20 Tips features four short, simple, and challenging projects. These projects focus on specific skills to help you in the development of your finished manuscript.

Each project is related to a particular lesson in the course. It's best to complete and upload the projects immediately after reviewing the related material. More detailed instructions will be found at the end of the relevant lessons. I will review and leave feedback on each submitted project.

Tip #4, The Power of Observation: To help develop your five senses, and to make you think critically about the your word choices, write a 100-200 word description of the room in which you sit. When you're done, write it again, but use none of the same adjectives from the first draft. Upload both descriptions as one document.

Tip #5, Creating Your Outline: Creating a road map for your story before you begin is incredibly helpful. To that end, write an outline of your story, mapping the major plot points to the Hero's Journey. (Plot points and the Hero's Journey will be explained during the lesson.)

Tip #13, I, Me, Mine: Overuse of I. me, my, and mine can be repetitive and cause reading fatigue. Practice by writing a first person story of at least 200 words. Only use the words "I" and "me" once each. (This one is surprisingly challenging!)

Tip #14: Fluid dialogue makes your story more readable. Write a 200-300 word scene with dialogue between three or more characters. Pay attention to attribution.

All projects should be uploaded as a Word Doc, PDF, or link to a Google Doc in double-spaced, 12 point, Times New Roman Font. Please feel free to post questions about your projects to the discussion board.

Laure Raimondi

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