Okay, before I go any further in this chapter I have one thing that I want to say. I'm by no means a professional in writing or in grammar alone! 

In fact, I'll be honest with you in high school I almost failed in my literature class. I barely passed because my grammar was that bad. In fact if, my teacher were to see my stories now. I can promise you she would look at me and say, "Why couldn't you have learned this when I was teaching you? And you do realize that this paragraph is wrong?"

Yeah, so I know that I'm probably dreading on thin ice on this chapter. But, please understand that I'm only here to help you out and not shoot you down. 

Also I won't be using any other stories as examples only mine. I don't like pointing fingers at someone because it's not nice, it's very rude and it hurts. I rather be pointing at my own mistakes than someone else's. 

Okay with that being said let's continue.

Space between paragraphs and word phrases.

Alright, some of us have heard the saying, "Don't forget to space your paragraphs and your sentences."

Yet, we honestly wonder why do we need to do that? Why do we need to put spaces between sentences, paragraphs and sayings or word phrases?

Well here's an example of a bad paragraphs that I'm embarrassed to even show about. But, I'm willing too.

Example 1 from You're the Reason I Swim.

  I bolted out of the door with my phone in my hand running towards Kou. Omg Rin wants me to practice with him. He wants to see me can this really be happening?!
"Kou you won't believe who just texted me!"
"Who" Kou questioned.
"Your brother!" I excited
"What?" Kou shocking
"He asked me if I could practice with him today. Seijuro-san says it's okay for me to practice." I explained.
"Well what are you waiting for get your butt over there." Kou said
"But what about-" Kou cuts me off before I could finish.
"Don't worry about today's practice your going to see my brother which I believe he can give you a good workout. Now grab your gear and call brother." Kou said
I put on my beach cover shirt and my sweat pants on grab my bag that had my gear and my towel then I punched in Rin's number. The phone ring twice then Rin picks up.  

Alright so let me ask you something. Did it seem that you were reading the whole thing twice just to see if you didn't miss anything? Because everything seemed jumbled together?

See what I mean when I say that we need to pay attention to our spacing between paragraphs, sentences and such. 

So what's a good example of what space between paragraphs, sentences, ext. Look like so that the reader doesn't have to keep reading the same thing over and that they have a better understanding of what is going on?

Here's a good example of what that should be? Again not a professional here, but this is one that I believe my teacher would approve. I could be wrong again, but it's better than nothing.

Example 2 from Blood and Fire

Now, that I'm a part of a group of humans that are different and they have a bond that's thicker than blood alone. There's no need for my brothers to worry for I'm fine and happy.

But, will they agree with that? Will they let Mikoto take care of me? Tonight we'll find out.

"Oi," A deep familiar voice I'm hearing,

"Wake up, Rin."

I open my eyes, then I look up noticing Mikoto looking at me with a soft glare. I let out a yawn, then Anna wakes up.

"Mikoto?" I looked at him curiously,

"Better go ahead and get ready. We'll be leaving in twenty minutes." Mikoto said, I nodded in response and help Anna get out of my casket.

See the difference between both examples and it's obvious which one is better to read. Usually, when I write a story. I always ask myself the question is this easy to read for my readers? Are they not going to get confused by reading this?

But, what about battle scenes or stuff that talks about describing the setting in the story? How or what can that look like in a story?

Here's two examples to answer that question all are both from the same book.

Example 1 from Love beyond the Void.

I continue to attack the bandits until Konoe makes a run. I push my opponent back then followed Konoe. Both Konoe and I ran as fast as we could.

My heart is pounding in my chest so hard, I thought it would burst out of my chest. My breathes are short, feeling an aching pain in my legs. My knees buckled down, till I fell again after tripping over a small log.

I then heard the sounds of harsh breathing. The hairs on the back of my neck stood up. I look back and I saw a cat bandit looking down at me with murderous eyes. I see the bandit raise his stone axe.

Then a shadow passed by me, then the bandit falls to the ground. I could see a deep cut on his throat, blood gushing out from the wound.

