Author name: Carol Ervin

I have been lucky to have three highly engaging and interesting careers--first as a teacher, then the owner of a small business, and finally as a writer. I have been blessed by great friends, family, teachers, colleagues, and students, and I have lived in interesting places. My life has also been enriched by books, music, and art. I believe in the greatness and fallibility of the human race and our need to responsibility take care of our planet.

Write chapter summaries as you draft

3 Comments / chapter summaries, drafting, using the summary as a writing tool, writing the summary /

I’ve always hated to write summaries, but in working on my current project,  I actually found them useful.  Instead of waiting till the final draft to tackle the dreaded task, I started writing a summary as I finished each chapter.  But I didn’t begin to do this until I was more than half way through […]

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The pause before the end

5 Comments / Writing, Writing the ending /

Here’s the current problem.  Come to think of it, it’s my typical old problem.  I’m near the end of a first draft, and reluctant to write the finish.   Instead of plowing ahead, I decided to explore why, maybe do a better job when I get back to it. It’s not burnout.  I know what that feels

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Finding a true voice

4 Comments / Drafts, Style, Voice, Writing /

Usually I read blogs for information, but I’m drawn to several by the conversational style of the blogger.  The writers sound like fun people with keen minds.  I think I’d like to read something by them.  But when I read a sample of their fiction, I’m disappointed.  It’s not the voice I expected. I’ve also

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