So You Think You Can Write - Reject-A-Hit Winner

by Cassy Schooling

To Suzanne Collins regarding The Hunger Games:

Dear Ms. Collins-

Let me just start out by saying that I have a really great therapist that I would be happy to give you the number of. Don’t contact me again unless you agree to see her.

Onto the book: even if you discounted the morbidity, violence, and disturbing nature of your novel, it would still be the worst thing I have read. Why the f*** would Katniss choose Peeta? Gale is hot, smart, sweet, badass, and did a bunch of stuff for Katniss and Prim. What  did Peeta do? Throw a crappy loaf of bread in the mud relatively nearby her when she was a kid? God, how romantic. You’re trying way too hard with the dystopian thing here lady. Just because the story takes place in the future doesn’t mean you have to name people after irrelevant flowers and round pieces of bread you make fajitas out of. Is it coincidence that Prim’s goat’s name is  Nan? Heres some advice: Keep your bread fetish out of your characters names.What the heck possessed you to write about a bunch of kids murdering each other anyway? How the heck am I supposed to market that? I hope you never have children if you really think that people would just let their kids be taken to die without there being any sort of uprising. If you’re going to try again, see a therapist first, develop a moral compass, get the bread fetish under control, and then give it another shot.

Learn to Avoid Writing Clichés Like the Plague . . . Wait. . . (Common Cliches in Writing and How to Avoid Them)

By Abigail McGovern

“What a pain in the neck”…..”He’s bad to the bone”……”After all, there are plenty of fish in the sea”….”They were so skittish, they were afraid of their own shadow”

Do these sound familiar?  If they do, that’s because you’ve seen them so many times, they no longer excite you.  They’re clichés.  In writing, the word cliché refers to common words and phrases that were originally meant to be unique, but have been used so much, that they lose their original meaning. Usually, writers try to use clichés for effect, such as replacing ‘her face turned pale’ with ‘her face turned white as a sheet’. However, most of the time when people are aiming for effect, they simply replace regular descriptions with clichés, and  both their real meaning, and their effect becomes lost on us. They’re used so much, they become, for lack of a better phrase, boring.  A sort of been there, done that type of thing.  Seeing phrases that are meant to have special effects, being used so commonly that they’ve become boring just drives me up a wall.  

Here is a list of the some of the most common clichés you often find in writing:

-Blind as a bat

-Early bird catches the worm

-Like a fish out of water

-Easy as pie

-Go with the flow

-Kill two birds with one stone

-Like taking candy from a baby

-Look what the cat dragged in

-Party pooper

-Quick as lightning

-Raining cats and dogs

-On thin ice

-Scared to death

-Takes one to know one

-Wild goose chase

Clichés are a dime a dozen- there a ton more, but for the sake of time, I chose ones you were sure to know.  

What to Do Instead   

I’m as guilty as anyone of using quite a lot of clichés in my writing.  So my advice to you is, why beat around the bush?  Remember, clichés have been said before, so most of the time, just say what you really mean.  If you are simply describing something as it happens, then using longer sentences, with lots of imagery, and more descriptive word choices is the best way to go.  The use of different, more original phrases actually tends to keep an audience’s interest longer than a phrase they’ve read and heard a million times before.  Also, using more detailed, unique descriptions can often better prove the point that you want your audience to understand.  A good way to do this, besides imagery, is to use other types of figurative language, such as personification, allusions, similes, and metaphors.  Think of it like this: clichés are like flip phones.  Something that was originally meant to be exciting and cool, but now are something that people find boring and obsolete.

So Does That Mean I Shouldn’t Ever Use Clichés?  

If you like clichés, don’t get all bent out of shape.  There are times when you can still use them, such as if you are trying to make something very clear, to show sharp contrast, or shock an audience, then I say, why not go the extra mile and use a cliché.  But, only if you need it to show a very strong emotion or scenario.  Clichés should only be used when you want a very strong effect.  Only for extremes.  For example, if you are going to use ‘just the tip of the iceberg’ to describe how complicated something is, then it should only be for a very dire situation, such as a time when absolutely everything is going as wrong as it possibly could.  You could say “Our aunt died, we lost the ashes, and it’s going to rain.  And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.”  Clichés however shouldn’t be used for simple situations, such as “I have to do history, chemistry, and english homework, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.”  There are more creative ways you could describe a simple situation like that.  

How to Avoid Using Clichés The Wrong Way

-Think about how important the situation is.  Is it something especially strong, where a cliché may be used to produce a strong effect?  If so, use one

-Is the emotion you want to evoke very strong?  Then use one.

-If it’s simply a normal situation where you could better describe something in your own words, and you aren’t trying to gain any extra effect, forgo the cliché, and go with another literary device, or type of figurative language.    

I hope that when you’re writing papers in the future, these tips come in handy!  Just remember, when describing a situation, there’s more than one way to skin a cat!  When trying to write a description without using a cliché, think of it like a math problem. There are lot’s of different angles to approach from.  Haha!  I’m sorry for the terrible joke, but seriously, I hope what you’ve learned here has come in handy.

