Tag: Writing

The Pros and Cons of the Hemingway Editor App

Photo by Super Snapper on Unsplash

by Jennifer Ward

“The first draft of anything is shit.” – Ernest Hemingway

In a recent discussion in my Editing and Coaching class, my classmates and I talked about editing approaches. I mentioned the Hemingway app, and I was surprised to find that most of my classmates had yet to hear of it. About a year ago, I gave the app a trial run. Since then, I have continued to use it regularly. In comparison with other writing apps like Grammarly, Hemingway is built differently. It won’t pick up tiny errors like misplaced commas, but it will help you strengthen your writing piece in other ways. In life, we need different friends for different reasons, which is how writing apps work. We can’t have only one. What one friend brings, another one offers something completely different. The Hemingway app is like a friend who has a certain je ne sais quoi we’re all drawn to. We don’t always know how to express how great something or someone is, but we know we love it.

Ernest Hemingway was unique in his style of writing and as an individual. His real strength as a writer was in his short, succinct sentences and straightforwardness. He was a master at dialogue, creating conversations that would read in a realistic way. This type of writing leads the reader closer to the heart of the story without having to find their way through loads of adverbs, adjectives, and metaphors. Some of us prefer a more direct approach when it comes to fiction, and on the other hand, some of us love lengthy, flowery prose. Neither is wrong. This app is beneficial if your fiction writing style tends to be more descriptive, like me. But, even if you are drafting a piece of nonfiction, like a blog post or article, this app works well in improving overall clarity. Let’s get into the pros and cons of this handy app.

Photo by Elena Mozhvilo on Unsplash

Pros

  • There is a free version you can try first.
  • It comes with a built-in counter that shows how many words, characters, sentences, paragraphs, and letters your writing piece contains.
  • Great for blog posts, articles, and other short pieces of writing.
  • It tracks your reading time.
  • It provides a readability scale by using a grade-level system.
  • Based on the length of the piece, it will set a limit of adverbs.
  • It highlights the use of passive voice.
  • The app also notes sentence structure and how many sentences are difficult to read, pushing you to write clear and punchy prose.
  • You can easily copy and paste your writing into the app and toggle back and forth from your manuscript if needed.
  • If you like it and decide to purchase it, it costs $19.99 for Windows or Mac (I opted for the paid version after testing it out).

Cons

  • This app isn’t designed to pick up spelling or punctuation errors.
  • This app doesn’t integrate into Microsoft Word or Outlook like Grammarly.
  • Not great for longer pieces of writing.
  • It doesn’t offer formatting or organization suggestions like other apps.

Below is a screenshot of what your text might look like inside the app.

Which writing apps do you prefer? Have you used the Hemingway app? Have you found it helpful? Let’s start a conversation in the comments below.

Hey there! Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this blog post, please send me a like or comment below. I’d love to hear your thoughts! You can subscribe to future blog posts at the top of the sidebar to your right or connect with me on Twitter: @jennwardwrites.

Thank you again for your support!

Dreams, Stories, and Publication

 

Photo by JK Park on Unsplash

by Jennifer Ward

I have some exciting news to share! About a month ago, I received the message that my essay, “The Courage to Rekindle a Dream,” would be published in The Penman Review. And, sure enough, on December 23rd, it was on their front page! I cannot begin to describe how I feel right now because I am still in shock (in a good way, of course!)—being published two days before Christmas makes it even better!

I’ve known for a long time that I wanted to write about how I overcame college and career-changing obstacles, but I never got around to it. Until last summer when I couldn’t do anything but write.

After being diagnosed with COVID and another common virus, I began writing this essay. Having both illnesses at the same time hit me very hard. Last June, I was in the hospital and missed nearly three weeks of work. Since then, I’ve spent the second half of 2022 recovering from lung and heart inflammation, among other complications. I spent months in bed, barely able to walk to my mailbox or cook for myself. What else is a bedridden writer to do? Write, of course.

This essay is not only a story of my early adult life struggles but also a piece of work I poured my heart into while in bed, very sick. And it happens to be my first officially published piece of writing too! This is a huge accomplishment, but it also means everything to me to share my life with the world. It’s been a long journey to get to where I am today. In my twenties and early thirties, I had dreams of teaching and writing, and now, here I am. Dreams, stories, and publication, in that order!

