Tip: Make sure your pronouns are referring to the person you want them to. In the sentence: John called Tom every day while he was away. The “he” is vague. Who is it referring to? John? Or Tom? Who was away? Technically, a pronoun refers to the last person mentioned, in this case, Tom. But what if it was John who was gone? A better way to write it would be: While John was away, he called Tom every day. Or, if Tom was away: While Tom was away, he called John every day.

Thought: “You will never overcome your fear that your writing is insipid or incomprehensible or trivial – write in spite of the fear.” – Paul Martin

Teaser: Your heroine hears something scratching in her walls. What is it? How does she react? What does she do?