Q How does one balance intentional fragments in writing for a competition like this?  Fragments are a SPaG issue, but sometimes writing style demands it because not using fragments would make a piece seem stilted or awkward. A “Harry was gone. Dead.” In this example, ‘dead’ is a sentence fragment. It’s grammatically incorrect because it… Continue reading When should you use sentence fragments?

Q Under what circumstances do the spells get italics? Is it all the time or only when they’re being used? A Different formatting rules depend on what part of the spell you’re using. You’re either writing the name of the spell (Bubble-Head Charm, Invisibility Spell, Gemino Curse), in which case, it should be capitalised but… Continue reading Under what circumstances do the spells get italics?

Q Would you capitalise all potion mentions, even if that’s not it’s actual name? E.g. pain potion, healing potion. A Capitalisation is something that JK Rowling, her editors, and publishers failed to be consistent with. When it comes to the capitalisation of potions, ones with exact names should be capitalised (Draught of Living Death, Elixir… Continue reading Would you capitalise all potion mentions, even if that’s not it’s actual name?

Q Do you have any tips for keeping control of plots? One time I tried to write a longer story, but when I got to writing the eighth or ninth chapter, I’d forgotten the important points I brought up at the very start. A There are three types of writers: the plotters, the pantsers, and… Continue reading Do you have any tips for keeping control of plots?

Q Do you have any advice for writing one-shots? I’m always going over the word limit and hacking parts of my story off when I edit. A The easiest way to stick to a word count, other than avoiding wordiness and complicated sentences, is to outline your story before you write it. Flying by the… Continue reading Do you have any advice for writing one-shots?

Q How do you come up with new, unexpected plot/story ideas that haven’t been seen before? I’m always in awe of the creativity that some authors’ stories portray, especially in plot. My stories tend to be more character driven, leaving the plot to be less important, but I don’t want it to be boring! A… Continue reading How do you come up with story ideas that haven’t been seen before?