At that moment I knew he was dead, I look up ahead seeing several of bandits falling one by one. Then someone is standing in front of me, I look up and what I saw took my breath away.

Standing in front of me was a cat that didn't seem like a bandit, he gave off a different air. He had long, silver-white hair with small, rounded ears and a thick, bushy tail.

Example 2 from Love beyond the Void.

The voices continued to rained down from overhead. While the serpents continued to violently writhe inside my body painfully. This is perhaps the worst pain I've felt in so long. It's been so long since I've felt this kind of pain like I'm being tortured through both body and soul.

"Ugh...kuh..." Konoe moaned painfully.

"Ngh...ah!" I let out a cry of agony.

"Well, let's get started. This'll decide everything." The blue flame said,

"This is so fun!" The green flame joyfully said,

"How will this end?" The red flame flickered,

I look up head realizing that the yellow flame flared up particularly strong while the others seem to have died down a little. A black shadow manifested in the wavering flame.

Then out of the flame comes a figure who had horns; a devil. He's a tall and muscular individual dressed in a variety of furs and leathers. His outfit consists of gold, black, olive and an orange-terra cotta. Decorated in belts, tassels, buckles and boa. Has goat-like horns, has silvery hair and interestingly, hetero chromatic eyes, one being green and the other being gray. A black wiry tail swayed

"Yo, you heard, right? I'm Verg." The devil said, "I rule over pleasure.....Am I a spirit? God? Devil? Well, any one is fine with me."

Verg looked down at us with a smirk. I harden my glare, gritted my teeth. I could tell that this was a figure with overwhelming power. It made my skin crawl. I felt the yellow snake wriggled joyfully in my stomach, that made a painful sensation.

So basically I mostly keep my paragraphs almost to a minimum of five or six sentences and then I put my space in between the next paragraph. I've learned that it helps the reader to get a flow of what is happening and that there might be a favorite paragraph they like to read. 

Words like Said, Very is overly used.

I'll be honest with you, a lot of times using the word said and very can loose the reader's interest and can ruin the character's point of view and flow of the story. 

I had realized this when I made my twelve book after coming across a pin on Pinterest and read it. I completely mentally face-palmed myself, and thought that I really should've learned this sooner.

At that point I created a board on Pinterest that I named creative writing. To help me improve my writing styles.

 But, what words can we use instead of saying the word Said?

Here's a couple of pictures from my board on Pinterest that should help you out.  

Here's another example on how the words in the picture are used in a story.

Example 1 from The Slayer's Tale.

"Hello! Gunji were you having fun with theses pests?" I asked, with a devilish smirk.

"Hell yeah!" Gunji cheered, "They claim they have tags but, I don't see any!"

"Is that so?" I wondered then walked over to the men who were shaking.

"If you have tags, then show them to me," I suggested.

But, they didn't move nor even made the effort to speak. I narrowed my eyes slightly, as I drew my sword and grip it tightly. I was feeling the urge to stab them and hear their cries. But, I hold my impulse as I want to ask them again.

"You better show me, or else I will cut you up." I warned them in a low voice.

"P-Please! Have mercy! Please!" One of them begged.

"Mercy? Me? Hahahaha!!" I laughed hard, "You've got to be kidding me, there is no mercy here!"

"Yeah! So show us the tags?" Gunji demanded.

"L-Let us go!!" They begged.

"No, times up." I smirked.

So you kinda get the picture that there are other words to use besides the word said, and very. Different words can help the reader get a better picture of how the character's are speaking to one another. 

Take my advice to use Pinterest or find some other website that can help you improve your writing. 

Spell Check

I won't say much on this, but even I have missed spelled words and I still find words that are miss spelled in the stories that I've already published. 

The best advice that I can give you is before you even click the Publish button. Check at least twice or three times the story for any miss spelled words and grammar. Or even have a friend look over your story, and maybe that friend can help you that is if you are comfortable with someone looking over your work.

