"Hi, my name is Callister McLuffanige. I have a blue bob haircut that I've been told should be dress coded, a British accent, and I live in Ohio. My parents died when I was 7, but I don't try to think about that. I'm in 8th grade, and I wear black lipstick that makes me look like a goth, but I don't care. In my free time, I like to act in commercials. Bla bla bla..."

Oh my chicken noodle soup... Are you applying for a job or telling a story? If the first is true, Callister, you're already fired. Let me figure out all of that stuff latter! If you wanted to tell the reader that stuff, spread it out within the story. Not all in the same paragraph! Here are a few examples how you can put that information in throughout the story:

• "Joe Shmoe ran his hand through my vibrant blue bob as I cried in his arms."

• "Ah 8th grade, that year where all of your friendships are tested. I walked into first period and sat down at my desk."

• "'Callister McLuffanige?' I raised my hand up after the teacher called me, 'Here!'"

See? But you shouldn't wait till the last chapter to say that her hair is blue. Save information until it's relevant or you feel it would best fit in. Mystery keeps your readers reading!

- E.R.