hours</td>\n<td width=\"183\">Teacher teaches approximately 80 students, twice a week — 20 minutes grading per essay requires 26.5 hours, allocated over nonteaching days</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"101\">Drafts</td>\n<td width=\"180\">One draft</td>\n<td width=\"183\">Portfolio of essays require two to three drafts</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"101\">Reader value</td>\n<td width=\"180\">Essay message written for high school reading audience</td>\n<td width=\"183\">Essay message written for college reading audience</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"101\">Instructional delivery</td>\n<td width=\"180\">Assigned with minimal assignment sheet, limited class instruction, and teacher-centered goals and objectives</td>\n<td width=\"183\">Taught regularly in class; detailed assignment sheet includes department goals and objectives</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"101\">Sources</td>\n<td width=\"180\">Summarizing outside reading source may be required; unsupported student opinion common</td>\n<td width=\"183\">Synthesizing two to three reading sources required; unsupported student opinion not accepted</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"101\">Opening strategy</td>\n<td width=\"180\">Not usually required or part of class instruction; not graded</td>\n<td width=\"183\">Taught as part of class instruction; graded</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"101\">Compositional risks</td>\n<td width=\"180\">Not usually required or part of instruction or grading</td>\n<td width=\"183\">Specific to assignment and department goals; part of classroom instruction and graded</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"101\">Support availability</td>\n<td width=\"180\">Limited support; availability of teacher support after school</td>\n<td width=\"183\">Constant support availability during walk-in office hours, at college writing center, and academic success center</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"101\">Revising</td>\n<td width=\"180\">Synonymous with editing of spelling, grammar, and punctuation</td>\n<td width=\"183\">Classroom revising required at three levels: structural, paragraph and sentences, and word level</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"101\">Length</td>\n<td width=\"180\">500 to 550 words</td>\n<td width=\"183\">600 to 650 words</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"101\">Structure</td>\n<td width=\"180\">Generally centered around five paragraphs</td>\n<td width=\"183\">Thematic requirement and length necessitate multi-paragraph development.</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"101\">Topic requirements</td>\n<td width=\"180\">Centered on supporting a thesis with the focus on who and what</td>\n<td width=\"183\">Centered on developing an argument to support a thesis with the focus on how and why</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"101\">Essay completion rate</td>\n<td width=\"180\">Approximately 15 percent of high school students neglect to submit essays or submit incomplete essays</td>\n<td width=\"183\">Neglecting one college essay almost always results in a course failure</td>\n</tr>\n</tbody>\n</table>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n"},{"title":"Preparing APA seventh edition assignments for final submission","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Take a deep breath, a celebratory drink from your water bottle, and high-five a friend. You completed a research paper with your best effort. Here are some questions to check your compliance with APA’s seventh edition before submitting your paper:</p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Title page: </strong>Is each element centered and double spaced? Is the title bold, centered, and written in title case? Is the title positioned in the top half of the page? Is your name written two double spaces below the title? Does the title page include your professor’s name and title as well as the name of the department and the course name and number? Do you address professor and department variations of the title page, variations that supersede APA requirements?</li>\n<li><strong>Formatting: </strong>Does paper formatting include the title at the top of page 2, numbering in the right corner, one-inch margins, and 12-point Times New Roman font? Are paper sections properly sequenced and heading levels accurately positioned? Does page formatting address font, spacing, numbering, and margins? Do bulleted lists that aren’t sentences end without end punctuation? Are hard page breaks inserted to introduce new sections that begin at the top of a new page? Does the research paper pass the eye test of what a college paper should look like?</li>\n<li><strong>Organization: </strong>Does the organized sequence of paper sections include title page, abstract or executive summary, contents, references, endnotes, tables and figures, and appendices? Does the organizational structure include the use of five levels of headings, section labels, and appropriate uses of lists?</li>\n<li><strong>Writing style: </strong>Does the writing style include strategies for audience, purpose, focus, approach, transitions, and flow? Does sentence structure address active verbs, specific nouns, agreement, and misplaced description? Does language include bias-free references to race, ethnicity, age, disabilities, gender and gender identity, and sexual orientation? Does the writing include accurate use of conventions of style? Does the writing include feedback and revising at three levels: structural, sentence, and word?</li>\n<li><strong>Citations and references: </strong>Is every idea taken from another source cited and listed in the reference? Do citations follow the general format of author and date? Are references accurately formatted with alphabetizing, double spacing, hanging indentations, and other required elements? Do you have an appropriate ratio of primary and secondary sources? Was the writing, especially citations and references, reviewed by writing experts, such as those available at the college writing center?</li>\n</ul>\n<p>Does the assignment represent your best effort, an effort that you’re proud of? Before final submission, did you first email your paper to yourself to ensure no loss of formatting?</p>\n"},{"title":"Tips for adjusting to a new college climate","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>First-year college students adjust to campus life at different rates and acclimating may take two to three semesters. Avoid comparing yourself to others and remain patient and positive. Here are a few tips for socializing on campus and meeting new people.</p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Attend every class.</strong> Attending class not only offers you socialization opportunities, but it also reinforces your reason for attending college.</li>\n<li><strong>Attend athletic events and similar activities. </strong>That’s a great way to find people with the same interests as you.</li>\n<li><strong>Avoid socializing with one person exclusively and analyze pros and cons of rooming with a good friend.</strong> Give yourself the opportunity to meet as many people as possible.</li>\n<li><strong>Attend college sponsored orientations, scheduled for students like you.</strong> Student orientations are designed to provide you a variety of experiences to meet people.</li>\n<li><strong>Arrive at classes ten to fifteen minutes early to socialize with students in your classes.</strong> Initiate conversation related to course topics such as: How’s your essay going? What&#8217;s the most interesting thing you&#8217;ve learned so far in this class?</li>\n<li><strong>Join a couple of campus organizations to meet students with diverse interests. </strong>Look for an organization related to your major. Attend a number of initial meetings of organizations, then follow up with the organizations that most interest you.</li>\n<li><strong>Walk the campus regularly taking a different route each time. </strong>Make eye contact with people you see and say “hi.”</li>\n<li><strong>Avoid going home every weekend.</strong> Decorate your dorm room with a few mementos of your home life. If you’re a commuter, spend as much time on campus as you can. Colleges offer accommodations for commuters.</li>\n<li><strong>Eat regularly at the busiest campus dining hall.</strong> Sit at a table with a large number of students and introduce yourself.</li>\n<li><strong>When working with students on group projects, exchange contact information and suggest a group text for communicating.</strong> You’ll need these contacts for completing your group academic projects, and they also increase your social network.</li>\n<li><strong>Ask questions. </strong>You not only learn new information, but each question is an opportunity to make a new acquaintance.</li>\n<li><strong>Frequent the campus fitness center.</strong> Exercise helps you physically and mentally and also provides an opportunity to meet people in a relaxed atmosphere.</li>\n</ul>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Advance","lifeExpectancy":"Two years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2021-09-16T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":285236},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-27T16:57:41+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-03-10T19:10:11+00:00","timestamp":"2022-03-11T00:01:05+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Academics & The Arts","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33662"},"slug":"academics-the-arts","categoryId":33662},{"name":"Language & Language Arts","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33687"},"slug":"language-language-arts","categoryId":33687},{"name":"Writing","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33711"},"slug":"writing","categoryId":33711}],"title":"Creative Writing For Dummies Cheat Sheet","strippedTitle":"creative writing for dummies cheat sheet","slug":"creative-writing-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Get started crafting page-turning fiction following a few tried-and-tested writing and editing strategies.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Do you want to be the next J.K. Rowling and dream up a character like Harry Potter? Do you want to write poems or plays? Follow this handy Cheat Sheet, which breaks down the process into manageable tasks, and helps you to develop your style.","description":"Do you want to be the next J.K. Rowling and dream up a character like Harry Potter? Do you want to write poems or plays? Follow this handy Cheat Sheet, which breaks down the process into manageable tasks, and helps you to develop your style.","blurb":"","authors":[],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33711,"title":"Writing","slug":"writing","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33711"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":290254,"title":"Writing Sci-Fi, Fantasy, & Horror For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"writing-sci-fi-fantasy-and-horror-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/290254"}},{"articleId":288489,"title":"College Admission Essays For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"college-admission-essays-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/288489"}},{"articleId":285236,"title":"APA Style & Citations For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"apa-style-citations-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/285236"}},{"articleId":283563,"title":"10 Ways to Grow Your Personal Power with Writing","slug":"10-ways-to-grow-your-personal-power-with-writing","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/283563"}},{"articleId":283552,"title":"10 Steps to Writing a Book","slug":"10-steps-to-writing-a-book","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/283552"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":0,"slug":null,"isbn":null,"categoryList":null,"amazon":null,"image":null,"title":null,"testBankPinActivationLink":null,"bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":null,"authors":null,"_links":null},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;academics-the-arts&quot;,&quot;language-language-arts&quot;,&quot;writing&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-622a91415b5e2\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;academics-the-arts&quot;,&quot;language-language-arts&quot;,&quot;writing&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-622a91415c13f\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Cheat Sheet","articleList":[{"articleId":194566,"title":"Before You Begin Your Creative Writing","slug":"before-you-begin-your-creative-writing","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/194566"}},{"articleId":194555,"title":"How to Generate Creative Writing Ideas","slug":"how-to-generate-creative-writing-ideas","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/194555"}},{"articleId":194554,"title":"Writing Your First Draft","slug":"writing-your-first-draft","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/194554"}},{"articleId":194565,"title":"Rewriting and Editing Your Creative Writing Project","slug":"rewriting-and-editing-your-creative-writing-project","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/194565"}},{"articleId":194550,"title":"Ways to Develop and Improve Your Creative Writing","slug":"ways-to-develop-and-improve-your-creative-writing","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/194550"}}],"content":[{"title":"Before you begin your creative writing","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Always be prepared! Here’s a checklist of useful writing aids to have with you as you begin to write – just don’t forget the chocolate biscuits.</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">A good notebook</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">A decent pen</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Plenty of paper</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">A computer or laptop</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">A desk or other writing space</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">A dictionary</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">A thesaurus</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"How to generate creative writing ideas","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Writer’s block affects all writers from time to time. If you feel a bit stuck for inspiration, try these techniques to get your creative juices flowing.</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Find a postcard, photograph or painting depicting two or more people and write a story about them.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Look at any object and write about it – where does it come from, who does it belong to, who might want it?</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Read the newspaper for unusual and interesting stories and develop them as fiction.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Listen to conversations on the bus, in a café or at the supermarket. Jot them down and carry them on, seeing where they lead you.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Pick up a book you really like and open it at a random page. Pick a sentence you like and write it down, and then carry on writing your own story.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Pick an emotion and create a story around it. Pick another, and carry on writing. Make the characters move from the first emotion to the second.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Writing your first draft","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Writing a first draft of your creative writing project – whether a novel, short story, poem or play – can be a bit daunting. Follow these handy hints to help you organise your thoughts and manage your time:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Don’t worry about a great opening line yet. Simply start writing wherever you like.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Keep the flow going in the early stages – keep writing without stopping, going back, re-reading or changing what you’ve written.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Remember to show not tell – think about how to dramatise what you’re writing about and create visual images.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Start somewhere else and get going again if you become stuck on a particular passage.