Penny Carroll

Writer & Editor

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  • Editing, How-to, Writing

    How to make your dialogue shine

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    Give your fictional conversations a glow-up with these tips.

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  • Editing, Writing

    Trust issues: Why trusting your reader is vital for strong storytelling

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    Two women sit on a couch with a pile of books and papers between them.

    A lack of trust can erode your story in subtle ways. Here’s how it tends to show up and how to show your reader you trust them to keep up.

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  • Editing, How-to, Writing

    Tips for using expletives in fiction

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    Do you use expletives in your writing? Here are a few pointers to keep in mind next time you’re dropping those swear bombs.

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  • Editing, Writing

    When is the best time to work with beta readers?

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    Here are my top three tips for authors preparing to send their stories out to beta readers.

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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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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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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?
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

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