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The articles in this section aim to provide writers, particularly new writers, with an insight into the world of fiction writing.
Motivation
Using proverb based themes for story ideas - Part One
Using proverb based themes for story ideas - Part Two
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Plot: The Fiction Writer's Itinerary
Choosing and Describing a Perfect Setting
Characterisation
Learn to be quiet
Delving into your past
Regaining your writing confidence
Using inclusive language in writing
Copyright: Where To Find Information
Critiquing guidelines
Anti-Virus Tip for Writers
All Rights Remain With the Author: Fact or Fiction?
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When writers use he, him and his or she, her and her in a 'general sense', they might as well be saying there's only one gender on this planet. We know that's not true, so at the very least writers should use he/she, she/he, her/him, him/her, his/her, her/his. These constructions are awkward however, and if writers use he/she or she/he etc, they are placing one group before another. Writers should avoid these constructions and instead use plurals as I've done in this paragraph each time I used the plural term writers.
Have you ever heard the term female doctors? A doctor is a doctor, you don't have to put anything in front of it. Have you ever read the word actress? The word actor doesn't have a gender associated with it. It's not necessary to create a new term when a suitable word is already available.
When it comes to referring to a person's occupation, don't use language such as office girl. Use a description such as clerk.
Don't use man as a verb. For example, we don't man the office, we staff the office.
There are many other unnecessary terms still in use around the world today. Do the world a favour, look around you and reflect society truthfully in language.
© Justin O'Leary 1998
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