Tag: Deborah De Ciantis

Classic Fantasy and Today’s MG and YA Fantasy Stories by Deborah S. DeCiantis

May 27, 2024

In our recent Master Class on fantasy, author Amy Earls provided important tools for writing YA and MG fantasy. Today, team member Deborah S. DeCiantis gives her perspective (from many years of being an English college professor) to understanding classic fantasy.  Fantasy fiction seems to attract definite responses: readers either love it or hate it. Fantasy’s defenders point … More Classic Fantasy and Today’s MG and YA Fantasy Stories by Deborah S. DeCiantis

5 Tips for Using and Understanding Literal and Metaphorical Language, Part IV by Deborah DeCiantis

September 28, 2020

TIP#4 Recognize valid situations where literal and metaphorical meanings co-exist. Statements may have both literal and metaphorical meanings without being ambiguous, equivocal, or contradictory. Acronyms and acrostics, homonyms and antonyms, sound devices like alliteration and rhyme, humor, and even puns, function as literal content and also as helpful memory aids. Today’s icons, emoticons, GIFs, and … More 5 Tips for Using and Understanding Literal and Metaphorical Language, Part IV by Deborah DeCiantis

Maintaining Focus While Social-Distancing by Deborah DeCiantis

April 14, 2020

How can a social-distancing writer focus on 1) writing progress and 2) spiritual wellbeing? If you’re getting plenty of alone time, writing should be easy, right? But you’re still living in unfamiliar circumstances, perhaps removed from routines or places that inspire you. If you’re surrounded by children or other adults who suddenly find themselves without … More Maintaining Focus While Social-Distancing by Deborah DeCiantis