teacher, hey teacher

[unclej]

i need a very quick refresher on when to start a new paragraph. i've got one that's running long but the subject hasn't changed so i'm hunting for an excuse to start a new one anyway.

what are the rules?

 

[penguindance]

 

[Nicki19]

Have you made a separate point? That can be the place to change paragraphs...

 

[acitore_vuli]

I use a pair of graphs when ever it's needed.

 

[unclej]

it's the introductory paragraph to what's going to be a lit story or a short story or if i get real ambitious a small novel. what else do you need to know?

 

[penguindance]

 

[hogjack]

JJ

My "James Joyce Stylebook" says make the paragraphs as long as you want. Longer if possible. And fuck punctuation.

Ok, it doesn't say fuck but anyway.

 

[unclej]

well hell, that didn't work. why can't you copy and paste from a file?

 

[Nora]

According to http://teacherweb.com/NY/Cooperstown/JimKnodel/faq7.stm

There are four reasons why you should start a new paragraph..
1. When you have a new speaker
2. When you change to a new idea
3. When your paragraph is growing too long
4. When you feel like it

I kinda like their version. Remember that Lit readers have short attention spans, UncleJ. When in doubt, start a new paragraph. Your editor (I presume you have one) will bitch if it seems choppy.

 

[Nicki19]

it's the introductory paragraph to what's going to be a lit story or a short story or if i get real ambitious a small novel. what else do you need to know?

oh man oh man

In that case it's pretty flexible. THink of a paragraph as introducing, explaining, and concluding some certain fact/idea, which transitions into a nother fact/idea... So whenever you need to move to another certain point that is going to take a bit of explanation/development, you can use another paragraph. Rules for paragraphs aren't too strict, except in essay, newspaper, and dialogue form.

Does that help?

Good luck!

 

[unclej]

thanks nora, i like those rules.

and thank you pretty...if you've read either of my lit stories you'll see i write kinda red neck anyway so i don't imagine anyone will give a damn anyway.

thanks hogjack.

 

[penguindance]

 

[Nora]

Anything for you, UncleJ. I was gonna look for my good ol' Scott, Foresman Handbook for Writers, but the 'Net was closer.

 

[unclej]

click on the link at the bottom of my message and read a couple of paragrahs and you'll see what red neck writing is pretty.

that's what i needed to hear niki19. thanks and nice to meet you.

ok, i'm off to write. thanks all

 

[Nora]

Ok, even though you're already off writing, this could help someone else, so I'll type. Dammit. Ok, from just the first page (129 if anyone's reading along) of the Scott, Foresman Handbook:

blahblahblah...Spots at which such divisions [paragraph breaks] can be made come at these places:

1. Shifts in Time - look for spots where you have written words such as first, then, or afterwards, or have given other time signals.

2. Shifts in Place - look for spots where you have written over there, on the other side, or have used words that point to places.

3. Shifts in Direction - look for spots where you have written on the other hand, nevertheless, however, or have indicated contrast.

4. Shifts in Emphasis or Focus - look for new emphases or new aspects of your topic sentence.

followed by about 6 pages of blahblahblah.

What Makes an Opening Paragraph Effective:

blah blah

1. They make a commitment, either announcing or suggesting the thesis of an essay (or letter, report, brochure, whatever the case may be.).

2. They set the tone of the essay and indicate the direction in which it will go.

3. They draw the reader into the essay and try to get him or her to read it.

blah blah blah.

 

[unclej]

thanks nora...i checked back in and i appreciate the effort and have saved the information to my writing file for future reference. next beer's on me.

 

[morninggirl5]

My name is NOT teacher. Raise your hand and wait patiently to be called on, please.

 

[#1tankcomander]

Shit unc J...

Star it with an antic or a joke, remembered long past, to relate with the paragraph!

Damit Son!

 

[Nora]

thanks nora...i checked back in and i appreciate the effort and have saved the information to my writing file for future reference. next beer's on me.

Schveeeeeet! But make mine a tequila. Beer's icky!

Seriously, glad to be of service!

 

[#1tankcomander]

Schveeeeeet! But make mine a tequila. Beer's icky!

Seriously, glad to be of service!

Not if I lick it off you!