He’s annoying as a mosquito…...He’s evil to his core…..There are billions more people out there, don’t worry, you’ll find the one for you…...He was so nervous, and on edge that every little thing made him jump.

Thanks for reading!

First Annual Tutorific Awards

First Annual Tutorific Awards

From Left: Mady, Kelly, Raven, Olivia, Kathryn, Audrey

Audrey

Kelly 

  

Raven

Olivia

        

Mady

Kathryn

                                                                                

 Mrs. Harar

"The Writing Center" Commercial

The Wolverine Writing Center has a new commercial!  Don't miss the fabulous acting of our tutors!

Judging a Book by Its Cover

Alright, we’ve all heard the saying “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” At this point it’s pretty much been ingrained into our easily-moldable little minds since birth, just like “sharing is caring” or “show, don’t tell.” But let’s be real. Should we actually follow this advice? Just because it’s repeated over and over, that doesn’t necessarily make it true. So why shouldn’t we judge a book by its cover?

I mean, honestly. That is literally what the cover is for

.

Like, that is the exact purpose of a cover.

Let me show you what I’m talking about… It was freshman year, the day before homecoming dance. The rest of the school was in a pep rally, but I was one of those people who had zero school spirit and was just chilling in the library instead. I’ve always loved browsing through shelves to find books, so naturally I did just that. I mean, it’s not like I had anything better to do anyway.

So, there I was, walking around the fiction area, when I saw this big, bright red book sitting out on display. My eyes were drawn to it like a magnet, immediately finding interest in the boldness of the colors and the letters spelling out “SIMON VS THE HOMO SAPIENS AGENDA.” It just naturally caught my eye.

I found myself crossing the room like a character from a cheesy romance movie crossing the dance floor to reach their lover. I picked up this interesting book, looking it over, flipping it from hand to hand. At such a close difference, I realized that the cover reminded me a lot of the cover of The Fault in our Stars. But cooler.

Especially from an art standpoint, it was a really nice design. The colors and shapes were bold and bright, but the fonts and textures added a little hint of quirkiness that I just loved. Its entire existence basically begged me to pick it up and open it.

After reading the first sentence of the description, I was totally hooked. Okay, to be honest, I was already hooked from the moment I first saw this book, but after that first sentence I was mega-hooked. It seemed to be absolutely perfect for me.

Not surprisingly, I sat down and started reading it at once. And I loved it. And I’m not talking, “oh yeah, I read that once, it was good” kind of loving. Oh no. I’m talking the “I just read this for the seventh time and I’m still screaming” kind of loving it.

I mean, even in the first page, I knew it was amazing. The protagonist, Simon, was the funniest, most relatable teen ever. Actually, pretty much every character was funny and relatable. Seriously. It was as if the author had accessed my brain and turned all my different traits into characters.

It was literally the best book I’d ever read.

I lost track of how many times I read it, but each time was just as good as the last. For a while I was obsessed with it. Like, really obsessed with it. So obsessed with it that two of my friends read it just to get me to shut up about it.

Did that stop me from talking about it?

No. It did not.

I obsessed over it for the entirety of fall, and I even associate fall with that book now. I really enjoyed reading it, and it’s definitely left a really nice impact on me.

So, I can’t help but wonder, what would have happened if I hadn’t seen that big red cover? If I hadn’t been drawn in by the boldness? Or if I didn’t satisfy my curiosity out of some unfounded notion that books shouldn’t be judged by their covers?

I would have missed out on the best book I’ve ever read. And that’s just sad. I mean, this book was such an experience. Looking back, I can still remember the sights, sounds and smells that surrounded me as I read the book for the first time. And the second. And the third. And so on.

So, what if I didn’t have any of that? It would be such a shame to miss out on a book that made me feel so welcome, so accepted. So normal. And it would have been a shame to miss out on the characters I could relate to, and the humor I was so fond of.

It would have been such a waste. So why let it happen? Why let such a weird saying affect your reading decisions?

Look, in all honestly, whoever said not to judge a book by its cover has no idea what they’re talking about. You go out there and judge those book covers, everyone. Don’t let anyone tell you not to.

By Raven Case

Audrey's High School Bucket List

As a senior in high school, it’s so interesting to me to look back at the memories I’ve made and how I’ve grown over these past four years. I’ve been so fortunate to have amazing experiences with friends and family from Friday night football games to a “night under the stars” at Prom. Everything, including the hard times, has shaped me into the person I am today with lessons learned, mistakes made, and memories that will last a lifetime. So, for any rising freshman or current high school student, here is a list of my top ten absolute must-dos before you graduate.

1. Go to a football game and cheer with the student section!

Even if you don’t like the big crowds or you’re nervous that you won’t fit in with a crazy outfit in the student section, getting a group of friends together to go to the game and cheer on your team is so much fun. Not only do you get to wear face paint and do funny cheers, but it makes you feel as if you’re a part of the school. Don’t miss out because once you graduate, you’ll never be able to feel so connected to your school and your fellow classmates as when you’re all rooting together for your team.

