writingadvice – Page 2 – Patricia J. Parsons

Using Words Correctly is Key to Professional Writing: Compound Words

Posted on 25 Feb 2025 by Patricia J. Parsons

Sentences make up your paragraphs. Paragraphs make up stories and chapters. Chapters make up books. However, the most basic component of writing is your choice of words. Choosing the right word to convey the right meaning is an essential part of writing well. This is a topic we’ve covered before, but using the right form of a word is a stylistic writing issue that divides the pros who care about getting it right from the amateurs who don’t. Agents, editors, and readers all care about professionally written work, which shows that a writer cares about accuracy.

A few months ago, one of my regular viewers on my YouTube channel, WRITE. FIX. REPEAT. suggested that a video on compound words would be helpful, and that’s the topic of today’s video. What makes compound words especially tricky is that their forms often evolve with our language, requiring writers to keep up. Understanding the structure and usage of compound words helps ensure proper grammar and clarity.

Need a bit of guidance? A few examples? You’re welcome.

Nonfiction Writing

Writing Prescriptive Nonfiction

Posted on 4 Feb 2025 by Patricia J. Parsons

I started my writing career as a health and medical writer for magazines back in the old days when they were in print and the process for querying took months via snail mail. I then morphed into writing and co-writing books on the same subjects. Many (if not most) of my nonfiction books have been prescriptive nonfiction. I had a brief foray into creative nonfiction when I wrote a memoir, but until I started writing fiction, I spent most of my time honing my writing shops in the world of prescriptive nonfiction books.

A couple of weeks ago, I posted a video on WRITE. FIX. REPEAT. where I tackled five tips for writing creative nonfiction. (You can watch it here.) This week, I’m tackling prescriptive nonfiction, whose techniques are also valuable for content creators, PR writers, and anyone who wants to teach someone something.

The problem I’ve seen over the years is that many writers don’t know the difference between narrative and prescriptive nonfiction and often muddle them together, resulting in a mishmash of writing that benefits no one—not even the writer.

So, this week, I have five tips for prescriptive nonfiction based on writing almost a dozen trade and textbooks in this genre.

Nonfiction Writing, Uncategorized

Keys to Writing Creative Nonfiction

Posted on 24 Jan 2025 by Patricia J. Parsons

I began my writing career as a nonfiction writer. Most of what I did in my early years was in the specific genre of “prescriptive nonfiction.” Eventually, my appetite for more creativity kicked in, and I transitioned my research skills into some creative nonfiction before I moved into writing fiction. But I’ve always realized that my forays into creative nonfiction were just the bridge I needed to get me into writing novels.

Creative nonfiction, also called narrative nonfiction, occupies the fascinating intersection of fact and storytelling. This genre combines the authenticity of factual writing with the artfulness of literary techniques, resulting in works that are as compelling as fiction but rooted in actual events, people, and experiences. Whether you’re recounting personal experiences, exploring historical events, or delving into cultural commentary, creative nonfiction offers an expansive playground for writers.

My latest episode of WRITE. FIX. REPEAT. has some tips for writing nonfiction.

Whether you’re an aspiring memoirist, a budding essayist, or a seasoned journalist, creative nonfiction offers myriad opportunities to tell important stories. If you approach your writing with honesty, curiosity, and creativity, you’ll create stories that resonate with readers. The truth isn’t just stranger than fiction—it’s often more enthralling.