Penny Carroll

Writer & Editor

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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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  • Author interviews

    Christina Gustavson has a sixth sense

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    Christina Gustavson

    The Swedish crime novelist shares how her career in forensic psychiatry shapes her writing and offers tips for aspiring crime writers.

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  • Editing, How-to

    5 ways to improve your manuscript

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    Good news: these tips don’t involve any writing!

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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
  • How to make your dialogue shine
  • Trust issues: Why trusting your reader is vital for strong storytelling
  • Tips for using expletives in fiction
  • When is the best time to work with beta readers?
  • Everything you need to know about semicolons
Categories
  • Author interviews
  • Editing
  • How-to
  • Proofreading
  • Writing

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Given the recent spate of disappointing headlines Given the recent spate of disappointing headlines about AI-written books and plagiarised reviews and A-list actors with massive book clubs encouraging women to ‘learn AI’ 😑, it seems timely/necessary to let you know that I’m not using generative AI in my business.  Rest assured, authors, I won’t compromise your copyright or confidentiality while working on your manuscript. I’m all about human creativity!  For the full rundown, head to my website to read my AI and Digital Tools Policy.
Welcome to the editorial therapy room! 📚✏️✨ If yo Welcome to the editorial therapy room! 📚✏️✨  If you’re stuck with your story, lost your plot or your characters are driving you up the wall, I can help.  I’m introducing a new service called Storyboard Sessions, designed to help authors get unstuck, fast. Think of it as an Ask me Anything tailored to you and your writing roadblocks, designed to give you an injection of inspiration and enthusiasm.  Why now?  Honestly, publishing is a tough gig. It can feel like every time you turn around, someone’s changed the game.  I want to help more authors reach their dream of writing and publishing a book, but there’s only one of me and I can only edit so many manuscripts in the hours I have. Plus, given world events right now, I’m well aware that a full edit isn’t always financially feasible for authors.  These sessions are not a replacement for a full edit, but they might just be the support you need to break through your blocks and keep going on this marathon writing journey.  If you’re keen to find out more, head to the link in my bio or shoot me a DM with your questions!  Hope to storyboard with you soon 🤗
English is endlessly confusing, isn’t it? Swipe fo English is endlessly confusing, isn’t it? Swipe for a ‘rule’ that your teachers at school were totally wrong about 😏 And let me know in the comments any more writing rules you want explained👇#editingtips
Let’s talk, writers. Having trouble getting your c Let’s talk, writers. Having trouble getting your characters to sound like real people on the page? The secret is to aim for a glazed version of conversation that sounds authentic, but better. Swipe through for some of my top tips and head to the link in bio for more dialogue pointers. #writing #dialogue

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