Blog - Rebecca T Dickson

3 Tips to De-clutter Your Second Draft

Is your house spotless? Your writing probably isn’t either. The common flaw? Clutter. In William Zinsser’s classic, On Writing Well, he describes clutter as the disease of American writing, claiming we here in the USA are “a society strangling in unnecessary words, circular constructions, pompous frills, and meaningless jargon.” Dude knows his shit. House needs […]

Backstory – how much is too much? Confessions of a Dirty Blonde

This week’s question comes from a client. And it’s a damn good one. Sequels: do you assume the reader has read the first book and launch right in? Or provide extensive recap for those new to the party? Or strike a happy medium? My main man Mark Twain started what I believe to be the […]

Pictures of Success in 1,000 Words or Less

What we have here is a new monthly column brought to you by . . . YOU. We’re giving up control of what’s said and handing it over to the people who matter most: our clients. Your words in this space, once a month. Why? Oodles of ah-ha moments. Some of the writers who will […]

Why writing prompts are bringing sexy back

I got married two weeks ago (June 20th) to the love of my life. It’s important for you to know for a few reasons. First, because I’m saving all my lovey-dovey for him (the sass is in high gear) and second, because if you’re looking for me on Facebook my last name has changed. Instead, […]

Where fear and procrastination come to die: Word Sparks is LIVE

This is a call to writers. And people afraid to call themselves writers. And soon-to-be-writers. I see you tapping your pen on your temple. I know you’re hedging, holding your words in because you think they aren’t just right. I can smell anxiety ten miles away and you, my friend, reek. So here’s the plan: […]

How much raunch to put in sex scenes :: Confessions of A Dirty Blonde

I like it here. I have a great view and I can put Kahlua in my coffee before heading into the office, so that’s badass. For those of you who missed the memo, I just left my career as a high school English teacher – so I could be here with you. And after my […]

How Science Can Help You Become a Better Writer

If you haven’t heard about brain plasticity yet, allow me to blow your mind: Researchers discovered new details about the development and depth of pathways inside our brains. They are not static. Gone are the days of thinking your brain grows until you’re thirty, and then you’re screwed. It’s becoming clearer we are able to […]

Teaching Writing Formulas is GARBAGE :: Confessions of a Dirty Blonde

In middle school, we’re told our paragraphs must be three sentences long. In high school, we’re told five sentences will suffice, but only if you use a hook, a lead in, something of substance, a lead out and conclusion. It’s systematic. Then as upperclassmen, we’re allowed to lengthen our paragraphs, to add three more sentences […]

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