Last Friday, one of my students gave me a Christmas card. Inside the card, she wrote: “Dear Ms. Ward, I hope your holidays are amazing and healthy! I do hope to continue to thrive in your class. I really believe you can fulfill your dream to be a writer!” I haven’t told my student yet, but I was published the same day she gave me that card. It is so incredibly important for others to support us, and I’m glad she already knows that. And that’s what my essay is all about—dreams, determination, and believing the impossible is possible. So, with all that said, have a Merry Christmas and a wonderful 2023!

To read the entire essay, click here.

Hey there! Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this blog post, please let me know by sending a like or comment below. I’d love to hear your thoughts! You can also subscribe to future blog posts at the top of the sidebar to your right. Connect with me on Twitter: @jennwardwrites.

Thank you again for your support!

Three Incredible Programs That Fund Emerging Writers

Photo by Alexander Grey on Unsplash

by Jennifer Ward 

“The writer must earn money in order to be able to live and write, but he must by no means live and write for the purpose of making money.”

Karl Marx

Making a living as a writer isn’t easy, and neither is funding creative writing projects. We write because we love it, not to get rich. But how do we survive as writers? It is one of the few professions an individual can earn less money than teaching. As a writer and a teacher, I can attest to that. If you are a writer as well, the information here may interest you.

I’ve been doing some digging to unearth some of the best residencies and fellowships for writers. I’m a New Yorker who loves the outdoors, so I searched for programs in and outside the city with reasonable fees and requirements. If you’re trying to get your work published and find ways to network, these programs can help. Here are a few options I found during my Google searches that seem very appealing.

Photo by Lukasz Szmigiel on Unsplash

Norton Island Residency Program

This writing residency, established over 20 years ago, is off the beautiful coast of Maine on Norton Island. The program allows writers to experience writing in one of seven cabins in a creative, natural space. I don’t know about you, but I would love to be on an island and hear nothing but the rhythmic sound of waves.

I stayed in a bed and breakfast in Acadia National Park a few summers ago, and I can imagine what this would be like—no phone, no television, and no distractions. Sounds like a dream. Getting my firewood? I’m on board with that, too, as long as I don’t have to use an ax. I’ve been camping before, and this seems like roughing it a bit more than what I’ve experienced. However, at the same time, it is very appealing since it is offered in the summer, and I love Maine.

Pros: Meet other writers, enjoy the fresh air, be at one with nature, and live in peace and quiet.

Cons: No running water for 10 days (in the cabins), daily cooking and cleaning responsibilities (if you don’t like chores), nights can be chilly, and there is no connection to the internet on the island.

Duration: This residency lasts for 10 days during the summer.

Fees: Playwright Phil Atlakon offers this residency for a flat fee of $150. Yes—you read that right. It is $150. There is a small application fee as well, which is very reasonable.

Requirements: This program requires fiction writers to submit 15-30 pages of work, but the program welcomes all kinds of artists and writers.

Photo by Jialin Hu on Unsplash

The New York City Emerging Writer’s Fellowship

This program, created by The Center for Fiction, is open to writers living within the five boroughs of New York City. The area is beautiful but very busy. I have lived in Brooklyn most of my life, and I work about 30 minutes away. It’s not exactly a place where you can take your time driving around. It’s more of a place to walk or take a cab. If you are a fan of the late author Frank McCourt, you might find it interesting that it’s blocks away from where he once lived on Atlantic Avenue.

This fellowship is open to all ages and supports emerging fiction writers. Their definition of “emerging writers” does not consist of someone an independent or major publisher has already published. Last year, they accepted nine fellows. Their application window closed in May 2022 but should reopen soon.

Pros: Meet other writers, group dinners with agents and other important people in the publishing industry, studio space, $5,000 grant, mentorship with an editor, lots of bars and restaurants in the area, anthology publication, no application fee (0_0).

Cons: It’s highly competitive, and the area is a bit congested with traffic.

Duration: This fellowship lasts one full year.

