How to Start a Story and Deal with Passive Voice Haters
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The week started with high hopes taking a new course on telling personal stories, but it fizzled for me for a couple of reasons and I didn’t finish the course. My mood wasn’t right for it because I’m in the midst of editing a bunch of existing stories, not starting a new one.
You have to observe and respect your inner mood flow when writing, especially if you want to let the current carry you.
I was able to edit a (long) short story and that’s the subject of my Story Story this week: A Great Opening Line Promises A Great Novel
In the article, I share the eight types of opening lines for novels. It’s a list I go back to every time I start a story. Check it out.
Otherwise, it didn’t feel productive despite sending out two other newsletters and learning quite a bit about grammar.
The Passive Voice Confusion
I worked with a coach on a story last year and they were adamant about removing all hints of passive voice. Something didn’t feel right about the writing, but I lacked the knowledge and authority to argue.
Instead, I dragged my passive-aggressive feet.
Somehow, I got through that story last week. But then this week I stumbled on an article explaining how copulor verbs (a.k.a. linking verbs) are confused as passive voice. They are not.
That sent me down a rabbit hole of links in that article that were both entertaining and satisfying.
Going Forward
I’m pulling together everything I’ve learned about creativity and storytelling to give it all back to the community.
So If you’re tired of watching others create and you want to finally join in the fun, sign up for my newsletter, Creativity for Fun and Profit and I’ll send you a free course, Awaken Your Creative Abundance.