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Rewriting and editing your creative writing project","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Rewriting and editing helps to tighten up your work. But it can be difficult – what to chop and when to stop may not be clear, and you may change your mind more than once during the process. Ask yourself whether you need to take out:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Unnecessary information and explanation.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Passages of dialogue that go on too long.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Clunky descriptions that give too much detail.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Clumsy images that don’t really work.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Too many adjectives and adverbs.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n<p>You may need to add or expand:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Something you know but have forgotten to tell the reader; perhaps the age of the main character.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">More specific descriptive information that shows instead of tells; instead of describing a man as ‘old’, describe his white hair, slow gait and mottled hands.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Dialogue of what the characters actually say, rather than summaries.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Material to add interest or create suspense.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">A better opening or closing line.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n<p>You may need to move:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Dramatic sections to make a stronger opening.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Early information to where the reader really needs to know it.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Essential information nearer the beginning of the book.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Descriptive passages to add tension and suspense to incidents.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Words, phrases and sentences to make a better rhythm.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n<p>In your final edit:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Check for grammar, punctuation and spelling mistakes.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Ensure you have no continuity errors.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Pay particular attention to the first and last lines of any section or scene.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Smooth out any awkward words and phrases.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Clarify anything that isn’t clear.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Ways to develop and improve your creative writing","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Here are some top tips for developing your creative writing. No writing is ever a finished product – there are always ways to improve and refine your style.</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Go on a writing course.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Join a writers’ circle.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Find a good library and use it.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Read and re-read good writing.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Attend book festivals, readings and bookshop events.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Explore","lifeExpectancy":"Five years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2022-03-10T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":209313},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2021-09-20T19:16:44+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-03-08T15:22:45+00:00","timestamp":"2022-03-08T18:01:10+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Academics & The Arts","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33662"},"slug":"academics-the-arts","categoryId":33662},{"name":"Language & Language Arts","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33687"},"slug":"language-language-arts","categoryId":33687},{"name":"Writing","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33711"},"slug":"writing","categoryId":33711}],"title":"College Admission Essays For Dummies Cheat Sheet","strippedTitle":"college admission essays for dummies cheat sheet","slug":"college-admission-essays-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"The college admission essay is a pivotal opportunity to distinguish yourself from others and encourage a school to admit you.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"<span class=\"TextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\">Whether you</span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\">’</span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\">re trying to write a</span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\"> college admission </span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\">essay for the Common Application, Coalition, or even a supplemental essay for an individual school, the process of </span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\">writing about </span></span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\">yourself</span></span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\"> might feel unfamiliar and intimidating. However, the </span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\">college </span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\">admission essay is a</span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\"> pivotal opportunity to distinguish yourself from others with </span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\">very similar</span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\"> credentials and encourage a school to </span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\">admit</span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\"> </span></span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\">you.</span></span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\"> </span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\">C</span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\">ommunicate</span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\"> </span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\">clearly and</span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\"> convey not only who you are, but how you came to be that person.</span></span>","description":"<span class=\"TextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\">Whether you</span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\">’</span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\">re trying to write a</span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\"> college admission </span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\">essay for the Common Application, Coalition, or even a supplemental essay for an individual school, the process of </span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\">writing about </span></span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\">yourself</span></span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\"> might feel unfamiliar and intimidating. However, the </span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\">college </span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\">admission essay is a</span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\"> pivotal opportunity to distinguish yourself from others with </span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\">very similar</span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\"> credentials and encourage a school to </span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\">admit</span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\"> </span></span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\">you.</span></span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\"> </span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\">C</span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\">ommunicate</span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\"> </span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\">clearly and</span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW202135157 BCX0\"> convey not only who you are, but how you came to be that person.</span></span>","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":8977,"name":"Geraldine Woods","slug":"geraldine-woods","description":"Geraldine Woods has more than 35 years of teaching experience. She is the author of more than 50 books, including English Grammar Workbook For Dummies and Research Papers For Dummies. At grammarianinthecity.com, Woods blogs about language trends and funny signs she spots around New York City.","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/8977"}},{"authorId":34597,"name":"Jessica Brenner","slug":"jessica-brenner","description":"","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/34597"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33711,"title":"Writing","slug":"writing","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33711"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":290254,"title":"Writing Sci-Fi, Fantasy, & Horror For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"writing-sci-fi-fantasy-and-horror-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/290254"}},{"articleId":285236,"title":"APA Style & Citations For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"apa-style-citations-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/285236"}},{"articleId":283563,"title":"10 Ways to Grow Your Personal Power with Writing","slug":"10-ways-to-grow-your-personal-power-with-writing","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/283563"}},{"articleId":283552,"title":"10 Steps to Writing a Book","slug":"10-steps-to-writing-a-book","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/283552"}},{"articleId":209381,"title":"Writing Fiction For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"writing-fiction-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/209381"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":288168,"slug":"college-admission-essays-for-dummies-2nd-edition","isbn":"9781119828334","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1119828333/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1119828333/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/1119828333-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1119828333/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/1119828333/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/college-admission-essays-for-dummies-cover-9781119828334-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"College Admission Essays For Dummies, 2nd Edition","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":true,"authorsInfo":"\n <p><b data-author-id=\"8977\">Geraldine Woods</b> has more than 35 years of teaching experience. She is the author of more than 50 books, including English Grammar Workbook For Dummies and Research Papers For Dummies. At grammarianinthecity.com, Woods blogs about language trends and funny signs she spots around New York City.</p>","authors":[{"authorId":8977,"name":"Geraldine Woods","slug":"geraldine-woods","description":"Geraldine Woods has more than 35 years of teaching experience. She is the author of more than 50 books, including English Grammar Workbook For Dummies and Research Papers For Dummies. At grammarianinthecity.com, Woods blogs about language trends and funny signs she spots around New York City.","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/8977"}},{"authorId":34597,"name":"Jessica Brenner","slug":"jessica-brenner","description":"","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/34597"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;academics-the-arts&quot;,&quot;language-language-arts&quot;,&quot;writing&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119828334&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-622799e622c8d\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;academics-the-arts&quot;,&quot;language-language-arts&quot;,&quot;writing&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119828334&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-622799e6237fc\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Cheat Sheet","articleList":[{"articleId":0,"title":"","slug":null,"categoryList":[],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/"}}],"content":[{"title":"Tips for writing a good college admission essay","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">You may have heard (correctly!) that college admission essays don’t have the same rules as those five-paragraph analytical essays you were assigned throughout high school. That doesn’t mean you can’t tap into some vital strategies to help you create the most memorable content you can and get admitted to the colleges you want. </span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\"> </span></p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Here are some of those guidelines:</span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\"> </span></p>\n<ul>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Include details.</span></b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Also known as “show, not tell,” this tip means that you must write your essay in a way that paints a clear and specific picture of your topic and avoids sweeping generalizations.</span></li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Focus the essay on one main idea.</span></b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> This doesn’t mean that you can’t have, for example, several experiences included in order to illustrate one main point — such as a character trait you’ve developed — but it does mean that you should avoid writing a complete autobiography. Find a key idea that feels meaningful and important to you and then zoom in. </span></li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Don’t repeat yourself.</span></b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Your longest essay — your personal statement — can’t be any longer than 650 words, or about three quarters of a page. Many other responses will be shorter. Every word and sentence should therefore contribute to the progression of your essay or be cut — you have no room for redundancy.</span></li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Use vocabulary and sentence structure that come naturally to you.</span></b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Because your essay should feel like a conversation with a real person, the last thing you need is something convoluted or overly flowery. With a bit of practice writing naturally, you can discover your writing voice.</span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:1440,&quot;335559739&quot;:110,&quot;335559740&quot;:220,&quot;335559991&quot;:1440,&quot;469777462&quot;:[1340,1440],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0,0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[4,1]}\"><br />\n</span></p>\n<p class=\"Tip\">If you struggle to read your own words aloud, that&#8217;s a good clue that you’ve probably overdone it with your language.</p>\n</li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Be growth-oriented.</span></b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Even if you’re writing about an adversity or hardship, your essay (especially your personal statement) should ultimately showcase learning and growth — not simply that you’re a wallower. As you write and revise, consider what your reader will take away about your resiliency. </span></li>\n</ul>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n"},{"title":"The process for writing college admission essays (in brief)","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Some students mistakenly assume that the best way to map out their own personal statement essay is to read countless college essays by other people. Even though reading sample essays can give you a good sense of what a final structure can look like, this step can only take you so far as a beginner. In fact, comparing your own initial ideas to someone else’s finished product can actually be counterproductive. Instead, you should focus on identifying the personal experiences, memories, and characteristics (specific to you!) that will most reveal who you are to your admissions readers. </span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\"> </span></p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Here are some ways to get ideas churning:</span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\"> </span></p>\n<ul>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Brainstorm important memories</span></b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.