A Woman Her Age

January 27, 2015October 21, 2016 / Sheila McIntrye Good, Author / 21 Comments

100 Word Challenge for Grown Ups – Week#165 Prompt: …the suitcase lay open…

Betty picked at her cuticles and stared at the bed. The suitcase lay open waiting for her decision. Yes or No? Fred had been adamant. “No, you’re not going. A woman your age has no business traipsing off to Europe. “I won’t allow it.”

The bucket list she’d written years ago, placed Paris as number one. She wasn’t getting younger, it was now or never.

He won’t allow it?

Fuming, she stomped across the room, jerked open the dresser, grabbed a hand full of underwear, and threw them in the suitcase.

“He’ll get over it.”

I’d love to hear your comments. Let’s have a conversation. Talk to me. Tell me your story. And as always, you can follow me on Facebook at SheilaMGood, Pinterest, Bloglovin, Twitter@sheilagood, and Contently.

Editing Tools at Your Fingertips

January 25, 2015March 17, 2016 / Sheila McIntrye Good, Author / 1 Comment

I get the hibbie-jibbies every time I finish a work in progress, whether it’s a short story, flash fiction piece or blog post. Why? Because I’m convinced, the truth will come out and everyone will know I’m not a real writer. I mean, a real writer wouldn’t make stupid grammar mistakes, would they?

The truth is every writer makes grammar mistakes. Fortunately, successful writers can afford a proofreader and editor. Me? I rely on my fading memory and a few favorite editing tools.

Here are my top favorites:

1- AutoCrit: Updated with fiction writers in mind, this program tops the list of favorites editing tools. This program evaluates pacing, repetition, redundancies, dialog, and much more. It is my go-to editing program. Prices range from $5/month for Gold membership to $12/month for professional. Check out this link for the different options available. You can, of course, give the program a free, but limited try. In my opinion, professional membership is the only way to go.

2- Grammarly: Is just what the name implies. It evaluates your writing for over 250 grammatical errors. Including punctuation, spelling, word choice (making suggestions), and detects plagiarism. This program is often used in colleges and universities for that purpose. Compatible with Word and Outlook, is is less friendly with a Mac product. Cost ranges from $29.95/month to $139.95 annually.

3- EditMinion: Simple to use, this free robotic copy editor pinpoints areas of weakness in seconds. The program highlights Adverbs, Weak Words, Said Passive Voice, Prepositions, Homonyms, and Clichés. A favorite of mine, its a fun way to tighten your prose.

4- ProWritingAid: Is a free online editing tool, similar to Grammarly‘s program. It checks for grammar, overused words, repetition, spelling, consistency, Clichés, and redundancies. It works with Word and Google Docs. I admit I haven’t used this tool as much but have heard favorable reviews. Cost for Premium program is $35/year; $55/2 years,$70/ 3 years, or $120/ Lifetime.

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In addition, to these editing tools, I have a quick find folder on my desktop with the following sites:

Grammar Girl: Quick and Dirty Tricks

Words Writers Should Delete/Word Sharpeners

The Chicago Manual of Style Online

Elements of Style

Guide to Grammar and Writing

Safe Surrender

January 24, 2015October 21, 2016 / Sheila McIntrye Good, Author / 7 Comments

Five Sentence Fiction: This week’s word: ABANDON

What it’s all about: Five Sentence Fiction is about packing a powerful punch in a tiny fist. Each week I will post a one-word inspiration, then anyone wishing to participate will write a five sentence story based on the prompt word.

Barbara stood shivering from the cold night air and stared at the small light glowing in the fire station’s window. She hesitated, what if they didn’t hear her ring?

Tears spilled down her cheeks as she moved toward the door, hugging the blanket tight against her chest. With trembling hands, she pinned the note to the front of the tiny bundle, snuggled the bag of meager necessities against him, rang the bell, then slipped into the darkness.

“Dear son, I love you and please know, I did not abandon you, but from a place of love chose to give you a better life.”

Forever your mom,