<![CDATA[Alkamae - Blog]]>Tue, 18 Feb 2025 08:37:42 -0500Weebly<![CDATA[Active vs. Passive Voice]]>Mon, 17 Feb 2025 18:35:47 GMThttp://alkamae.com/blog/active-vs-passive-voiceThe difference between active and passive voice lies in who performs the action in a sentence.
Active Voice
  • The subject performs the action.
  • The sentence structure follows: Subject → Verb → Object
  • Example:
    • The manager (S) approved (V) the proposal (O). (The manager is doing the approving.)
Passive Voice
  • The subject receives the action.
  • The sentence structure follows: Object → Verb → Subject (optional)
  • Example:
    • The proposal (O) was approved (V) by the manager (S). (The proposal is receiving the action, and the manager is optional.)
When to Use Active vs. Passive:
  • Use Active Voice when clarity, impact, and directness matter (business writing, storytelling, instructions).

  • Use Passive Voice when the action matters more than the doer (scientific reports, formal/legal writing, when the doer is unknown).
]]><![CDATA[How to Write "Jeopardy Shots"]]>Wed, 15 Jan 2025 20:30:00 GMThttp://alkamae.com/blog/how-to-write-jeopardy-shotsIn filmmaking, the term "jeopardy shot" typically refers to a shot that emphasizes danger, tension, or high stakes within a scene. It’s often used to visually communicate that a character is in peril, or a situation is about to take a turn for the worse. 

In writing, the "jeopardy shot" concept translates to heightening stakes and tension in a scene that makes the reader feel the character’s danger, urgency, or emotional turmoil. 

Instead of using a camera, you achieve this with word choice, pacing, perspective, and sensory details. A "jeopardy shot" in writing is about immersing the reader in a moment of high stakes, making them feel the tension rather than just telling them it exists. 
​
Ways to Apply a "Jeopardy Shot" in Writing:
  1. Close point of view and internal monologue
    • Zoom in on what the character is feeling—heart pounding, breath quickening, sweat dripping.
    • Show their internal conflict, doubts, or racing thoughts.
    • Example: She gripped the doorknob, her pulse thrumming in her ears. On the other side, silence. Too much silence.

  2. Sentence structure and pacing
    • Use short, punchy sentences for urgency.
    • Slow down with detailed description to build suspense.
    • Example: A shadow moved. Then another. She wasn’t alone.

  3. Foreshadowing and sensory detail
    • Describe sounds, textures, and smells that hint at danger before the character fully realizes it.
    • Example: The floorboards groaned beneath her. The air was thick, stale. Had someone been here… waiting?

  4. Dramatic irony and perspective
    • Let the reader know something the character doesn’t, increasing tension.
    • Example: He stepped forward, unaware of the figure lurking behind the curtain.

  5. Scene framing (literary "camera work")
    • Describe the setting in a way that makes the character feel small or threatened.
    • Use metaphors and similes to emphasize danger.
    • Example: The alley yawned before her, swallowing the last of the streetlights. Shadows stretched like grasping hands.
 
]]><![CDATA[Ellipses in Fiction]]>Thu, 12 Dec 2024 20:30:00 GMThttp://alkamae.com/blog/ellipses-in-fictionEllipses can be a useful tool in fiction writing, but they should be used sparingly and deliberately to avoid overuse or confusion. Here’s a breakdown of when and how to use them effectively:

When to Use Ellipses in Fiction:
  1. Trailing Off or Hesitation
    • Indicate a character’s trailing thoughts or uncertainty.
    • Example:
      "I thought I could trust him, but ... I don’t know anymore."

  2. Unfinished Dialogue
    • Show that a character has been interrupted or cannot finish their sentence.
    • Example:
      "Wait, you don’t mean…" she started, but he cut her off.

  3. Time Passing or a Pause
    • Suggest a significant pause in a conversation or a break in narrative flow.
    • Example:
      "Well ... I guess that’s it, then."

Rules for Using Ellipses:
  1. Stick to Three Dots
    Always use three periods ( ... ) for an ellipsis, with a space before and after if it’s in the middle of a sentence.
    • Correct: "I just don’t know ... maybe it’s not meant to be."
    • Incorrect: "I just don’t know.....maybe it’s not meant to be."

  2. Avoid Overuse
    Overusing ellipses can make your writing feel disjointed or overly dramatic. Use them only when the pause or uncertainty adds value to the scene or dialogue.