</span></b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Consider the moments in your life where your character was tested or revealed, or even the stories that stand out in the minds of those who know you best. Mining your life for material is your best starting point.<br />\n</span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:1440,&quot;335559739&quot;:110,&quot;335559740&quot;:220,&quot;335559991&quot;:1440,&quot;469777462&quot;:[1340,1440],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0,0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[4,1]}\"> </span></li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Talk to people who know you well.</span></b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Ask them how they would describe you, what stories or anecdotes they might recall, or whether a theme you’re considering writing about feels consistent with who they know you to be.<br />\n</span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:1440,&quot;335559739&quot;:110,&quot;335559740&quot;:220,&quot;335559991&quot;:1440,&quot;469777462&quot;:[1340,1440],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0,0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[4,1]}\"> </span></li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Choose a central topic or theme.</span></b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Remember that you aren’t able or obligated to tell the complete story of your life – instead, focus on a key idea that reveals an important aspect of who you are.<br />\n</span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:1440,&quot;335559739&quot;:110,&quot;335559740&quot;:220,&quot;335559991&quot;:1440,&quot;469777462&quot;:[1340,1440],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0,0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[4,1]}\"> </span></li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Gather details.</span></b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> In order to paint a vivid picture for an audience who </span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">doesn’t</span></i><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> already know you, be as specific as you can. Write as if your reader is a blank slate when it comes to you and your topic —because they are!<br />\n</span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:1440,&quot;335559739&quot;:110,&quot;335559740&quot;:220,&quot;335559991&quot;:1440,&quot;469777462&quot;:[1340,1440],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0,0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[4,1]}\"> </span></li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Select a structure.</span></b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> After you brainstorm, you can begin to anticipate how you want the final version of your essay to look — in chronological order, for example, or interrupted chronological order?<br />\n</span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:1440,&quot;335559739&quot;:110,&quot;335559740&quot;:220,&quot;335559991&quot;:1440,&quot;469777462&quot;:[1340,1440],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0,0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[4,1]}\"> </span></li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Write a rough draft.</span></b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> And as you do, try to be patient with yourself. Your real essay will likely emerge out of the revision process (that is, the editing and rearranging that comes after you’ve made your first attempt to lay out your ideas).<br />\n</span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:1440,&quot;335559739&quot;:110,&quot;335559740&quot;:220,&quot;335559991&quot;:1440,&quot;469777462&quot;:[1340,1440],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0,0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[4,1]}\"> </span></li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Revise.</span></b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Once . . . twice . . . then put your essay away for a week for good measure, and then revise again. Revising your essay is the key to not only catching grammatical errors and objective writing flaws, but also in improving your clarity and the overall framework of your essay.<br />\n</span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:1440,&quot;335559739&quot;:110,&quot;335559740&quot;:220,&quot;335559991&quot;:1440,&quot;469777462&quot;:[1340,1440],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0,0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[4,1]}\"> </span></li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Seek feedback from a trusted mentor, friend or family member. </span></b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A second pair of eyes on your writing will help ensure you’re being clear with your essay’s aim and purpose — just make sure that you’re in full control of any edits or changes to your work. </span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:1440,&quot;335559739&quot;:110,&quot;335559740&quot;:220,&quot;335559991&quot;:1440,&quot;469777462&quot;:[1340,1440],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0,0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[4,1]}\"> </span></li>\n</ul>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n"},{"title":"Most commonly selected topics for college admission essays","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Even though the best topic for your college essay is typically the one that feels the most meaningful or interesting to you, the writer (</span>Hint:<span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Can you brainstorm details and insights without a ton of strenuous effort?), you can choose from several categories of topics that can guide your personal reflection. These overlap with the Common Application personal statement prompts and are worth considering:  </span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\"> </span></p>\n<ul>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A significant experience:</span></b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Notice that significant may mean either a positive or negative experience; with an essay as in life, it’s your reaction and perspective that matters.</span></li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A person who influenced you:</span></b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> When you write about an important relationship, you’re revealing your perspective, what you admire, and your takeaway from the individual (and where you differ). Such an essay can (and should) say a great deal about you.  </span></li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Your perspective on a current issue:</span></b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> If you’ve been moved — in particular, into action — by a cause you’ve observed or even changed your mind about something you once assumed to be true, you have an important perspective to be shared.</span></li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A challenge you’ve faced:</span></b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> In relation to showing growth (one of the “musts” for college essays), you should consider where it is you’ve been challenged or stretched beyond your perceived limits. Often you’ll find that your challenges have impacted you far more than your successes.</span></li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">An important passion:</span></b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> When do you lose track of time or feel most like yourself? Your interests and how you spend the time that is entirely yours reveal a great deal about your values and character traits. </span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:1440,&quot;335559739&quot;:110,&quot;335559740&quot;:220,&quot;335559991&quot;:1440,&quot;469777462&quot;:[1340,1440],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0,0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[4,1]}\"> </span></li>\n</ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">No matter what topic you choose, remember one important point: The essay should be about </span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">you. </span></i><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\"> </span></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n"},{"title":"Deciding whether the optional college admission essay is really optional","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Some universities include a supplemental prompt in the Common Application that’s labeled as optional. Even though it’s labeled optional, should you skip it? Heck, no, not unless you </span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">want</span></i><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> to come across as someone who either a) didn’t plan ahead or b) doesn’t care that much about the school. </span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\"> </span></p>\n<p>Spoiler:<span data-contrast=\"auto\"> The optional supplemental essay </span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">isn’t</span></i><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> really optional, with very few exceptions (such as the deadline is tomorrow). Otherwise, you should take the time to write a good, additional essay whenever an application allows you to do so, because leaving an optional supplement blank generally suggests a lack of interest or initiative on your part. The more your reader gets to know you, the more they’ll love you, right? And the essay is the prime spot to introduce yourself in all your complex glory. </span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\"> </span></p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In the Writing section of the Common Application (just below your personal statement), you’ll notice that there is yet another place for an optional essay — it’s labelled as “Additional Information.” The purpose of this section is to give you an opportunity to answer the following question: “Is there anything else about your academic record or circumstances that we should know when we read your application?” Unlike supplemental responses for specific colleges, this essay actually </span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">is</span></i><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> optional. If you’ve exhausted yourself for any possible special circumstances worth explaining and are coming up empty, you don’t have to worry about posting an essay here. </span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\"> </span></p>\n<p class=\"Remember\">One rather large pitfall sits in front of the optional essay: repetition. If you’ve already written your personal statement about the time you were appointed team captain of your lacrosse team, don’t write a supplemental essay telling the same story in slightly different words. Your audience is too busy to deal with duplicates. You can, however, write about two different aspects of the same experience. Essay number one may deal with the growing pains of your early leadership, for example, and essay number two with a particular game where you had to make an executive decision.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n"},{"title":"The basic requirements of a college admission essay","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">At least half the time, when something feels off about your writing, all you need is to take a good look at your structure. The following are the only real requirements for a finished college admission essay: </span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\"> </span></p>\n<ul>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Self-knowledge:</span></b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Your writing should demonstrate that you’re self-aware of your strengths and weaknesses and should indicate your growth (or a desire for growth).</span></li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Substance: </span></b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Include only the important details. That means no fluff.  Cut all excess information so that every sentence of your finished admission essay counts, in the sense that it moves the essay forward. (If your piece reads just fine without a given sentence or two, that’s a good indication that you’re looking at content that isn’t important and needs to be cut.) </span></li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A strong lead that grips the reader from the first few lines:</span></b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Your readers’ (the admission committee members’) attention spans are somewhat limited. (After all, your essay is one of thousands they’ll read.) Without going the route of an over-the-top gimmick, use details and possibly an important moment in your life to start your essay. Doing so cultivates some curiosity about what you’ll say next.</span></li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Consistent tone of voice:</span></b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> You want your readers to feel as if they just had a conversation with you and have gotten to know a real candidate by reading your essay. </span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:1440,&quot;335559739&quot;:110,&quot;335559740&quot;:220,&quot;335559991&quot;:1440,&quot;469777462&quot;:[1340,1440],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0,0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[4,1]}\"> </span></li>\n</ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Beyond these items, your essay might have nothing in common with your best friend’s, though both could be submission-ready.</span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\"> </span></p>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Advance","lifeExpectancy":"Two years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2021-09-20T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":288489},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-27T16:56:43+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-03-04T20:52:02+00:00","timestamp":"2022-03-05T00:01:10+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Academics & The Arts","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33662"},"slug":"academics-the-arts","categoryId":33662},{"name":"Language & Language Arts","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33687"},"slug":"language-language-arts","categoryId":33687},{"name":"Writing","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33711"},"slug":"writing","categoryId":33711}],"title":"Research Papers For Dummies Cheat Sheet","strippedTitle":"research papers for dummies cheat sheet","slug":"research-papers-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Keep this Cheat Sheet handy as you begin working on your research paper. It has tips on organization, note-taking, citing sources, and more.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Before starting a research paper, arrange the information and notes you’ve gathered. Pick one of the basic structures for organizing your research paper and start writing with a strong introduction. Before you turn in the final draft of your paper, go through a grammar checklist — and be sure to cite your sources.","description":"Before starting a research paper, arrange the information and notes you’ve gathered. Pick one of the basic structures for organizing your research paper and start writing with a strong introduction. Before you turn in the final draft of your paper, go through a grammar checklist — and be sure to cite your sources.