Japanese Words that are okay and not okay to use.

Alright, let's be honest with ourselves here. We all love hearing our favorite anime opening theme songs that are Japanese audio. Along with watching anime episodes with Japanese voices and using English subtitles. 

There is nothing wrong with that, and you should be proud that you can even speak just a few Japanese words and know what it means! Heck even my own parents are amazed that I can even say, hello, what's up, or goodbye, and thank you in Japanese.

But, here's a question for you does your reader know what the character is saying if the character is saying hello or thank you in Japanese?

If you are coming up with a blank answer, then chances are it's safe to assume that the reader doesn't know Japanese words. And it's best to avoid using Japanese phrases at all costs. 

But, what about Japanese words that a certain character uses often?

Here's an example of what this question means and what is okay to use?

Example 1 from Blood and Fire.

"Oh? Yui-chan?" Izumo smiled, I looked over saw Yui who seemed a bit nervous as she walks over to me.

"Um, Suoh-sama?" Yui asked me looking a bit nervous.

"Heh, just call me Mikoto." I ruffled her hair, her face turns red, then the door opens and the Mukami brothers walk in.

"Oh? M-Neko-chan?" Kou spots Yui,

"Nice to see you Sow," Yuma ruffles Yui's hair,

"What brings you here? And what's in the big duffel bag?" Yata walks over, Yui lowers her head trying to hold a giggle.

So in the example, we can use sama, chan or kun. But I would personally use very little of those words too, though we can't avoid certain nicknames like when Kou calls Yui; M-Neko-chan or when Yuma calls her Sow. 

If there is a certain nickname that a character has labeled another character that's part of the character's personality. Then you can use it, but again avoid the Japanese words like thank you, hello, goodbye in Japanese.  

Oh? But they can just Google the word, and understand it, right?

I will put this bluntly. I actually know two people that live in Japan. One teaches in Japan, and the other was born in Japan. They've actually said this to me in person. Google translations are not accurate, if you want a good translation for it. You are far better off learning the language yourself and nobody really doesn't have the time to do that nor the money for it.

So do yourself a favor and tried to avoid using the Japanese words.  Because you never know if that person reading your story can understand Japanese and that person may be confused at what you are saying.

Okay but what about a song that is in Japanese but, goes with the story so well and I want it in my story?

Well, I've actually came across this situation several times. I first find the music video for it on Youtube, put in the chapter then find a good rough translation for it. Here's what I mean, and what I did for it. 

Example 1 from Love Beyond the Void.

Konoe looked around and saw Rai on his knees with a sorrow expression as he looked at who was laying in front of him. Laying on her side was Mizuki, who had a peaceful expression. Konoe's heart stopped, did she not make it?

"Mizuki..." Konoe looked at her painfully.

Asato let out a low growl that wasn't a threat, it sounded like a sorrowful sound. Rai had his eye shut tightly, gritted his teeth as he was trying to suppress his emotions.

Bardo looked at Rai with a sad look, seeing his old student loosing a precious Sanga. Sara started to cry, and hugged Bardo tightly. Shiki lowered his head, and gripped his katana and started to feel a tight feeling on his chest. Kiriwar, Kenta and Gunji had on sorrowful look, and Nicole only had an empty expression.

Suddenly there was a melody being played. It sounded very different, from what the cats knew, but it had much more feel to it. It wasn't a Sanga song but something else. Sara recongized this song.

Play Video and Continue to Read.

https://youtu.be/dh6gGmRQmyQ

The big doors swung wide opened and light shined in the room. Walking in the room is woman a human, wearing a white kimono and music began to fill the room. Sara recongized that woman, and she let's out a gasp.