Fees: No application fee.

Requirements: This program requires a fiction writing sample that is less than 7,500 words unless you are submitting a piece of flash fiction. The writing sample may be either a novel excerpt or one complete short story.

Photo by Yuval Zukerman on Unsplash

The Edith Wharton-Straw Dog Writers Guild Writers-in-Residence Program

Don’t let the extra-long name deter you. This program, in Lenox, Massachusetts, is located at the former home of American novelist Edith Wharton. Although Wharton died about 85 years ago, her legacy and work remain quite influential in the writing world.

In partnership with Straw Dog Writers Guild, they offer a residency during March for a handful of talented writers. From that group, they select three writers to stay for one of three weeks in March. The program is open to emerging writers of fiction, poetry, creative non-fiction, and plays. The program provides living space nearby if you decide to stay for three weeks. This seems like an ideal choice for a writer living in or near Massachusetts and working part-time. The application window typically opens in September and closes in October. The window just closed, but it’s something to consider for next year.

Pros: Meet other writers, $500 stipend, workspace at The Mount (pictured above), and they also welcome writers of various genres.

Cons: The residency doesn’t last long; it’s in March and hard to do if you work full-time like me.

Duration: This residency lasts one week.

Fees: $25 application fee (waived if you are a member of the Straw Dog Writers Guild).

Requirements: This program requires a fiction writing sample that consists of 1,500 words, a curriculum vitae, and a statement of purpose.

If I wasn’t teaching full-time, I would apply to these programs in a heartbeat. However, the residency on Norton Island is a possibility for me since a summer commitment is one that I can do. Are there any programs that you would apply for?

Hey there! Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this article, please let me know by sending a like or comment below. I’d love to hear your thoughts! You can also subscribe to future blog posts at the top of the sidebar to your right. Connect with me on Twitter: @jennwardwrites.

Thank you again for your support!

A Playlist for Writers Who Like to Run…or Walk

Photo by Youcef Chenzer on Unsplash

by Jennifer Ward

Before I became sick with COVID last May, I loved to walk and do interval jogging. Fitness has always been a big part of my life. I did it all—aerial yoga, Zumba, dance yoga, HIIT, cardio kickboxing, vinyasa yoga, cheerleading, track, aerobics, Pilates, Peloton, personal training, and of course, the treadmill. Unfortunately, I haven’t recovered enough yet to do these intense workouts. I am grateful that I seem to be improving and can go for short walks. Who knows? Full recovery might not be too far off in the distance.

One of the benefits of walking or running when you’re a writer is that it gives you time to think. Not only are you doing something great for your body, but you are giving your brain a workout too. I like to use this time—my short walks—to daydream about characters and ideas for stories. It often helps me cope with getting stuck.

Let your mind wander during your next walk or run while listening to these songs from my music library. I hope they give you some creative energy. Full disclosure: If you happen to hate pop music, you are not going to like this list.

1. Circles by Post Malone

Who doesn’t like a song with a heartbreak theme? Compared to the rest of his music, this tune from his album Hollywood’s Bleeding is much softer with its melody and words. I could argue this is his best song ever, but I prefer a much lighter sound. I will say this is the perfect pop song for many reasons.

2. We’re Good by Dua Lipa

This is another favorite song I’ve listened to a lot—during my car rides to and from work, in addition to walking. A similar heartbreak theme is found in Post Malone’s “Circles.” It’s another song that captures the failure of relationships and the unhealthy patterns that lead to pain. I guess I can’t get enough of these toxic relationship songs. I love the lyrics…what else can I say?

3. As the World Caves In by Sarah Cothran

A slower song that has made it onto this list but a good one. Cothran sings a song showing a couple spending their last night together as the world ends. The lyrics are beautiful and heart-wrenching at the same time. The world may not have survived, but at least they had each other.

4. As It Was by Harry Styles

This is a more upbeat song to switch things up. It also sits at the number three spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Although the melody is happy, the lyrics reveal a mix of emotions hinting at a sad undertone. Like so many things in life, feelings are fickle, and we struggle to make sense of them. Harry Styles’ song gets how change in life isn’t easy.