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":8977,"name":"Geraldine Woods","slug":"geraldine-woods","description":"Geraldine Woods has more than 35 years of teaching experience. She is the author of more than 50 books, including English Grammar Workbook For Dummies and Research Papers For Dummies. At grammarianinthecity.com, Woods blogs about language trends and funny signs she spots around New York City.","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/8977"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33711,"title":"Writing","slug":"writing","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33711"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":200957,"title":"Notetaking on the Computer","slug":"notetaking-on-the-computer","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/200957"}},{"articleId":200799,"title":"Budgeting Your Time to Complete a Research Paper","slug":"budgeting-your-time-to-complete-a-research-paper","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/200799"}},{"articleId":200075,"title":"Forming a Thesis Statement","slug":"forming-a-thesis-statement","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/200075"}},{"articleId":199129,"title":"Surviving Research Paper Disasters","slug":"surviving-research-paper-disasters","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/199129"}},{"articleId":193217,"title":"Grammar Checklist for Your Research Paper","slug":"grammar-checklist-for-your-research-paper","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/193217"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":290254,"title":"Writing Sci-Fi, Fantasy, & Horror For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"writing-sci-fi-fantasy-and-horror-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/290254"}},{"articleId":288489,"title":"College Admission Essays For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"college-admission-essays-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/288489"}},{"articleId":285236,"title":"APA Style & Citations For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"apa-style-citations-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/285236"}},{"articleId":283563,"title":"10 Ways to Grow Your Personal Power with Writing","slug":"10-ways-to-grow-your-personal-power-with-writing","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/283563"}},{"articleId":283552,"title":"10 Steps to Writing a Book","slug":"10-steps-to-writing-a-book","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/283552"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":282538,"slug":"research-papers-for-dummies","isbn":"9780764554261","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0764554263/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/0764554263/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/0764554263-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0764554263/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/0764554263/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/research-papers-for-dummies-cover-9780764554261-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Research Papers For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":"\n <p><b data-author-id=\"8977\">Geraldine Woods</b> is the author of more than 40 books, including the popular <i>English Grammar For Dummies</i>. She has taught high school and middle school English for over 25 years. </p>","authors":[{"authorId":8977,"name":"Geraldine Woods","slug":"geraldine-woods","description":"Geraldine Woods has more than 35 years of teaching experience. She is the author of more than 50 books, including English Grammar Workbook For Dummies and Research Papers For Dummies. At grammarianinthecity.com, Woods blogs about language trends and funny signs she spots around New York City.","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/8977"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;academics-the-arts&quot;,&quot;language-language-arts&quot;,&quot;writing&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9780764554261&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-6222a84631696\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;academics-the-arts&quot;,&quot;language-language-arts&quot;,&quot;writing&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9780764554261&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-6222a84631fff\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Cheat Sheet","articleList":[{"articleId":193213,"title":"When to Cite Sources on Research Papers","slug":"when-to-cite-sources-on-research-papers","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/193213"}},{"articleId":193216,"title":"Note Taking Tips for Research Papers","slug":"note-taking-tips-for-research-papers","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/193216"}},{"articleId":193215,"title":"Useful Structures for Organizing Research Information","slug":"useful-structures-for-organizing-research-information","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/193215"}},{"articleId":193217,"title":"Grammar Checklist for Your Research Paper","slug":"grammar-checklist-for-your-research-paper","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/193217"}}],"content":[{"title":"Note-taking tips","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>While you’re working on your research paper, develop some savvy note-taking habits that will save you loads of time later. Use these tricks for taking notes and organizing your research:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Keep a master list of all sources, including title, author, date, publishing information, and page numbers.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Give each source a code number, and label each note with the code and page number. If the source doesn’t have page numbers, include any other location information.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">If you write the exact words you found in the source, enclose the words in quotation marks.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">If the source credits someone else, write that information in your notes also.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">If you highlight information in a book or article, keep a “table of contents” listing the main idea of each highlight and the page on which it appears.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Useful structures for organizing research information","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Selecting the structure for organizing all of the information you’ve gathered is part of writing your research paper. Try one of these basic structures for your paper:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Chronological order</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Comparison and contrast</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Pro and con arguments</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Cause and effect</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Groups affected by the event or issue</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"When to cite sources","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>A huge faux-pas in the world of research papers is stealing someone else’s ideas. You need to give credit for your sources of information when you’re writing your research paper. Use these rules for citing your sources:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Provide a citation for all direct quotations from printed, electronic, or human sources.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Cite the source whenever you employ someone else’s ideas, even if you express them in your own words.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Cite the source when you use a train of logic or an organizational pattern created by someone else.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Don’t cite the source for information that is common knowledge.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Grammar checklist","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>After countless hours of research and writing, you don’t want to turn in a final draft with grammatical errors. Use this handy grammar checklist to inspect your research paper for mistakes:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Be sure that the subject of the sentence agrees with the verb — singular subject with singular verb, plural subject with plural verb.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Write about literature in present tense.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Write about history in past tense. Use the <i>had</i> form of the verb to show an action occurring before another action.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Don’t change tenses unnecessarily.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Be sure that every pronoun replaces one (and only one) noun. Be especially careful with <i>that, which, </i>and <i>this. </i>Never use these pronouns to refer to a loose collection of ideas.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Be sure that the meaning of each pronoun is clear. Don’t place a pronoun where it may refer to more than one noun.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Place all descriptions near the word they describe.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">End every sentence with an endmark (period, question mark, exclamation point).</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Advance","lifeExpectancy":"Two years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2022-03-04T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":209129},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-27T16:52:38+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-03-03T20:41:44+00:00","timestamp":"2022-03-04T00:01:04+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Academics & The Arts","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33662"},"slug":"academics-the-arts","categoryId":33662},{"name":"Language & Language Arts","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33687"},"slug":"language-language-arts","categoryId":33687},{"name":"Writing","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33711"},"slug":"writing","categoryId":33711}],"title":"Self-Publishing For Dummies Cheat Sheet","strippedTitle":"self-publishing for dummies cheat sheet","slug":"self-publishing-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Always dreamed of adding \"author\" to your resume? Take note of these tips and learn how to self-publish your book.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Turning a great idea into a book through self-publishing is an ambitious project, so be sure to understand the principal steps involved in the process. If you need help with certain aspects of self-publishing, learn how to interview and hire a freelancer to make sure things are done efficiently and correctly.","description":"Turning a great idea into a book through self-publishing is an ambitious project, so be sure to understand the principal steps involved in the process. If you need help with certain aspects of self-publishing, learn how to interview and hire a freelancer to make sure things are done efficiently and correctly.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":10046,"name":"Jason R. Rich","slug":"jason-r-rich","description":"Jason R. Rich is the bestselling author of more than 32 books, including a few self-published titles. He has also ghostwritten several additional books for business leaders and well-known experts in their field. As a journalist, Jason contributes articles to numerous national magazines and major daily newspapers, and he works as a freelance public relations and marketing consultant for companies in a variety of industries.","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/10046"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33711,"title":"Writing","slug":"writing","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33711"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":200695,"title":"Choosing the Right Content for Your Self-Published Book","slug":"choosing-the-right-content-for-your-self-published-book","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/200695"}},{"articleId":200441,"title":"Earn More Royalties via Self-Publishing","slug":"earn-more-royalties-via-self-publishing","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/200441"}},{"articleId":199635,"title":"Avoiding Self-Publishing Mistakes","slug":"avoiding-self-publishing-mistakes","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/199635"}},{"articleId":181367,"title":"The Major Steps in the Self-Publishing Process","slug":"the-major-steps-in-the-self-publishing-process","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/181367"}},{"articleId":181368,"title":"Hiring Freelancers for Your Self-Publishing Project","slug":"hiring-freelancers-for-your-self-publishing-project","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/181368"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":290254,"title":"Writing Sci-Fi, Fantasy, & Horror For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"writing-sci-fi-fantasy-and-horror-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/290254"}},{"articleId":288489,"title":"College Admission Essays For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"college-admission-essays-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/288489"}},{"articleId":285236,"title":"APA Style & Citations For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"apa-style-citations-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/285236"}},{"articleId":283563,"title":"10 Ways to Grow Your Personal Power with Writing","slug":"10-ways-to-grow-your-personal-power-with-writing","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/283563"}},{"articleId":283552,"title":"10 Steps to Writing a Book","slug":"10-steps-to-writing-a-book","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/283552"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":282565,"slug":"self-publishing-for-dummies","isbn":"9780471799528","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0471799521/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/0471799521/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/0471799521-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0471799521/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/0471799521/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/self-publishing-for-dummies-cover-9780471799528-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Self-Publishing For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":"\n <b data-author-id=\"10046\">Jason R. Rich</b> is the bestselling author of more than 32 books, including a few self-published titles. He has also ghostwritten several additional books for business leaders and well-known experts in their field. As a journalist, Jason continues to contribute articles to numerous national magazines and major daily newspapers, and he works as a freelance public relations and marketing consultant for companies in a variety of industries.<br> Some of Jason’s recently published books include <i>The Unofficial Guide to Starting a Business Online,</i> 2nd Edition (Wiley); <i>Pampering Your Pooch: Discover What Your Dog Needs, Wants, and Loves</i> (Howell Book House); <i>The Everything Family Travel Guide to Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and Greater Orlando,</i> 4th Edition (Adams Media); and <i>American Idol Season 4: Official Behind-the-Scenes Fan Book</i> (Prima/Random House). Jason is also writing a series of personal finance guides for Entrepreneur Press, the publishers of <i>Entrepreneur</i> magazine. His most recent self-published book is <i>The Bachelor’s Guide to Life</i> (iUniverse). ","authors":[{"authorId":10046,"name":"Jason R. Rich","slug":"jason-r-rich","description":"Jason R. Rich is the bestselling author of more than 32 books, including a few self-published titles. He has also ghostwritten several additional books for business leaders and well-known experts in their field. As a journalist, Jason contributes articles to numerous national magazines and major daily newspapers, and he works as a freelance public relations and marketing consultant for companies in a variety of industries.","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/10046"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;academics-the-arts&quot;,&quot;language-language-arts&quot;,&quot;writing&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9780471799528&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-622156c02405b\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;academics-the-arts&quot;,&quot;language-language-arts&quot;,&quot;writing&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9780471799528&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-622156c024a53\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Cheat Sheet","articleList":[{"articleId":181367,"title":"The Major Steps in the Self-Publishing Process","slug":"the-major-steps-in-the-self-publishing-process","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/181367"}},{"articleId":181368,"title":"Hiring Freelancers for Your Self-Publishing Project","slug":"hiring-freelancers-for-your-self-publishing-project","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/181368"}}],"content":[{"title":"The major steps in the self-publishing process","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>If you have a great idea for a book and good writing skills, you can have a book professionally published and made available to the general public. The process is called self-publishing and it’s an involved project. The following are the major steps involved with the self-publishing process. The type of book, your time and financial commitment, and the publishing process used will affect the order and time it takes for to you complete these main steps:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Develop an awesome book idea.