hey, i go by insouciantmouse on this site. nice to meet you.

my tumblr is @yourstrulymouse if u wanna check me out

here's some advice from a wonderful writer on this site whose name I cannot remember.

1. People having conversations use contractions like I've, don't, won't, we're etc. use them in your stories. Otherwise, it feels like someone's reading off a cue card. very stiff.

2. Go back and reread your story. I know sometimes you get caught up in writing and put some minor detail in the chapter...then it turns out that that small detail contradicted with an earlier detail making your readers either confused or annoyed.

3. Flesh out your characters. I know JK already built the foundation for the characters we use, but in our stories we take artistic liberties and there are certain nuances specific to how we envision them. Let your writing reflect the quirks.

4. Write your chapter, save it and let it sit for a day and then go back and read it again. You'll prevent typo's, missing words and grammar errors this way... unless you use a beta then never mind.

5. Tenses. It's sometimes difficult to keep the story in the appropriate tense. Think about when an event is occuring and write it. Then reread.

6. Remember the human condition. Three people can watch the same event and remember it differently; write those deviations. It adds depth to your characters.

7. (these outstanding additions are courtesy of Severus49) Writers should know the difference between: breathe (to inhale and exhale) and breath (a singular inhalation); cloth (a piece of material) and clothe (to put on apparel); and Its (meaning ownership) and It's (the abbreviation for it is).

8. (more tips from the gracious alliehatescats) There, Their, and They're. there as in, it's over there; their as in, it's a persons posession (sp); They're as in, they are going to do something.

The world is dark, and light is precious.
Come closer, dear reader.
You must trust me.
I am telling you a story.

-Kate DiCamillo, The Tale of Despereaux

It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live.

-Albus Dumbledore

You could give me diamonds, but I wouldn't wear them. They burn far too prettily for that. You could give me money, but it wouldn't last. I would buy a book to get lost in. You could sing me a song, but I wouldn't remember. My mind's far too scattered for that. You could read me a poem, but the time wouldn't be right. I prefer poetry readings at night.
Just give me true love and I will be grateful.
Give me a story to write.
(If you know a person this should be credited to, tell me.)