Writing Resources
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- 1. Writing Resources
- 1.1 General Resources
- 1.2 Common Errors
- 1.3 Vocabulary Expansion
- 1.4 Writing Programs
1. Writing Resources
Improving your writing is an integral part of roleplaying here at 'Souls. Many of these links can be extremely useful, from refining your style to avoiding common errors. Check these pages out!
1.1 General Resources
- Smart Edit is pretty awesome -- it's "an automated tool that scans your finished novel or your work in progress and highlights areas that might need closer attention."
- Alpha Dictionary -- Though this is a dictionary, they have a lot of useful content, including a "good word" list/dictionary.
- Thesaurus.com Resources
- Writing Dialogue
- Title Capitalization Tool
1.2 Common Errors
The more silly errors you can avoid, the better! For example, many people use the phrase “it didn't phase him at all.” This isn't actually correct! There are lots of nuances in the language that aren't so obvious, and many of these errors are pervasive. The media uses them often, and they are common in everyday speech. You can seriously impress someone if you use the proper homonym or avoid a nonsensical cliche!
- Common Errors
- List of Cliches
- List of common misconceptions -- A wikipedia article detailing the most common misconceptions in all categories of life. If you'd like to skip straight to the Language section, click here.
- Also see Common English usage misconceptions
1.3 Vocabulary Expansion
From virtualsalt.com's introduction, you should build your vocabulary for “shades and degrees of meaning,” “exactness of meaning” and “clarification of a concept.” This is absolutely true, but take care to avoid thesaurus abuse, and make sure the word you're trying to use means what you think it means.
- Words to Know
- Synonyms for Students
- 300+ Unique Words
- Text Statistics -- Tool for analyzing your text, giving density scores and other useful information. Good for tracking progress.
- Emotions/Feelings Vocabulary -- Easy visual reference!
1.4 Writing Programs
- Joplin -- A 'single-handedly best-pick' for a open-source note-taking app; can easily be used for writing. Supports markdown, embedding images, and much more.
- Calmly Writer -- A lightweight, distraction-free writing program. Pay-once license; has a free-trial.
- Scrivener -- A go-to app for writers of all kinds; pay-to-use, has a free-trial.
- Notepad++ -- A free 'notepad replacement' program that can be used for both writing and coding; useful if you use tables in your posts.