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Research the idea to make sure that it’s viable as a full-length book.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Define your target audience.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Create a detailed outline for the book’s content.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Research the book’s potential content.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Write the manuscript.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Establish your publishing company (if applicable).</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Have the manuscript edited.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Choose a self-publishing option, such as offset printing or Print-On-Demand (POD), and then hire a printer and/or publisher.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Apply for an ISBN, copyright, and other book-specific information, if necessary (this step may be handled for you, depending on the publishing process you choose and the company you work with).</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Set the cover price for your book.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Select a publication date.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Have the manuscript’s interior pages designed and laid out.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Hire a graphic designer to create your book’s front and back covers.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Develop press materials for your book.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Plan and implement a comprehensive marketing, public relations, and advertising campaign.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Develop a Web site to promote your book.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Begin pre-selling your book (pre-selling includes sending out press materials, promoting the book to distributors, lining up booksellers to sell the book, taking out ads, and so on).</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Have your book listed with online retailers.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Publish the book and ship it to consumers, booksellers, retailers, and distributors (as appropriate).</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Continue promoting and marketing your book as you take orders.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Hiring freelancers for your self-publishing project","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>You may not have the time or knowledge to cover all aspects of self-publishing a book, so interviewing and hiring a freelancer is a great option for ensuring that each step of the self-publishing process is handled correctly. Some freelancers you may need to hire include a ghostwriter, an editor, a graphic designer for layout and/or cover design, a proofreader, salespeople, a public relations/advertising specialist, and a Web site designer. Ask the following questions when interviewing the freelancers to ensure they have experience working on book projects similar to yours:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">What previous experience do you have?</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Have you worked on similar book projects in the past?</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">What are your fees? How do you want to be paid (by the hour or at a pre-defined set rate)?</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Can you complete the necessary work in a timely manner (based on the author’s publication schedule)?</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Can you provide samples of your previous work or list projects you’ve worked on in the past and provide references?</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n<p>Here are some additional tips for hiring qualified freelancers:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Make sure that the freelancer understands your book’s target audience and knows how to reach them appropriately.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Review education, training, and past work experience.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Check references.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Review the freelancer’s portfolio of work.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Negotiate the price or fees in advance. Payment can be based on a flat fee or by the hour. Get a written estimate from the freelancer about the time commitment necessary.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Ensure that the freelancer has time in his schedule to work on your project that matches your time frame.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Determine if you can work with the people you hire. Freelancers shouldn’t compromise your creative vision, so from a creative and personality standpoint, try to pick people you can mesh with.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Advance","lifeExpectancy":"Two years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2021-08-10T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":208412},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-27T16:50:12+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-02-28T17:05:51+00:00","timestamp":"2022-02-28T18:01:08+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Academics & The Arts","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33662"},"slug":"academics-the-arts","categoryId":33662},{"name":"Language & Language Arts","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33687"},"slug":"language-language-arts","categoryId":33687},{"name":"Writing","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33711"},"slug":"writing","categoryId":33711}],"title":"Memoir Writing For Dummies Cheat Sheet","strippedTitle":"memoir writing for dummies cheat sheet","slug":"memoir-writing-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Be author, narrator, and main character when writing your memoir! Start with these tips to make sure nothing gets left out.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Writing a memoir means you’re author and subject, researcher and storyteller, narrator and audience. That’s a lot to ask of any writer, though a good way to begin the challenge of writing a memoir is to start a list of the most memorable events of your life. Don’t start on the actual book manuscript until you have at least a page filled with things that seem worthy of sharing — moments from your past that have universal significance, emotional resonance, or high drama. Add another half page of small moments you treasure. Those can speak surprisingly well to those larger themes, too.","description":"Writing a memoir means you’re author and subject, researcher and storyteller, narrator and audience. That’s a lot to ask of any writer, though a good way to begin the challenge of writing a memoir is to start a list of the most memorable events of your life. Don’t start on the actual book manuscript until you have at least a page filled with things that seem worthy of sharing — moments from your past that have universal significance, emotional resonance, or high drama. Add another half page of small moments you treasure. Those can speak surprisingly well to those larger themes, too.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9803,"name":"Ryan Van Cleave","slug":"ryan-van-cleave","description":"Ryan G. Van Cleave, PhD, is the author of 20 books, including creative writing textbooks, an illustrated humor book, a young adult novel, and a bestselling memoir. He lives in Sarasota, Florida, where he works as an international speaker, a freelance writer, and the creative writing coordinator for The Ringling College of Art + Design. He has taught memoir writing at numerous universities, as well as at prisons, community centers, and urban at-risk youth programs.","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9803"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33711,"title":"Writing","slug":"writing","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33711"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":170588,"title":"Ten Ways to Make the Most of a Writers' Conference","slug":"ten-ways-to-make-the-most-of-a-writers-conference","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/170588"}},{"articleId":170533,"title":"Ways to Find Writing Guidance and Support in Memoir Writing","slug":"ways-to-find-writing-guidance-and-support-in-memoir-writing","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/170533"}},{"articleId":170484,"title":"Reader Expectations for a Memoir","slug":"reader-expectations-for-a-memoir","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/170484"}},{"articleId":170485,"title":"Knowing the Difference between an Autobiography and a Memoir","slug":"knowing-the-difference-between-an-autobiography-and-a-memoir","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/170485"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":290254,"title":"Writing Sci-Fi, Fantasy, & Horror For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"writing-sci-fi-fantasy-and-horror-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/290254"}},{"articleId":288489,"title":"College Admission Essays For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"college-admission-essays-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/288489"}},{"articleId":285236,"title":"APA Style & Citations For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"apa-style-citations-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/285236"}},{"articleId":283563,"title":"10 Ways to Grow Your Personal Power with Writing","slug":"10-ways-to-grow-your-personal-power-with-writing","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/283563"}},{"articleId":283552,"title":"10 Steps to Writing a Book","slug":"10-steps-to-writing-a-book","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/283552"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":282395,"slug":"memoir-writing-for-dummies","isbn":"9781118414644","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1118414640/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1118414640/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/1118414640-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1118414640/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/1118414640/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/memoir-writing-for-dummies-cover-9781118414644-202x255.jpg","width":202,"height":255},"title":"Memoir Writing For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":"\n <p><b data-author-id=\"9803\">Ryan G. Van Cleave, PhD</b>, is the author of 20 books, including creative writing textbooks, an illustrated humor book, a young adult novel, and a bestselling memoir.?He lives in Sarasota, Florida, where he works as an international speaker, a freelance writer, and the creative writing coordinator for The Ringling College of Art + Design. He has taught memoir writing at numerous universities as well as at prisons, community centers, and urban at-risk youth programs.</p>","authors":[{"authorId":9803,"name":"Ryan Van Cleave","slug":"ryan-van-cleave","description":"Ryan G. Van Cleave, PhD, is the author of 20 books, including creative writing textbooks, an illustrated humor book, a young adult novel, and a bestselling memoir. He lives in Sarasota, Florida, where he works as an international speaker, a freelance writer, and the creative writing coordinator for The Ringling College of Art + Design. He has taught memoir writing at numerous universities, as well as at prisons, community centers, and urban at-risk youth programs.","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9803"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;academics-the-arts&quot;,&quot;language-language-arts&quot;,&quot;writing&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781118414644&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-621d0de45324f\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;academics-the-arts&quot;,&quot;language-language-arts&quot;,&quot;writing&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781118414644&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-621d0de453c4a\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Cheat Sheet","articleList":[{"articleId":170485,"title":"Knowing the Difference between an Autobiography and a Memoir","slug":"knowing-the-difference-between-an-autobiography-and-a-memoir","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/170485"}},{"articleId":170484,"title":"Reader Expectations for a Memoir","slug":"reader-expectations-for-a-memoir","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/170484"}},{"articleId":170533,"title":"Ways to Find Writing Guidance and Support in Memoir Writing","slug":"ways-to-find-writing-guidance-and-support-in-memoir-writing","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/170533"}}],"content":[{"title":"Knowing the difference between an autobiography and a memoir","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Many people interchangeably use the terms “autobiography” and “memoir.” Although Amazon and many brick-and-mortar bookstores put them in the same category, they are quite different. Here’s how they are different.</p>\n<p>An<b> </b>autobiography</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Focuses on the trajectory of an entire life</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Starts at the beginning and progresses chronologically to the end</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Feels more like a historical document; tons of fact-checking and very specific dates/information</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Strives for factual, historical truths</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Typically is written by famous people</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n<p>A<b> </b>memoir</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Focuses on a key aspect, theme, event, or choice in a life</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Starts anywhere and can deftly move around in time and place</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Feels more personal; less intense fact-checking</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Strives for emotional truths</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Can be written by anyone</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n<p>Both are based in truth. Both are highly marketable in the publishing world. And both require a good deal of research, which can range from phone interviews and trips to places you once lived, to sitting back into a comfy chair and doing some deep, focused remembering. Yet as you can see, there are significant and crucial differences between an autobiography and memoir.</p>\n"},{"title":"Reader expectations for a memoir","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>You’re writing a memoir to share your story, which means you obviously want people to read it. To write a memoir designed to satisfy and engage readers, strive to meet the following expectations:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>A sympathetic main character:</b> A reader’s sympathy and interest doesn’t come for free. You have to earn it. Make this a priority for your main character to come across as sympathetic, and readers will appreciate it.