Penny Carroll

Writer & Editor

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  • How-to

    Everything you need to know about semicolons

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    If you’re confused about how to use semicolons correctly, I’ve got the advice you need (and it’s not nearly as tricky as you might expect).

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  • How-to, Writing

    How to write great chapter and scene openers

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    Chapter and scene openers matter just as much as the closing lines. Here’s some tips for crafting strong scenes from the very top.

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  • Editing, How-to

    How to punctuate dialogue in fiction

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    Polishing your dialogue punctuation is an easy way to make your manuscript look professional and keep who’s saying what clear for your reader.

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  • Author interviews

    Jade May is empowering her readers

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    Jade May author

    This author of spicy contemporary romance is bringing pleasure out of the shadows.

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  • How-to

    How to use dashes: a guide for authors

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    Get a handle on how to use en and em dashes in fiction and non-fiction books.

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  • How-to

    How to use hyphens correctly

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    Confused about how to use hyphens in sentences? Here’s my guide to hyphens, with plenty of tips and examples to help you out.

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Hi there!
Hi there!

I'm Penny, a writer and editor. On this blog I share writing tips, editing advice and interviews with authors to get you inspired. Read more

 
Recent Posts
  • Breaking up is hard to do
  • Diane Hester is reshaping the past with fiction
  • How to make your dialogue shine
  • Trust issues: Why trusting your reader is vital for strong storytelling
  • Tips for using expletives in fiction
Categories
  • Author interviews
  • Editing
  • How-to
  • Proofreading
  • Writing

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Free writing and editing resources? In this econom Free writing and editing resources? In this economy? You know it! Head to my website (link you know where) for three handy downloads you can access entirely free, plus a heap of how-to guides to bookmark 📚🤓 PS What resources should I add to my library next? Let me know in the comments👇 #editing #freebies
Just leaving this here: a quick guide to my curren Just leaving this here: a quick guide to my current services 📚 DM me or head to my website for more info, availability and pricing, or to book a free sample edit ✨#editing
New release alert! 🎉 My wonderful client @hester_d New release alert! 🎉 My wonderful client @hester_diane’s latest thriller The Fortress of Us is now available on Amazon and Kobo. To celebrate, I chatted with Diane about the incredible true story that inspired The Fortress of Us, the power of fiction to help us understand ourselves and others better, and how her background as a professional violinist informs her writing process. It’s a great read — grab a cuppa and follow the link in my bio, and while you’re at it, check out The Fortress of Us, a propulsive suspense story about four shattered souls who unite to save a child 🏡 #thriller #writingadvice
If you’re a writer you’re probably pretty okay wit If you’re a writer you’re probably pretty okay with listening to the voices in your head. But if you’re not sure how to deepen your story or figure out your character’s motivations I’m going to suggest taking it a step further and having a conversation with your cast. You’ll play both interviewer and interviewee, writing your character’s responses in their voice, and yes it’s a bit weird. But if you’re open to it, I think it’s a great way to unlock deeper themes and layers in your story and characters. Keen? Head to my website for a freebie designed to help you get a bit woo-woo with your work ✨ And if you’ve tried it, let me know below! Did it work for you?

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