Expert: Misti Sandefur - 8/15/2006

Question
Hi there:

One of the things I have trouble in getting my mind around is rhythm. How would you define rhythm in writing? Can you give me some examples?

Answer
This is a good question, but a difficult one for me to answer. It's difficult for me to answer because each writer has their own style of writing, and, like the saying goes: "Practice makes perfect."

I will give you a few tips, then I'll point you to a few URLs. The URLs go to articles that may be more help to you then I can. The articles also include samples.

My tips:

1. Study the writing of other writers, and study your writing too.

2. When you have finished a piece read it aloud and listen to the sound.

3. Use active verbs, not adverbs. Using active verbs in place of adverbs will excite your reader.

4. Write in active voice and not passive voice.

5. Avoid long sentences and use punctuation.

6. Don't switch from past tense to present tense -- stick with one tense.

URLs for more help:

http://www.writersdigest.com/articles/kress_prose.asp

http://www.writersdigest.com/tipoftheweek.asp?id=2115&secondarycategory=Fiction+...

http://www.writersdigest.com/archiveitemdisplay.asp?id=1947&secondarycategory

I'm sorry I couldn't be of more help on this one, but I hope the URLs I have given you can assist you better.

Best wishes,
Misti Sandefur