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Vividly depicted scenes:</b> A vividly depicted scene has strong imagery that creates a movie in the mind of readers. Strong scenes like these are memorable and lasting.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Emotional tension:</b> An emotionally involved reader will keep reading. Find a way to create and heighten the emotional impact of your story. Every story has emotional tension. Make sure you have the distance or outside guidance to find it and fully explore it.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Increasing sense of drama/conflict:</b> A story that builds increasingly toward the climax comes across as purposeful. How do you build? Ratchet up the conflict. Show how the stakes are raised. Make readers know what might be lost.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>A satisfying ending:</b> Note that this is a <i>satisfying</i> <i>ending </i>versus a <i>good </i>or <i>bad </i>ending. No matter how the main story of your memoir ends, it should wrap up the main story tensions and bring a sense of closure.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Ways to find writing guidance and support in memoir writing","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Writing is a solitary act, so finding ways to combat the sense of loneliness is a good idea. Here are a few ways to create and develop a community to help support you in writing your memoir. Few people can appreciate the struggles a writer faces like another writer can.</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Take a writing course at a university, community college, or community center.</b> The structure these groups — having a certain number of pages due at firm dates — is very helpful for some writers. Just remember that it’s less about the grade than it is the skills you master and the feedback you receive. Another thing to remember is that there are plenty of great teachers without huge bestselling books to their credit. Pay attention to what former students say about teachers. That’s a great way to find the right class for you.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Join an online writers’ group.</b> They’re cheap, easy to find, and come in an endless variety of options in terms of meeting frequency, experience level of participants, and general level of seriousness. Members are often eager to share information about submitting a manuscript for publication, sending work to literary agents, and, of course, doing the writing itself. Try out a few so you can fully see what your options are before completely committing to a group.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Join a book club.</b> Although having thoughtful discussions on any book can be helpful, you want to seek out clubs that specialize in memoirs and biographies. Really take notes on the type of things the other readers admire in the books as well as what they don’t like. This information can prove invaluable to you when writing your own memoir.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Write a short letter to a writer you admire and ask for one specific piece of advice to help you with your memoir.</b> Doing this the old pen-and-paper way versus email is recommended — writers appreciate the extra effort.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Attend book festivals and local literary readings.</b> Be a part of the world of books and writing at the grassroots level. Listen to poets read work at local coffeehouses where the ink is still fresh on the page. Talk to authors who are selling their own titles off card tables they rent in conference rooms. Take note of what you plan to do when your memoir is out, and also take note of what you absolutely don’t want to do. In any case, you can develop new friendships, learn new lessons, and appreciate books. This is the world you will one day be a part of.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Explore","lifeExpectancy":"Two years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2022-02-28T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":208080},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-27T16:56:55+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-02-25T15:18:03+00:00","timestamp":"2022-02-25T18:01:12+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Academics & The Arts","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33662"},"slug":"academics-the-arts","categoryId":33662},{"name":"Language & Language Arts","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33687"},"slug":"language-language-arts","categoryId":33687},{"name":"Writing","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33711"},"slug":"writing","categoryId":33711}],"title":"Writing Essays For Dummies Cheat Sheet","strippedTitle":"writing essays for dummies cheat sheet","slug":"writing-essays-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"This Cheat Sheet offers some useful tips to help you plan and write essays, including stages in the process, helpful websites, and more.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Don’t let essays daunt you. As long as you have the right working frame and mindset, you can boost your writing and results. Here are some useful hints and tips that can help you plan and progress when writing essays.","description":"Don’t let essays daunt you. As long as you have the right working frame and mindset, you can boost your writing and results. Here are some useful hints and tips that can help you plan and progress when writing essays.","blurb":"","authors":[],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33711,"title":"Writing","slug":"writing","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33711"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":290254,"title":"Writing Sci-Fi, Fantasy, & Horror For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"writing-sci-fi-fantasy-and-horror-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/290254"}},{"articleId":288489,"title":"College Admission Essays For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"college-admission-essays-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/288489"}},{"articleId":285236,"title":"APA Style & Citations For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"apa-style-citations-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/285236"}},{"articleId":283563,"title":"10 Ways to Grow Your Personal Power with Writing","slug":"10-ways-to-grow-your-personal-power-with-writing","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/283563"}},{"articleId":283552,"title":"10 Steps to Writing a Book","slug":"10-steps-to-writing-a-book","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/283552"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":0,"slug":null,"isbn":null,"categoryList":null,"amazon":null,"image":null,"title":null,"testBankPinActivationLink":null,"bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":null,"authors":null,"_links":null},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;academics-the-arts&quot;,&quot;language-language-arts&quot;,&quot;writing&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-621919687a8f7\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;academics-the-arts&quot;,&quot;language-language-arts&quot;,&quot;writing&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-621919687b2e4\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Cheat Sheet","articleList":[{"articleId":193420,"title":"Stages in the Writing Process","slug":"stages-in-the-writing-process","categoryList":[],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/193420"}},{"articleId":193418,"title":"Tackling Your Essay-Writing Demons","slug":"tackling-your-essay-writing-demons","categoryList":[],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/193418"}},{"articleId":193421,"title":"Key Websites for Essay Writers","slug":"key-websites-for-essay-writers","categoryList":[],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/193421"}}],"content":[{"title":"Stages in the writing process","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Break the writing process up into manageable chunks; this helps you to excel at each stage and plan your time so that you hit your deadline. Follow these 7 stages to achieve optimal results from your writing:</p>\n<ol class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Analyze the title:</b> Work out properly in advance what the question is asking for. Note keywords and function words (for example, compare, analyze or discuss).</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Make a timetable:</b> Remember the 80:20 rule – 80 per cent on preparation (Stages 1–4) and 20 per cent on writing up and finishing (Stages 5–7). Make your essay timetable fit in realistically with your other commitments and put a copy up at your desk.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Gathering data:</b> Keep in mind what do you need to know and where are you going to get this information from. Highlight key info in your notes and use online resources carefully and wisely.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Planning:</b> Get your data down in the most helpful way you can and plan out the structure of your essay in detail before you start it.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Write the first draft:</b> Remember to write for your reader, and guide them through your argument. Assume and maintain an academic voice and style.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Revise your draft:</b> Print your draft out and read it through. Mark up any changes you need to make on the paper, then, back on computer make these changes to a copy of your original version and rename it.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Check and polish:</b> Tidy up the finished version, paying attention to the main areas: content and presentation. Proofread your work carefully before submitting.</p>\n</li>\n</ol>\n"},{"title":"Tackling your essay-writing demons","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Turn those little negative thoughts about essays around. You may feel self-conscious about your writing style or apprehensive about those large word counts, but rethinking those depressing thoughts can help you to see the situation in a whole new light and give you a confidence.</p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<th>If you think . . .</th>\n<th>Tell yourself . . .</th>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>When I hand in my essay, I’ll be exposed as an imbecile<br />\nwho should never have come to university.</td>\n<td>You won your place at university fairly and squarely and have a<br />\nright to be there. Many other students are feeling exactly the same<br />\nas you!</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Writing’s such a solitary business –how do I<br />\ncope?</td>\n<td>You have lots of people to talk to! You can discuss assignments<br />\nwith your tutor and your classmates, and although only you write up<br />\nthe final product, you have lots of opportunities for supporting<br />\none another along the way.</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>How on earth can I produce assignments of, say, 3,000<br />\nwords?</td>\n<td>You can break any big task down into chunks, and<br />\nwriting’s no different; it’s completely manageable and<br />\neveryone can do it in the end.</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>I don’t know all the academic words for things, and what<br />\nI write sounds childish.</td>\n<td>You’re here to learn, and through reading and attending<br />\nlectures you pick up the jargon. You’ll soon start writing<br />\nlike an expert!</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>I can’t write anything original.</td>\n<td>As an undergrad, you don’t necessarily have to. You read<br />\nand acknowledge the work of other writers and researchers<br />\nwho’ve been there before you and comment on what<br />\nthey’ve written in your own way and in your own words.<br />\nOriginality can come later (when you’re doing your PhD or<br />\nheading for a Nobel Prize).</td>\n</tr>\n</tbody>\n</table>\n"},{"title":"Key websites for essay writers","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Below are some key websites that can help you research just about any topic – for your writing projects or for discovering new areas of interest. Remember to reference any material you use, where appropriate.</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><a href=\"http://scholar.google.co.uk/\"><b>Google scholar</b></a><b>:</b> Peer-reviewed journal articles and extracts from books, without any of the usual commercial links.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><a href=\"http://www.ingentaconnect.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>IngentaConnect</b></a><b>:</b> You may have to pay for a full article, but you can access abstracts for free and many academic libraries have a subscription.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><a href=\"http://www.ipl.org\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>Internet Public Library</b></a><b>:</b> An enormous virtual public library.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><a href=\"http://www.bl.uk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>The British Library</b></a><b>:</b> 10,000 pages of information and an endless gallery of images.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Advance","lifeExpectancy":"Two years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2022-02-25T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":209169},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-27T16:58:05+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-02-24T21:08:47+00:00","timestamp":"2022-02-25T00:01:04+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Academics & The Arts","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33662"},"slug":"academics-the-arts","categoryId":33662},{"name":"Language & Language Arts","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33687"},"slug":"language-language-arts","categoryId":33687},{"name":"Writing","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33711"},"slug":"writing","categoryId":33711}],"title":"Writing Fiction For Dummies Cheat Sheet","strippedTitle":"writing fiction for dummies cheat sheet","slug":"writing-fiction-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"This Cheat Sheet is a handy reference for writing fiction, including establishing characters, getting support, and promoting your novel.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Writing fiction is fun, and also full of challenges. A good way to work through the challenges is to outline the histories of your characters, which helps you present them more clearly to readers. A great way to polish your writing is by networking with other writers. Plus, to get the readers you want, explore the tricks of the trade to attract as many as possible.","description":"Writing fiction is fun, and also full of challenges. A good way to work through the challenges is to outline the histories of your characters, which helps you present them more clearly to readers. A great way to polish your writing is by networking with other writers. Plus, to get the readers you want, explore the tricks of the trade to attract as many as possible.