2. Join a club (and actually show up)

My freshman year, I joined two clubs and never showed up to either of them because I was too nervous that I wouldn’t know anyone there. By Junior year, I finally joined Global Ambassadors club and became an active member, even becoming the Secretary. Not only does this look great on college applications, but I made new friends within my school and from a high school in Hungary! In fact, the student I hosted from Hungary and I still keep in touch today.

3.   Go to as many dances as you can

Yes, you will definitely hear “don’t go to homecoming or prom they’re so boring,” but they’re really not. Just like with the football games, you only get a few chances to be apart of something so memorable, and after you graduate, you’ll never have those opportunities again. It’s also a great way to spend time with friends and the pictures are ones you’ll keep and cherish forever.

4. Get a job

After a lot of persuading on my part, I finally convinced my parents to let me apply for a job. It’s not that I really wanted one, because I did understand that it would take away from lots of my free time, but I thought if I had a job for even just a few months, I could finally start to a feel a little more independent and ready for college. It wasn’t much fun, but I definitely learned the value of hard work and earning my own money, and it was an experience that I would never take back. It also improved my time management and forced me to complete school assignments on time rather than procrastinating. A word of warning though, don’t spend so much time trying to earn money that you never have the time to spend it and enjoy hanging out with your friends. You have the rest of your life to work, so enjoy your free time now!

5. Take advantage of your metabolism

You will most likely never be as skinny or be able to eat as much as you can now without gaining an ounce, so take advantage. Once you get to college, late night snacks and daily McDonald’s runs will not be so much fun anymore once your body decides to stop being so forgiving. Try and start working on your healthy habits now, but don’t get so hung up on an eating a donut (or two).

6.  Take a road trip, but only with your friends

This one is more so aimed at upperclassmen once you’ve gotten your license, and maybe even your first car. The first week after I got my license I took all my friends on a mini road trip on a Saturday, driving anywhere we felt like in the moment. We had so much fun and it felt amazing to finally not have a parent in the car.

7. Try something you think you will fail at

Trying something new is hard enough, but trying something you know you will be bad at is downright scary. My sophomore year of high school, my chemistry teacher, who was also the tennis coach, convinced me to tryout for the tennis team. I had played tennis a little when I was younger, but I knew ahead of time I would be one of the worst players trying out. When tryouts came around, I was right. I was number 11 of 14 girls on the team and I often embarrassed myself because I could barely hit the ball. This year, as a senior, I am the number one player on the team and I’m super excited for the season to begin. If I had never gone out for team just because I knew I wouldn't be good, I never would have achieved what I have in tennis today, or formed such great friendships.

8. Support the fine arts

It wasn’t until I took orchestra in ninth grade and theatre in tenth and eleventh that I appreciated the talent and hard work that goes into the fine arts department in a high school. Sure, I had taken fine arts classes since preschool, but the time and dedication that goes into high school arts is unlike anything else. At least once in your time here it is imperative that you go to a band, orchestra, or chorus concert and once you attend one of the many theatre productions, you’ll want to be at every single one after. The actors, singers, and other participants spend hours upon hours perfecting their craft (and spending money) to put on these grand shows that reach almost professional levels. If you’ve ever played a sport and had to go to practice every single day after school and maybe a couple Saturdays every now and then, try doubling that time and you’ll have spent about the same amount of time as these students do practicing before shows. So give back and show your appreciation for all of their hard work! Also, don’t skip school the day before winter break because it’s the day of the Holiday Concert. So many students and faculty work on that production for weeks, and you’ll always be surprised by the immense talents your fellow classmates have that you never would have seen otherwise.

9. Spend time with your parents

Yes, you may think you’re already ready for college and ready to get out of the house to be on your own, but once you leave for college, you’ll start to notice how much your parents have done for you over the years. Believe me, my sister left for college this year thinking it’d be so great to be away from our parents for a little while, but now she calls them almost every single day. They’re a support system like no other and stand with you no matter what you go through or what mistakes you make. They’re invaluable friends because not only do they lift you up and push you to accomplish your goals and dreams, but they’ll call you out when you’re in the wrong. Also, take advantage of those home cooked meals now and go easy on the ramen noodles; there will be plenty of that in college!

10. Find something to leave behind

I left this point for the end because it’s by far the most important to me. Leaving your mark on the world is something you hear often, but it’s easier said than done. I like to think that the first step to leaving your mark on the world can begin by leaving something behind in your high school or community now that you’d be proud to show your kids and grandkids someday. I love going back to my dad’s high school with him and seeing old photos and trophies on the wall of him and his friends, and I hope I’ll be able to do the same with my children someday. Get involved however you can and in whatever you’re passionate about, and if you don’t know, try anything and everything until you find out. Whether that be chorus, drama, art, running, volleyball, football, partners club, green club, writing center, or anything else, the opportunities high school provides are endless, and just waiting to be discovered.