March 27th, 2021
Hi! How have you been?
Me?
Well, I was sick for most of the week. I’ll spare you the details but it wasn’t pretty whatsoever. Breathing is still a wee bit rough and the coughing makes it feel as though I have several broken ribs. Because I was sick, I didn’t quite meet my writing and reading goals alike.
My goal for writing included finishing writing a humorous fiction/children’s book inspired by the Junie B. Jones (Barbara Park) and Judy Moody (Megan McDonald) series both. And my goal for reading was to finish reading a YA Novel, Magnus Chase (Rick Riordan).
Sadly, neither of these happened. I’ve been on some heavy medications thus my focus is all but temporarily out of order – haha! Though, I will say I was able to make it through a few chapters of 100 Ways to Improve Your Writing by Gary Provost on Friday.
Friday, I learned some excellent tips I could well use for copywriting purposes, helping to better connect with my online audience as well.
Jacob Thomas
Author
Jacob Thomas is a children’s book & humorous fiction book writer, father, person with autism, someone’s best friend, pluviophile, bibliophile, and so many other things!
This Week’s Writing Tip
This week’s writing tip comes directly from above, Gary Provost.
I’m taking this week’s tip back to the basics with Gary’s view on Pyramid Construction. Simply put, Pyramid Construction means getting to the point at the top with the 5 W’s – “who, what, when, where, and why” – in the first paragraph, and developing the supporting information under it.
Quick Point:
Each part of a pyramid-style story should include information that is less important than the information that came before it. Use pyramid construction only for any short story or story you know that might be cut.
Don’t use anything in paragraph 12 that the reader must know in order to understand paragraph 7.
Usage Example (From Gary Provost):
Without Pyramid Construction
The flames could still be seen at dawn, flickering lights at the bottom of the canyon. Ethyl Murdock stood by, chuckling. “That’ll show them Detroit folks,” she said.
Ethyl Murdock had just pushed her brand-new Dodge van off a cliff when she spoke those words…
With Pyramid Construction
Mrs. Ethyl Murdock of Elgin, Illinois, pushed her new Dodge van off a cliff yesterday afternoon after the truck broke down for the sixteenth time since she bought it just a week ago.
At dawn today the flames from the van could still be seen flickering…
What Do You Think Of This Week’s Writing Tip?
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Latest Book Haul
Pokemon Adventures 01 – Collector’s Edition
My Hero Academia Manga – Volume One
My Hero Academia Manga – Volume Two
This week, I wanted to change up my usual selections: a throwback and two from a show I’m struggling to get through the first season on.
Pokemon has always been a staple in my life of geek and nerddom so it was only natural I impulsively buy Pokemon Adventures 01 (Collector’s Edition) from my local Barnes & Noble. As such, MHA being an anime also, I figured I would go for the recommendation from the cashier and see what I’m missing from the show.
Have you read any of these mangas? What was in your latest #bookhaul?
Passing Of A Titan
It is sad to report the literary world lost a living legend this week at 104 years old: Beverly Cleary
Learning of her passing this week still felt like a punch in the gut if I’m honest. Beverly Atlee Cleary was an American writer of children’s and young adult fiction. One of America’s most successful authors, 91 million copies of her books have been sold worldwide since her first book was published in 1950.
Runaway Ralph, Henry & the Paper Route, and Ralph S. Mouse were some of my favorite titles of hers while growing up. She is also well known for her “Ramona” series, Ramona the Brave, Beezus and Ramona, and more.
I look to add her books to my collection so my daughter can know the love and joy felt from each book, to hear her voice, and more.
What was your favorite Beverly Cleary book?
This Week’s Writing Prompt
Every week, I’d like to give you, my wonderful newsletter members, a writing prompt challenge.
The goal each week is to challenge you in writing a short story in seven days with the prompt that I provide every week. You can share your results on your blog, in my email, or on social media. Or maybe a mix.
Take a look at this week’s writing prompt and feel free to leave some feedback.
“Write about a mischievous pixie or trickster god.”