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Basics of Writing

A few words about sorrow

Most people write to express their feelings or to entertain their readers.

However, some write to make the world a more peaceful place.

The weather in Oakland keeps changing. It’s no longer hot in the morning or cold in the evening. It’s not raining; it’s not humid. It’s not windy. It’s not sunny. It’s not foggy. It’s hazy. It’s not hazy. It’s a constant state of change.

This article is an ode to sadness. To the kind of sadness that builds up, nears you, takes you over, and has you weeping in the corner. It can be overwhelming, and it can be hard to explain to those around you. But sadness is a necessary emotion and can be a source of strength and resilience. We need to learn to embrace it in our craft.

Sadness can be a teacher, helping us to learn more about ourselves and the world around us. When we accept it, we can use it to fuel our creativity and help us create meaningful work. We should never be ashamed of our emotions but instead use them to our advantage.

A character study

First, think about your current work in progress and select a character. It can be the protagonist, the antagonist, or even a non-speaking character.

Now, decide which word best fits the character you want to write about and use it to describe them. Challenge yourself to incorporate the word into developing the character further.

Set a timer and splatter your thoughts on the page. No editing!

Once you’re done with that character, move on to the next character and repeat the process.

Finally, decide if anything’s worth saving. It’s okay if you don’t end up using the work you produce. If you find a scene is usable, go through your work and make any necessary changes to ensure that the descriptions fit the characters and the story.

  1. Aggravated
  2. Agitated
  3. Anxious
  4. Apologetic
  5. Apprehensive
  6. Concerned
  7. Confused
  8. Dejected
  9. Depressed
  10. Despair
  11. Disturbed
  12. Embarrassed
  13. Fearful
  14. Foreboding
  15. Gloomy
  16. Grave
  17. Hollow
  18. Hopeless
  19. Horrific
  20. Melancholy
  21. Miserable
  22. Morose
  23. Mournful
  24. Nervous
  25. Numb
  26. Ominous
  27. Paranoid
  28. Pessimistic
  29. Pitiful
  30. Poignant
  31. Regretful
  32. Remorseful
  33. Resigned
  34. Sad
  35. Serious
  36. Sober
  37. Solemn
  38. Staid
  39. Upset
  40. Worry

I need to emphasize that you should always keep your writing straightforward, no matter the platform you use to write. This will ensure your writing is clear and easy to understand. Avoid using overly complex language or jargon. Remember that simple words are often more effective than long, flowery ones.

If you can keep your writing clear and flow well, the editor’s job will be more accessible, and your story will improve. This will help ensure your story reaches a broader audience. You create an engaging and polished piece of writing by editing and revising your work before you entrust your manuscript to an editor. Good editing also helps to ensure the accuracy and clarity of your writing.


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Guilliean Pacheco (she/her) is an American of Filipino descent. She is an early career full-stack writer by day and raconteuse by night. Her journey includes earning an M.F.A. in Writing from the University of San Francisco, a Media Writing certificate from the New School, and becoming an Anaphora Arts poetry fellow. She's also a valued A.I.R. and IWW FJU member, deeply rooted in her passion for supporting the creative community. A misplaced California girl, she lives in Las Vegas normally — if one could call living there normal — on Southern Paiute land.

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