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Potpourri - Sometimes we need to mix it up!


When writing a story, we need lots of different tools and techniques.  Sometimes these may include using different styles of writing or even bringing to life challenging or even repugnant characters.  To practice these different techniques, I've given a couple of exercises.  

 

#75 - Use the Passive Voice in a vignette.  For example, "Jenny was a great writer who once won an award.  She had written a story that garnered lots of attention and cause quite an uproar.  That excitement passed and she has since given up the craft."  As another example, obituaries or objective reports on findings use the passive voice.  While it's not terribly compelling, passive voice has many uses and it can make the rhythm of your story more varied and interesting.    

 

#76 - Your character is a compulsive liar, unable to stop themselves from spinning tales that make them the envy of everyone around them. Then they wake up one day to discover that their lies have all come true…

Happy Writing!

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AC Benus

Posted

Wow. I know what -- or who -- No. 76 makes me think of :lol:

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Carlos Hazday

Posted

@AC Benus

Is it the same person I/m thinking of? Mine always bragged about hanging 10...

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Valkyrie

Posted

I wanted to clarify what Cole meant by use of passive voice in PT Prompt 75.  He's going for more of a passive style or pace vs using actual passive voice.  From a grammatical point of view, the example he gave is actually using past perfect.  An example of passive voice would be "The book was read by him." vs active voice "He read the book."  Using the active voice is generally preferred, but passive voice has its place.  Same with past perfect.  While it can get clunky if used too often, sometimes it's necessary in order make the story clear.  I could get a lot more in depth with both topics, but that's the basic gist of it.  

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