Backstory Blog

Posted in copyright, Writing

New Writers and Copyright

Posted on by Patricia J. Parsons

If someone were to ask me what I thought was the least understood issue for new writers, it would probably be the concept of copyright. I’ve been dealing with copyright for forty years since the first time I saw my byline on a new feature article in the Weekend Edition of my local paper. Recently, I’ve seen numerous copyright questions posed on forums for new writers, and each question suggests a level of ignorance of the concept that is as surprising as it is alarming. What’s even more troubling is that the answers provided on the forums often suggest that those answering know little more about the subject than the initial posters.

In this episode of WRITE. FIX. REPEAT., my five tips are designed to help new writers understand the concept of copyright and how it applies to what they do. They might also help writers not to be so frightened of the issue.

Disclaimer: This video does not contain legal advice. Rather, it provides explanations that help writers to understand a legal concept and to know when to seek legal advice from a competent copyright lawyer.

Posted in Uncategorized

How’s Your Pacing?

Posted on by Patricia J. Parsons

Anyone who writes fiction or narrative nonfiction knows that pacing is essential. However, not every writer knows what it is and how to make it work in a story. Sometimes, it’s hard to know exactly what story pacing is, but when a writer gets it right, a reader just feels it.

Of course, narrative pacing is the rhythm and speed at which a story unfolds. It’s a crucial element that can make or break your writing. It determines how readers experience your story, affecting their emotional engagement and overall satisfaction. Many writers have an innate sense of pacing within their genres. Even then, however, it’s important to be mindful about how it’s playing out.

In this episode of WRITE. FIX. REPEAT. I’m sharing tips on how to get that pacing just right so that your story unfolds as you want it to.

Posted in punctuation, Writing craft

When the Ellipsis is Your Favourite Punctuation Mark

Posted on by Patricia J. Parsons

Every writer has favourite punctuation marks. Yes, I know how odd this sounds, but if you think about it for a moment, I’m sure you’ll agree. Some people love an exclamation point (although it was either Mark Twain or F. Scott Fitzgerald who once said that an exclamation point is like laughing at your own joke—no one really knows who said it). Others among us love to use em-dashes whenever it seems appropriate (or even when parentheses would work better). What about the ellipsis?

Those seemingly innocuous three little dots that have several cool uses are among the punctuation marks that are sorely abused. I know because I’m someone who abuses them regularly. Even the correct way to space them often eludes me. So, I did a bit of research.

In my current episode of WRITE. FIX. REPEAT. I’m sharing five tips for correctly using these handy little punctuation marks.