  3. Punctuation with Ellipses
    • If an ellipsis ends a sentence, follow it with the proper punctuation:
      "I thought it was over...."
    • If in the middle of a sentence, continue without additional punctuation:
      "It wasn’t over ... not yet."
 
]]><![CDATA[What is an Energetically Aligned Ghostwriter?]]>Sat, 02 Sep 2023 12:57:58 GMThttp://alkamae.com/blog/what-is-an-energetically-aligned-ghostwriterThe terms 'intuitive' and 'energetically aligned' are related but different when it comes to ghostwriting or any other creative process. Here are the key differences between the two:

Intuitive Ghostwriter
  • Emphasis on understanding

    An intuitive ghostwriter focuses on understanding their client's thoughts, emotions, and intentions on a deep level. They rely on heightened emotional intelligence and empathy to connect with their clients.

  • Capturing authentic voice

    Intuitive ghostwriters excel at capturing the authentic voice and writing style of their clients, making the content sound as if the client wrote it themselves. Their primary goal is to ensure the content reflects the client's personality and tone accurately.

  • Listening and interpreting

    Intuitive ghosts are skilled at listening to and interpreting not only the words their clients say but also the underlying emotions and meaning behind those words. This allows them to create content that resonates emotionally with the client's message.

Energetically Aligned Ghostwriter
​
  • Energetic alignment

    An energetically aligned ghostwriter places a strong emphasis on aligning their own energy and intentions with those of the client and the project. For me, this alignment involves reading energetic ley lines and feeling for energetic resonance.

  • Intention behind the words

    Energetically aligned ghosts take a beyond-the-page approach to the writing process, considering not just the words but also the energy and intention behind the words. This alignment enhances the effectiveness and impact of the written content.

While both intuitive and energetically aligned ghostwriters aim to create content that resonates deeply with their clients, intuitive ghostwriters rely on emotional intelligence and empathy to connect with clients, while energetically aligned ghostwriters focus on aligning their energy with their client's and project's energy.
]]><![CDATA[10 Reasons to Hire a Ghostwriter]]>Fri, 01 Sep 2023 18:24:23 GMThttp://alkamae.com/blog/10-reasons-to-hire-a-ghostwriter​People hire ghostwriters for a variety of reasons, depending on their individual needs and circumstances. Here are the 10 main reasons people hire ghostwriters:

  1. Writing isn't their genius

    They either don't like to write or think they're not good writers. Hiring a ghostwrite takes away all that anxiety and uncertainty.

  2. Time constraints

    Writing a book is a time-consuming process that requires dedication and consistency. Many aspiring authors have busy lives or demanding careers that leave little time for writing. A ghost will take on the writing workload, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your life.

  3. English isn't their native language

    Speaking English is much easier than writing. If you want your book published in an English speaking country, get a native writer to ghost it for you so it looks and reads right. 

  4. Struggle to communicate ideas

    Some clients have valuable expertise in a particular field but may struggle to communicate their ideas effectively in writing. Ghostwriters with expertise in a specific subject can bridge this gap, ensuring that the content is accurate and informative.

  5. Consistent branding voice

    Ghostwriters can adapt their writing style to match the client's voice and tone. This is particularly important for authors who want to maintain a consistent brand or voice across multiple works.

  6. Publishing world know-how

    Aspiring authors may seek the assistance of a ghostwriter to help them complete and publish their books. Ghostwriters can guide them through the entire publishing process, from manuscript development to editing and submission to publishers or self-publishing platforms.

  7. ​Persuasive, impactful, and aligned message

    Many people hire ghostwriters to craft speeches, presentations, and workshops for various events. Ghostwriters can ensure that the content is persuasive, impactful, and aligned with the speaker's message.

  8. Multiple authors, one voice

    In some cases, multiple authors collaborate on a book or project, and a ghostwriter can help streamline the writing process, ensuring that the final work is cohesive and well-written.

  9. Overcoming writer's block

    Writer's block is a real thing and can be a significant obstacle for many authors. Ghostwriters will help you overcome creative blocks by providing fresh perspectives, ideas, and momentum to keep the writing process moving forward.

  10. Get it done!

    Many people have started writing their book and been unable to finish. A ghostwriter will step in and get it done!

​Ultimately, hiring a ghostwriter for your book is a strategic investment in turning your ideas, stories, or expertise into a professionally written and marketable work. It allows you to leverage the skills and experience of a writing professional to bring your book to life.
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