I was just editing a client’s memoir and noticed quite a few ellipses in an email from a friend in the story. I asked, Is that really how this character would write? If not, try replacing most of them with commas or periods. Why? 🧐

Because the main character already uses ellipses throughout her own dialogue and inner thoughts. By that point, I’d grown used to seeing her liberal use of them. But this is one of those subtle ways we can differentiate voices on the page.🏆

If you naturally write with lots of ellipses—and they beautifully reflect your narrative voice—that’s cool. Keep them where they belong. (Ideally for moments of hesitation, interruption, longing, uncertainty, or thoughts that intentionally drift away.) 🌊

Think of punctuation as choreography.
It tells the reader when to breathe, pause, rush ahead, or linger. 🤔

But when you’re writing dialogue, emails, letters, texts, or journal entries from another character, their punctuation becomes part of their personality. Giving them a different rhythm helps create the feeling that another human being is speaking—not just the author wearing a different hat. 👒

Even though you know I love me a good hat.

It’s a small craft choice, but readers feel the difference, even if they can’t quite explain why.

These tiny craft tweaks create a surprisingly big effect. They’re the sort of thing readers don’t consciously notice, but will feel.

Little observations like these—the ones that help writers hear voice instead of just learn rules—are often the most valuable because they teach instinct as well as technique. I’ll try to share more of these little craft tips more often.🫶

#BookMama #BeautifulWritersBook ...

The best pages rarely arrive when we’re trying to force them. They show up when we’re paying attention.

Lately, I’ve been listening to my dreams—both asleep and awake—and asking what wants to be written next.✨

On the page for sure, but also In my life.

We’re all writing the story of our lives every day, whether we’re holding a pen or not.

And sometimes a wide-open space and a quiet horizon can tell you more than a hundred productivity books ever could.

Every book, business, relationship, and adventure starts as a feeling before it becomes a plan.

Lately, I’ve been in awe watching my people publish and publish again. 🎉🎬

So many celebratory calls and texts.

@stevegrant_mailman hitting the NYT list! @jaclyngoldis out with her FORTH novel!
@daniellelaporte publishing #blessandrelease
@therosiewalsh publishing her best book yet.
@anesecavanaugh relaunching her #contagiousyou 🚀

And the manuscripts on my desk and on my desktop are mind-blowing! My clients are writing the most beautiful stories. Every day is magic.

My feelings these days are pointing me back toward writing, too. And podcasting again. I’m excited to see where it takes me.

And for having you with me on the ride. 🫶🐴

What are you working on over there? What are your dreams telling you? ✨✨✨

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