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":10544,"name":"Randy Ingermanson","slug":"randy-ingermanson","description":"Randy Ingermanson is the award-winning author of six novels. He is known around the world as \"the Snowflake Guy,\" thanks to his online article on the Snowflake method, which has been viewed more than a million times. Before venturing into fiction, Ingermanson earned a PhD in theoretical physics from the University of California at Berkeley. He's taught fiction at numerous writing conferences and sits on the advisory board of American Christian Fiction Writers. He also publishes the world's largest e-zine on how to write fiction, The Advanced Fiction Writing E-zine. His first two novels won Christy awards, and his second novel, Oxygen, coauthored with John B. Olson, earned a spot on the New York Public Library's Books for the Teen Age list. Visit Ingermanson's personal site at ingermanson.com and his fiction writers site, advancedfictionwriting.com.","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/10544"}},{"authorId":9734,"name":"Peter Economy","slug":"peter-economy","description":"Peter Economy is a best-selling business author, ghostwriter, development editor, and publishing consultant with more than 100 books, including several Dummies books, to his credit.","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9734"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33711,"title":"Writing","slug":"writing","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33711"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":195025,"title":"Establishing a Fictional Character’s History","slug":"establishing-a-fictional-characters-history","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/195025"}},{"articleId":195026,"title":"Good Ways to Promote Your Novel","slug":"good-ways-to-promote-your-novel","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/195026"}},{"articleId":195024,"title":"Building Up Your Author Support Network","slug":"building-up-your-author-support-network","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/195024"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":290254,"title":"Writing Sci-Fi, Fantasy, & Horror For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"writing-sci-fi-fantasy-and-horror-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/290254"}},{"articleId":288489,"title":"College Admission Essays For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"college-admission-essays-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/288489"}},{"articleId":285236,"title":"APA Style & Citations For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"apa-style-citations-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/285236"}},{"articleId":283563,"title":"10 Ways to Grow Your Personal Power with Writing","slug":"10-ways-to-grow-your-personal-power-with-writing","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/283563"}},{"articleId":283552,"title":"10 Steps to Writing a Book","slug":"10-steps-to-writing-a-book","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/283552"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":282682,"slug":"writing-fiction-for-dummies","isbn":"9780470530702","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0470530707/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/0470530707/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/0470530707-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0470530707/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/0470530707/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/writing-fiction-for-dummies-cover-9780470530702-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Writing Fiction For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":"\n <b data-author-id=\"10544\">Randy Ingermanson</b> is the award-winning author of six novels. He is known around the world as \"the Snowflake Guy,\" thanks to his Web site article on the Snowflake method, which has been viewed more than a million times. Before venturing into fiction, Randy earned a Ph.D. in theoretical physics from the University of California at Berkeley. Randy has taught fiction at numerous writing conferences and sits on the advisory board of American Christian Fiction Writers. He also publishes the world’s largest e-zine on how to write fiction, The Advanced Fiction Writing E-zine. Randy’s first two novels won Christy awards, and his second novel <i>Oxygen</i>, coauthored with John B. Olson, earned a spot on the New York Public Library’s <i>Books for the Teen Age</i> list. Visit Randy’s personal Web site at www.ingermanson.com and his Web site for fiction writers at www.AdvancedFictionWriting.com. <p><b data-author-id=\"9734\">Peter Economy</b> of La Jolla, California, is a bestselling author with 11 <i>For Dummies</i> titles under his belt, including two second editions and one third edition. Peter is coauthor of <i>Writing Children’s Books For Dummies</i>, <i>Home-Based Business For Dummies</i>, <i>Consulting For Dummies</i>, <i>Why Aren’t You Your Own Boss?</i>, <i>The Management Bible</i>, and many more books. Peter also serves as Associate Editor of <i>Leader to Leader</i>, the Apex Award-winning journal of the Leader to Leader Institute. Check out Peter’s Web site at www.petereconomy.com.</p> ","authors":[{"authorId":10544,"name":"Randy Ingermanson","slug":"randy-ingermanson","description":"Randy Ingermanson is the award-winning author of six novels. He is known around the world as \"the Snowflake Guy,\" thanks to his online article on the Snowflake method, which has been viewed more than a million times. Before venturing into fiction, Ingermanson earned a PhD in theoretical physics from the University of California at Berkeley. He's taught fiction at numerous writing conferences and sits on the advisory board of American Christian Fiction Writers. He also publishes the world's largest e-zine on how to write fiction, The Advanced Fiction Writing E-zine. His first two novels won Christy awards, and his second novel, Oxygen, coauthored with John B. Olson, earned a spot on the New York Public Library's Books for the Teen Age list. Visit Ingermanson's personal site at ingermanson.com and his fiction writers site, advancedfictionwriting.com.","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/10544"}},{"authorId":9734,"name":"Peter Economy","slug":"peter-economy","description":"Peter Economy is a best-selling business author, ghostwriter, development editor, and publishing consultant with more than 100 books, including several Dummies books, to his credit.","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9734"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;academics-the-arts&quot;,&quot;language-language-arts&quot;,&quot;writing&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9780470530702&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-62181c40b9533\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;academics-the-arts&quot;,&quot;language-language-arts&quot;,&quot;writing&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9780470530702&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-62181c40b9ee0\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Cheat Sheet","articleList":[{"articleId":195025,"title":"Establishing a Fictional Character’s History","slug":"establishing-a-fictional-characters-history","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/195025"}},{"articleId":195024,"title":"Building Up Your Author Support Network","slug":"building-up-your-author-support-network","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/195024"}},{"articleId":195026,"title":"Good Ways to Promote Your Novel","slug":"good-ways-to-promote-your-novel","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","language-language-arts","writing"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/195026"}}],"content":[{"title":"Establishing a fictional character's history","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>To better understand a character’s history, or backstory, many fiction writers create entire histories for their characters. When developing a character for a story, determining the character’s personal history first is critical. You must understand where your character comes from, or you’ll never understand what your character wants or why he acts the way he does. And if you don’t know, neither will your readers.</p>\n<p>You don’t have to figure out your character’s history all at once, but it helps to have a good idea of it before you sit down to write; otherwise, your character may end up changing halfway through writing, and you may end up having to rewrite your entire story — or end up with a story different from what you intended.</p>\n<p class=\"Tip\">To set up your character’s history, just start writing — fast. Get it all down. It doesn’t have to be pretty. You can clean up the history later, but your character is spilling his guts for you now, so pay attention. Here are some tips on what to include:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Describe your character. </b>What does he look like? Write down his birthday, eye color, hair color, and anything else that matters to you and possibly your reader.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Discuss your character’s early life. </b>Where was your character born? Who are his parents (and grandparents if you know about them)? What are his first memories? What’s the worst thing that happened to him in kindergarten?</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Write about the horrors of school. </b>What was your character’s favorite subject, and what was his most hated? Did he do well in high school, or did he skate through? Was he a geek, a jock, a heart-throb, a nobody, or what? Did he date, and if so, what was she like? Did he dump her, did she dump him, or did they get married?</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Note what your character did as he came to adulthood. </b>Get it all out: the good, the bad, and most especially the horrible. What traumatized him? Who were his friends and his family? Who were his enemies?</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>You may want to interview your character. </b>Ask him what he’s learned. How does he see his current situation? Most importantly, what would he like to change about his life? What would he like to do but can’t? You need to know, because this sort of information determines what his future will look like.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n<p class=\"Remember\">A little goes a long, long way with your character’s history. In your story, dole out the character history in little snippets, leaving the reader curious, wanting to know more. It’s far better to have the reader want more history than to want less. If you throw too much history on the reader early in the book, you may smother the story.</p>\n"},{"title":"Building up your author support network","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>If you’ve finished writing a novel but aren’t published yet, you should have two goals: to make sure your novel is as good as it can be and to market yourself to agents and editors who can help you get published. Networking can help you with both of them.</p>\n<p>Start by attending writers’ groups, writing conferences, Master of Fine Arts (MFA) programs, and other formal writer gatherings. They’re great for building a support network for any aspiring writer. Here are some good reasons to connect with the people who attend these gatherings:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>You can get help with your writing (and help other writers).</b> Thinking of other writers as your competition is a misconception. They’re not; you are your competition. Other writers can give you creative feedback and help make your novel even better. You’ll be able to help other writers, too. Giving and receiving feedback can be fun, and you may gain some valuable friends who can hook you up with agents and editors.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>You get to hang out with other writers.</b> The blunt truth is that novelists are some of the coolest people on the planet. Some of your most enthusiastic marketers may be the novelist friends you met at conferences. If your writing is up to snuff, your friends will be only too happy to make connections for you.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>You’ll learn more about the publishing world.</b> You’re bound to find out something totally unexpected that you didn’t even know that you didn’t know. The more you know about the publishing world, the more likely you are to break in.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>You’ll likely meet editors and agents.</b> Agents and editors are usually present at conferences. Agents can tell you things that editors can’t, and editors can tell you stuff the agents don’t know.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Once in a very great while, a deal is made. </b>You may make a connection that leads to a deal — or make a connection that leads to a connection that leads to a deal. Deals come from relationships. Relationships come by serendipity. Serendipity is oozing all over the floor when you meet up with other writers, and it’ll seep right up through your shoes if you let it.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Good ways to promote your novel","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Although it’s a wonderful feeling to finally hold your published novel in your hands, it’s an even better feeling to watch your book sell. How exactly do you go about making sure that your novel sells lots of copies and that you, in the process, become a best-selling novelist? Here are some of the best ways to promote your novel:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Build a Web site or write a blog.</b> This has become a definite must for promoting a novel or other book. Of course, your site has to tell something about you, the author, but you can also include articles or blog posts on a topic of interest that ties in to your book. That way, you’ll attract readers who never heard of you to your site.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Send out a press release.</b> Create a short write-up about your novel — including the publisher, where to buy the book, price, and your name, phone number, and e-mail address — and send the press release via e-mail or the Postal Service to any media that may be interested in letting others know about your book: newspapers, radio stations, bloggers, anyone you can think of.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Do readings.</b> Bookstores, schools, and libraries <i>love </i>authors, and they’re often very enthusiastic about scheduling authors to do readings, workshops, and all sorts of events. Speak with the person in charge to find out how you can get onto their reading schedule.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Mail or e-mail sample copies of your book for reviews.</b> If your publisher has some money set aside for marketing, then it’ll probably be willing to do the mailing for you. But if not, you can do it yourself. Send copies of your book to the people you think will provide you with publicity by reviewing your book, such as local newspapers, radio stations, and interested bloggers.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Hire a book publicist.</b> This should be a last resort due to the cost. A book publicist is an expert in promoting books and hopefully boosting sales in the process. Ask other successful novelists for referrals to a good book publicist, and be prepared to pay handsomely for a talented professional.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Advance","lifeExpectancy":"Two years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2022-02-24T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":209381}],"_links":{"self":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33711/categoryArticles?sortField=time&sortOrder=1&size=10&offset=0"},"next":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33711/categoryArticles?sortField=time&sortOrder=1&size=10&offset=10"},"last":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33711/categoryArticles?sortField=time&sortOrder=1&size=10&offset=147"}}},"objectTitle":"","status":"success","pageType":"article-category","objectId":"33711","page":1,"sortField":"time","sortOrder":1,"categoriesIds":[],"articleTypes":[],"filterData":{"categoriesFilter":[{"itemId":0,"itemName":"All Categories","count":157}],"articleTypeFilter":[{"articleType":"All Types","count":157},{"articleType":"Articles","count":137},{"articleType":"Cheat Sheet","count":13},{"articleType":"Step by Step","count":7}]},"filterDataLoadedStatus":"success","pageSize":10},"adsState":{"pageScripts":{"headers":{"timestamp":"2022-05-16T12:59:10+00:00"},"adsId":0,"data":{"scripts":[{"pages":["all"],"location":"header","script":"<!--Optimizely Script-->\r\n<script src=\"https://cdn.optimizely.com/js/10563184655.js\"></script>","enabled":false},{"pages":["all"],"location":"header","script":"<!-- comScore Tag -->\r\n<script>var _comscore = _comscore || [];_comscore.push({ c1: \"2\", c2: \"15097263\" });(function() {var s = document.createElement(\"script\"), el = document.getElementsByTagName(\"script\")[0]; s.async = true;s.src = (document.location.protocol == \"https:\" ? 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What are you writing? Whether it's your doctoral dissertation or the great American novel, we can help you get organized, polish up your prose, and get the right kind of attention for your words.

