Welcome back my friends to the show that never sleeps. Well, that’s an exaggeration of course, but I thought it sounded clever so what the heck?
Browse around and if you see something you like the make me an offer. If not, thanks for visiting and hopefully next time you stop by you’ll fall in love with some of my merchandise. J
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“Words, once they are printed, have a life of their own.”
Carol Burnett (1936 – )
An interesting quote and I honestly don’t know what Ms. Burnett had in mind when she said it. To me it means that the way we form our words can give life to them, and therein lies the job of a writer…to give the words a great life rather than a mundane and boring life.
Do you breathe excitement into your words, or are your words on life support as soon as they hit the page? As writers we have such incredible power. Our words can inspire….thrill…sadden….incite….anger….or put someone to sleep. J
TIP OF THE DAY
How are you doing with the Ten Second Rule? Do you remember it? The rule simply states that you have about ten seconds to interest your readers in your article, so you had better make that opening paragraph a great one.
Ten seconds……about one paragraph….and this applies to all kinds of writing with the possible exception of technical subjects….ten seconds to make your readers excited.
Here is the opening paragraph on a book I’m slowly working on. See what you think about the Ten Second Rule:
I take no pleasure in killing. Never have, despite my background. The simple fact of the matter is that some people deserve to be eliminated. The molesters, the pimps, the drug dealers and the serial killers, they all deserve death. They deal in death and death they shall receive, and I am the Fed Ex man more than willing to drop by with a little package for them.
What do you think? Did I grab your attention? Are you willing to read more?
Think about that next time you begin writing an article.
CONTEST OF THE DAY
The Literarian Short Story Contest. Guidelines and rules can be found here.
The prize is $1000 and work limit is 5000 words. Worth looking at if you have a short story sitting around gathering dust.
WRITER OF THE DAY
Allow me to introduce you to a friend of mine. His name is Joe and you can find him here.
Besides being a very good writer with excellent insight, he is also a resident of the great state of Washington, so I’ll always be in his corner. J Go take a look at his work. He is a good one!
PROMPT OF THE DAY
This is from the tiny Alaskan village of Akiachak where I spent a rather long year teaching. We will call it “Sunrise on the Kuskokwim.” Does it bring to life any thoughts for you?
THAT’S ALL FOR TODAY
Thank you for visiting. I hope you picked up something useful during your visit. Remember that you have tremendous power with the words that you choose. Writing is an Art and hopefully you are treating it as such. Engage your readers. Breathe life into your writing. Above all, stay passionate about this gift that you have been given.
Bill
Billybuc
Artistry With Words 
How did I ever make it through the day without Joe and Bill? I just don’t know. 🙂
Well thank the heavens you finally found us, Lizzy! LOL Thanks for dropping by my dynamic friend.
Totally loved the opening paragraph to your new book you are working on and hooked me from the very first sentence. You are so right about the first few sentences captivating your reading or turning them off and yours so far seems to prove more then worthy. Hope you are having a wonderful day as always!!
Thank you Janine! Introductions I have no problem with; it’s the 300 pages after that where I usually bog down. LOL Have a great day my friend.
Well, you certainly got my attention with that first paragraph, Bill! Is this another side of you ready to be unveiled? I look forward to the book. If it’s anything like 12/59 it’ll be one of those can’t-put-it-down books!
Sha, it’s just one of many projects I have going on. First I have to finish the H.O.W. book, and then I can turn my attention to this one. No humor in this book, Sha, and no underlying message. Just a good old fashioned mystery. 🙂
I had never heard the ten second rule before and now I find myself wanting to reassess a lot of my writing. Fantastic tip Bill. I feel like I learn something valuable daily from you.
Hello my friend! If that is true then I am happy….we can all learn from each other, don’t you think? Thanks for stopping by and remember the 10 seconds. 🙂
Loved the tip and also the paragraph you entered. Wow this Fedex man sure knows what to deliver…strong words indeed!
A powerful quote of the day! words once printed…not gonna go back…choose wisely!
Such a co-incidence that I write the HOW blog related to how attached a writer becomes to his words…lol
Strange coincidence for sure, Ruchira. 🙂 I’m glad you enjoyed the blog today…thank you!
I love everything you share with us. Thank you…
Well it’s my pleasure. Thank you Ruby Jean!
Wow, Bill…did you take that photograph? It’s AMAZING. I’ve always had a dream of visiting Alaska one day (too many places…) because of all the snow and ice, and beautiful green mountains and forests, and the ocean. You’re lucky to have lived there. Thanks for the reminder of the 10 second rule. Will keep to that today with my writing 🙂
I did take that picture, Mel, and thank you. There was much to Alaska to love, and much that made me appreciate where I live now. 🙂