5. American by Lana Del Rey

Bringing it back to a slower rhythm, Lana Del Rey’s “American” is one of several great songs from her album Paradise. I don’t know about you, but I’ve played the hell out of this album over the years. Not only does Lana Del Rey have impeccable style, but her voice is incredible too. Released a decade ago, the song’s lyrics reference Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen, and Elvis, which help create its nostalgic mood.

6. Modern Love by David Bowie

Back to an up-tempo song with darker lyrics, David Bowie’s “Modern Love” is another favorite I’m adding to the list. I had to include at least one song from the 80s, which is arguably the best decade for music. I can’t listen to 80s music and not think of being a little kid. There are different ways to interpret Bowie’s words, but it seems that the man in his song is looking for something with substance and only finds shallow relationships. Therefore, he loses his faith in modern love. Hmm…something a lot of us can probably relate to. We may never be able to figure certain things out, but at least we can try.

7. Riptide by Vance Joy

Vance Joy sings about a woman he admires, but it’s much more than a simple love song. This song is a blend of words and lines that seem unrelated throughout, but somehow, they all fit together. I have found myself thinking about this song hours after I’ve listened to it. The melody is simple yet, catchy and fun. The lyrics reveal what sounds like a turbulent relationship while his lady is “taken away to the dark side.” But in the end, it seems he loves her, nonetheless.

8. Rooster by Alice in Chains

Let us wind down with a slow-building alternative rock song from the 90s– “Rooster” by Alice in Chains. This song is worth listening to, even if 90s rock isn’t your thing. Its lyrics reveal the singer’s interpretation of his father’s experience fighting in Vietnam. The struggles his father faced are something I’m sure he could sense as a child. At a little over six minutes long, it’s a good song to listen to while cooling down at the end of a workout.

There it is — eight interesting songs you can add to your workout playlist (if you haven’t already). I would have made this list ten, but eight happens to be my favorite number.

Hey there! Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this story, please let me know by sending a like or comment below. I’d love to hear your thoughts! The original blog post was published on Vocal Media and featured as a top story in their Beat community. This story is also available on Medium. If you wish, you can subscribe to future blog posts here if you scroll to the top of the sidebar to your right. 

The Value of an English Degree: On Making the Most of an Education

 

Photo by Clem Onojeghuo on Unsplash

by Jennifer Ward

“Education is one thing no one can take away from you.”

Elin Nordegren

Many of us who were English majors might have heard: “Well, I guess you could always teach,” or “Are you sure a degree in English is worth it?” While I was an undergraduate student in my twenties, I was questioned a lot, and it didn’t feel good. There were times I doubted how useful my degree would be post-graduate life. Would I end up working as a barista? I thought. I hoped not. As much as I love coffee, that would be a nightmare. The angst of figuring out what I wanted to do career-wise was part of it. Though I’ve wondered why we often question the valuable skill set we acquire with an English degree and all that we have to offer the world. Today, I argue that those of us with an English degree hold a remarkable advantage over everyone else—we can write.

While pursuing my bachelor’s degree, I worked as an administrative assistant for a large hospital in Midtown East. After a while, I didn’t like my job. I wasn’t valued there, and the work became tedious. It became my personal hell from 9 to 5 within the small confines of my cubicle, and I knew I wanted to do something different. But I wasn’t sure yet what that was. After earning my degree, I used my communication skills to land an administrative role in another large hospital on the West Side of Midtown. I was offered a higher position and a considerable salary leap. Because of my degree, I earned enough to support myself and pay for college with no loans.

As an assistant supporting the hospital’s chief staff, one of my responsibilities was editing the hospital’s newsletter. I reviewed written submissions and planned the newsletter’s layout. I’ve taken various English courses—journalism, literary theory, linguistics, and creative writing. They’ve helped prepare me for the multiple professional roles I’ve taken on. Although my knowledge of feminist theory or Marxist theory in literature may not have been something I needed to know in the office, the analytical and writing skills I gained were quite valuable. Around this time, I began looking at graduate schools. I had considered pursuing an MBA or MPA and thought about law school. I eventually knew my heart wasn’t in healthcare administration. So, I moved on.

Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash

Soon I started working as a substitute teacher, and before I knew it, I landed a permanent position teaching English to seventh graders. The most rewarding parts of teaching are getting to know my students each year and sharing with them what I know about literature and life. I didn’t become an educator because I had to; I became an educator because I wanted to.

Today, I’m teaching at the same public school in Brooklyn I was when I began my career. I’m also spending time with my other passion—writing. I am building a small side business as a freelance writer. In my spare time, I write fiction and creative nonfiction as I work to develop my presence as an author. Soon, I will be completing a second master’s degree—an MFA. I’ve learned over the years that an individual with a background in English or creative writing is quite marketable. Teaching has been a wonderful, stable career for me, but there is so much more out there in the world. Why stop there? A degree in English for anyone could mean working as an author, a freelance writer, an editor, a social media marketer, a literary agent, a journalist, a technical writer, a copywriter, and the list goes on. While some of these industries are challenging to break into, it is possible to be successful. While most of us with a humanities degree will never be rich, we will acquire a wealth of transferable skills we can bring anywhere. To anyone who wants to undermine the value of an English degree, I say, “Stop and take another look.” Much of it boils down to one primary skill we all need for any career—communication. And that’s an area any English major would undeniably shine.

Hey there! Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this story, please let me know by sending a like or comment below. I’d love to hear your thoughts! This article has been updated. The original story was published here. You can also subscribe to future blog posts at the top of the sidebar to your right. Additionally, you might enjoy the excerpt from my personal essay “The Courage to Rekindle a Dream.”

Five Books Every Writer Should Own

 

Photo by Nick Morrison on Unsplash

by Jennifer Ward

Writing has always been part of my life in one way or another. As a child, my journey began with writing short stories and poems about family summer vacations. As a teenager, I kept a journal for many years, writing about crushes and teenage drama. Today, I’m grateful that I can say it is a daily part of my life. As most people would expect, I write a lot as an English Teacher and an MFA student. But I also spend substantial time working on my creative writing. Whether our passion is technical writing, copywriting, creative writing, or something else, as writers, we never stop improving our craft or looking for work.

Over the years, I have found this small stack of books to be incredibly useful in the pursuit of writing. I hope you find them helpful too.

Photo by Benjamin Raffetseder on Unsplash

On Writing Well by William Zinsser

When I finished college, I was still looking for ways to improve my writing. During an afternoon of Google searching, I came across Zinsser’s book. I immediately ordered a copy and read it on my subway commute to and from work in Midtown. In those days, I had at least two hours of reading, Monday through Friday, which I often took advantage of.

Although this book was first published in 1976, it is up-to-date, addressing changes in the writing world making it relevant today. If you want to learn more about writing nonfiction, Zinsser—a lifelong journalist—offers some very sound advice in a tone that I found to be warm and friendly. I learned a lot from him about words, usage, style, and different types of nonfiction writing. William Zinsser passed away in 2015, a few years after I read his book. He remains immortal through his words, leaving behind a strong legacy in the writing world.

His classic guide is timeless and something we can all learn from.

Writer’s Market 100th Edition: The Most Trusted Guide to Getting Published by Robert Lee Brewer

In 2020, a fellow MFA student in a fiction writing course suggested picking up a copy of Writer’s Market. I’m happy I took his advice. This big book of nearly 1,000 pages is a reliable source for anything and everything a writer will need. It even includes advice on how to format a query letter and a chapter explaining how much to charge as a freelance writer. The pay rate chart continues for several pages breaking jobs down by the hour, project, and industry. This valuable source contains information about where to submit your work and how. Other editions focus on fiction and literary agents for those more interested in creative writing.

This trusted guide has been around for over a century—you can’t beat that.

The Faith of a Writer by Joyce Carol Oats

Joyce Carol Oats, or as I call her, JCO, has been one of my favorite authors for decades. Her frequently anthologized short story, “Where Are you Going? Where Have You Been?” has left such an impression on me that I still think about it twenty years later. I’ve read several of her books and have found myself in awe of her writing and imagination. By the way, if you haven’t read her novel Zombie, you need to. I won’t say anything else. The less you know starting that book, the better.