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157 results
Writing Writing Children's Books For Dummies Cheat Sheet

Cheat Sheet / Updated 03-16-2022

When you explore writing children's books, you enter a different world, one filled with book formats — from board books to young adult novels — and a whole different set of rules to follow and restrictions to heed for each. If you want to become a successful children's book author, you need to know how to edit your work and how to promote your book.

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Writing Writing Young Adult Fiction For Dummies Cheat Sheet

Cheat Sheet / Updated 03-15-2022

The elements of storytelling are the same for young adult fiction and adult fiction, but writers of young adult fiction must come at those elements with a wholly different mindset. After all, this category has its own rules, its own quirks, and its own very opinionated audience: teens and tweens.

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Writing APA Style and Citations For Dummies Cheat Sheet

Cheat Sheet / Updated 03-15-2022

Life requires regular adjustments to new environments — college is one of the most demanding. Maybe you're an undergraduate and want help deciphering the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, Seventh Edition. In order to write A-worthy papers, you need to be able to understand and implement the APA style. This handy Cheat Sheet offers advice for using the APA style and adjusting to college experiences.

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Writing Creative Writing For Dummies Cheat Sheet

Cheat Sheet / Updated 03-10-2022

Do you want to be the next J.K. Rowling and dream up a character like Harry Potter? Do you want to write poems or plays? Follow this handy Cheat Sheet, which breaks down the process into manageable tasks, and helps you to develop your style.

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Writing College Admission Essays For Dummies Cheat Sheet

Cheat Sheet / Updated 03-08-2022

Whether you’re trying to write a college admission essay for the Common Application, Coalition, or even a supplemental essay for an individual school, the process of writing about yourself might feel unfamiliar and intimidating. However, the college admission essay is a pivotal opportunity to distinguish yourself from others with very similar credentials and encourage a school to admit you. Communicate clearly and convey not only who you are, but how you came to be that person.

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Writing Research Papers For Dummies Cheat Sheet

Cheat Sheet / Updated 03-04-2022

Before starting a research paper, arrange the information and notes you’ve gathered. Pick one of the basic structures for organizing your research paper and start writing with a strong introduction. Before you turn in the final draft of your paper, go through a grammar checklist — and be sure to cite your sources.

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Writing Self-Publishing For Dummies Cheat Sheet

Cheat Sheet / Updated 03-03-2022

Turning a great idea into a book through self-publishing is an ambitious project, so be sure to understand the principal steps involved in the process. If you need help with certain aspects of self-publishing, learn how to interview and hire a freelancer to make sure things are done efficiently and correctly.

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Writing Memoir Writing For Dummies Cheat Sheet

Cheat Sheet / Updated 02-28-2022

Writing a memoir means you’re author and subject, researcher and storyteller, narrator and audience. That’s a lot to ask of any writer, though a good way to begin the challenge of writing a memoir is to start a list of the most memorable events of your life. Don’t start on the actual book manuscript until you have at least a page filled with things that seem worthy of sharing — moments from your past that have universal significance, emotional resonance, or high drama. Add another half page of small moments you treasure. Those can speak surprisingly well to those larger themes, too.

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Writing Writing Essays For Dummies Cheat Sheet

Cheat Sheet / Updated 02-25-2022

Don’t let essays daunt you. As long as you have the right working frame and mindset, you can boost your writing and results. Here are some useful hints and tips that can help you plan and progress when writing essays.

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Writing Writing Fiction For Dummies Cheat Sheet

Cheat Sheet / Updated 02-24-2022

Writing fiction is fun, and also full of challenges. A good way to work through the challenges is to outline the histories of your characters, which helps you present them more clearly to readers. A great way to polish your writing is by networking with other writers. Plus, to get the readers you want, explore the tricks of the trade to attract as many as possible.

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