FaithWriters.com-Christian Writers Forum

There are many, many authors who write in present tense these days, in a style similar to my story. As I said, it's a style choice. It creates a more intimate mood, and is very effective for stories that take place all in one "scene". I can see how that would make the story more intimate....

Okay, three sentence paragraphs, first in past tense, second in present tense: "My son studied his calculus homework. He was not very pleased with the amount of reading he had to do. He worked the problems, grumbling and complaining the entire time about how long each one took." "My s...

Well, the first thing that jumps out to me is the changing of tenses from paragraph to paragraph. The first paragraph is in present tense, right? But to me, it sounds... awkward. If you're telling a story about something that's happened, it's already happened, so it shouldn't be in present tense. Or...

Congrats to all the winners! Awesome job!

Nonny, I loved your re-write. Can't think of a thing I'd change except perhaps for the refrigerator that seems to speak, but that's purely a stylistic choice, and nothing to do with adjectives and adverbs. It's your creative take on the admittedly ridiculous paragraph, so it's fine! Thanks so much ...

Okay, here's my take on it (and I did like you said and didn't read anyone else's before I posted mine): Exhausted from a work day that seemed to never end, Jan trudged into her house, dropping her shoes at the door. Plodding barefoot into the kitchen, all she wanted was a soda and some comfort food...

WOW! Congrats to all the other winners! I must confess, I'm in shock! I had no idea my story was anywhere close to achieving this. Thank you, judges, for considering my story. My first time to place, and an Editor's Choice on top of that as well. I am overwhelmed, and in shock, and elated, and excit...

Please don't think that I'm anti-adjective--they certainly have their place in good writing. But adjective overuse is of the things that beginner writers tend to do, which makes me think that perhaps it should be the focus of my next lesson! Oh, I didn't sense that in what you said, not at all. But...

Okay, Jan, how about this: From Anne Rice's "Christ the Lord: The Road to Cana" -- "I reached down and opened the chest. I threw the lid back. I stared at the contents, the glistening alabaster jars, and the great collection of gold coins that it held, nestled in their tapestried box....

Hey Jan! I saw your comment on my story, so here I am! I've not had time in the past to be very active in the forums, but I'm really interested in improving my writing skills. This "class" looks wonderful! I'll try to keep up with the homework you've assigned. Hope I can! Well, now that I'...