"That's Mizuki's mother!" Sara said with a shocking voice, Leaks glared at Mizuki's mother has she began to sing.

doushite sora ha konna ni aokute

[Why the sky is so blue]

nani mo kanashimi wo shiranu you ni

[Like it does not know any sadness]

itsumo tamerawazu ashita he to kuzureochiru

[It keeps crumbling towards tomorrow without hesitation]

Bright light surround Mizuki's mother and then waves of light float to Mizuki's body and starts to glow brightly as her body began to levitate from the ground.

inochi ha tarinai mama umarete kuru no ne

[Life was born with something missing to begin with]

itami ga mitasu mono mo aru no ne

[There are also things that are full of pain]

kakeochita kokoro ni anata ga furete

[This runaway heart is touched by you]

More light covers Mizuki's body.

futari de yuku mirai ha

[Two of us walk the future]

kegare no nai tsuyosa de

[With stainless strength]

sora ha takaku kaze ha utau

[The sky is high with the wind singing]

Bright light burst from Mizuki's body revealing black cat ears and a black tail on her body.

yume wo miteta

[To the joy]

yorokobi he to

[Of having dreams]

hito ha itsuka tadoritsukeru

[People will arrive one day]

kodomo no hitomi de anata ha shinjita

[Such faith is in your childlike eyes]

soba ni iru yo

[I am right by your side]

kooritsuita mori wo nukete

[We get out of the freezing forest]

sono hitomi ga sekai no nageki ni

[So that your eyes will not be deceived]

mayowanu you ni

[By the world's grief]

Mizuki's body's is lowered down with her back flat on the ground. She wakes up and slowly sits up, shakes her head. Rai and the others look at her in shock. But Mizuki notices her mother and smile at her mother as her mother smiles back.

doushite todokanai hikari dake ga

[Why only the light that does not reach here]

itsumo nani yori mo mabushii tadashisa de

[Always carries dazzling righteous more than anything]

kanawanai ashita he to hito wo sabaku

[Towards hopeless tomorrow to judge people]

Tendrils of light surrounds Mizuki making her clothes glow as she walks over to her mother while she listens to her mother's singing voice.

tsumetai senaka ni sotto furete mita

[I tried to gently touch your cold back]

sekai no yasashisa wo shinjinai hito dakara

[I do not believe the world's kindness]

dare yori mo yasashikatta

[Therefore I was kinder than anyone else]

ikiteita yo mirai he

[I having been living towards the future]

sora ni kaze wo nokoshite

[Leaving wind behind in the sky]

yume ha doko ni nemuru no darou

[I wonder where dreams are idling at]

Shards of light bursts from Mizuki , her clothes changed from her regular clothes into a long black hooded, leather short sleeve trench coat with a teal blue shirt and black leather pants and military combat boots.

itsuka dare mo inakunatta

[Everyone was gone before I realize it]

kono kishibe ni yosete kaesu

[I move back to this shore]

hikari no kakera ni nareru to shinjita

[Believing that I will get used to the fragments of light]

yami ni kaeru omoitachi ga

[The thoughts of returning to darkness]

moetsukiteku

[Have been burned out]

sono akari wo shirube ni

[That light is my guide]

sekai ha mata yume wo miru

[That the world is still having dreams]

Swirls of light surrounds both Mizuki and her mother, butterflies flutter around them along with petals of flowers dancing around the room. Mizuki notices her black tail then touches her new ears and looks at her mother with a surprised smile. Her mom smiles in a sad way.

sora ha takaku kaze ha utau

[The sky is high with the wind singing]

anata ga mita yume no kioku

[The memory of your dream]

sono sakebi ga

[Your scream]

yasashii kodama wo

[Is making]

kaeshiteiru yo

[Gentle echoes] 

So what I did was in the parentheses, I put the English translation under the Japanese words. That way the reader can understand what is being said. So the song doesn't confuse the reader, and I put the video right before the song even started in the scene and in bold letter I wrote Play video and continue reading, that way the reader doesn't have to watch the video, but follows the lyrics and listens to the song.

lyricstranslate.com is a one good website to start with. 

So now you have a good idea of how much grammar is important. I do apologize if this chapter may have been hard or if this wasn't enough. But, I'm not trying to shut you down, only to help you.

Hey! Good thing that this chapter has giving you some good tips on it that's for sure.