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How to Write a Novel – 3 Quick Tips
Correct Punctuation
The aim of using punctuation correctly is to give structure and form to your writing. It also allows your work to be noticed for the right reasons! Apostrophe ( ' ) An apostrophe can be used to indicate a missing letter or letters. It's is the shortened form of its. Can't is the shortened form of cannot. They can also be used to show that something belongs to somebody or something. Use the apostrophe with the word that shows the owner. If the owner is one (singular) then add the apostrophe before the s. If the owner is more than one (plural) then add the apostrophe right at the end of the word. Examples: The desk's colour. This means the colour of the desk. The desks' colour. This means the colour of the desks. If the plural word does not end with an s then add one and put the apostrophe before it. Note: pronouns do not use an apostrophe e.g. yours, ours, hers. Brackets ( ) Brackets allow the writer to insert a comment or afterthought into a sentence. You should be able to remove the brackets and contents and be left with a sentence that makes sense. Mr. Churchill was a skilled artist (a bricklayer too!). Brackets also allow you to credit any sources of information that you are using. Use punctuation within brackets as required and separate from punctuation outside of the brackets. If a bracket occurs at the end of a sentence then a full stop or question mark is required immediately after the bracket. Exclamation mark ( ! ) These are used at the end of a sentence to demonstrate shock, surprise, anger, and excitement or to give emphasis. The next sentence is started with a capital letter. Please try to remember these basics of punctuation. It will keep your reader focused on the story!Direct article link: http://www.iwantabookpublisher.com/articles_for_writers/Correct+Punctuation/#article