Naturally, when I came across her book, The Faith of a Writer, I had to read it. Who wouldn’t want a glimpse into the private writing life of their favorite author? In a collection of essays, she elegantly writes about what makes a story striking and where she finds inspiration. Perhaps I am biased as a super fan, but I think everything she writes is brilliant.

Photo by 🇸🇮 Janko Ferlič on Unsplash

The Rose Metal Press Field Guide to Writing Flash Fiction: Tips from Editors, Teachers, and Writers in the Field Edited by Tara L. Masih

Looking further into my shelved writing books, I found another excellent source written by various experts in the field. This book offers some interesting prompts, such as one based on the Rorschach Test. There are several steps involved, but the overall goal here is to generate a list of images associated with an inkblot created by you. The writing assignment is to draft a flash fiction story using those images and words. Sounds challenging, right? It is, but it’s also fun.

What I like about this book is that it offers an example of a flash fiction story, an essay by the author, and a writing exercise for you to practice. If flash fiction isn’t your thing, Rose Metal Press has also published books on prose poetry and flash nonfiction.

The Freelancer’s Bible by Sara Horowitz with Toni Sciarra Poynter

I initially read The Freelancer’s Bible for a required business class I took while working on my master’s degree. Yet, since then, I have used this as a road map to building a new career which is growing into a small side business. This book often reads like a friend offering professional, no-nonsense advice. Who wouldn’t want that? Even if you aren’t new to the freelancing world, this book is filled with beneficial suggestions for continuing to grow your business, such as figuring out taxes, insurance, and all the other intricacies of self-employment. If you are interested in working as a freelance writer, I highly suggest picking up a copy of this informative guide.

Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this blog post, please let me know by sending a like or comment below. I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Author Interview

Photo by Etienne Girardet on Unsplash

By Jennifer Ward

Recently, I had the pleasure of being interviewed by author and fellow MFA graduate student Faith Harris at Southern New Hampshire University. Read on to learn more about recent projects I’ve worked on, and what inspired me to write contemporary fiction.

FH: Let’s talk about process. Starting with, where do you write? How do you find the time?   

JW: I have a habit of bringing my laptop everywhere with me just in case I have some free time. I’ve written in hotel rooms, on subways, and during breaks at work (before I became a teacher). These days, I mostly write at my desk by the window in my NYC apartment. Lately, much of my time is devoted to my teaching job and graduate school. I try to get a lot of writing done during the summer, other school vacations, and the weekends.

FH: What made you want to start writing?   

JW: I’ve been writing in some form since I was very young. I kept a diary since the age of six, and when I was in the fourth grade, I wrote a small collection of one-page stories about summer vacations my family and I went on. Writing has always been enjoyable and therapeutic for me. I wrote a bit in college and afterward, here and there. I’ve had different careers in healthcare and education, but writing has never left my life.

FH: What is your chosen genre and what led you to write in this genre?  

JW: I write contemporary fiction. The thing that draws me to this genre is how relatable the characters and scenarios can be.  I think fiction can help us make sense of the world around us, and I try to do that with my stories. I once heard someone refer to contemporary fiction as “a slice of life,” and it really is.

FH: Can you please give us a brief overview of the project you are currently working on, if any?  

JW: Currently, I’m working on a few things. I recently wrote a short story about two sisters who are reunited by their father’s death. There is a lot of conflict and tension between them since he didn’t make his last wishes known. Many of my stories deal with family relationships. I also wrote a nonfiction story for Chicken Soup for the Soul I’m going to submit for publication. My story is about my experience teaching in a densely populated school in Brooklyn during the pandemic, watching my students and colleagues get sick, and eventually getting sick myself. It sounds sad, but it’s uplifting and all about thinking positively. Finally, I’ve written some character sketches and scenes for my debut novel, which is still very much a work in progress.

FH: What advice would you give a young aspiring writer?  

JW: I’m still in the process of building my own career as an author, but to a young writer, I would say go where you are valued and appreciated. Try to let go of any doubt or negativity others might project onto you. If writing is your dream, go for it.

%d bloggers like this: