Basic Writing Knowledge Test

1. The Three-Act Structure means...?

That every story needs a beginning, a middle, and an end.

That each romance novel needs to have at least three sexual acts.

That every chapter should have at least three scenes.

A is correct. Even Aristoteles knew that!

Explanation

A is correct. Even Aristoteles knew that!

2. The golden rule of writing is...?

Show, don't tell.

Never judge a book by its cover.

Ever romance must have a happy end.

Put in a sex scene at least every five chapters.

Your beta reader is always right.

"Show, don't tell" means instead of writing "Ally was an old woman," you write: "Ally moved slowly across the room, her hunched form supported by a polished wooden cane gripped in a gnarled, swollen-jointed hand."

Explanation

"Show, don't tell" means instead of writing "Ally was an old woman," you write: "Ally moved slowly across the room, her hunched form supported by a polished wooden cane gripped in a gnarled, swollen-jointed hand."

3. Name the correct order of authorial steps:

Story idea, research, plotting, writing, rewriting, editing/proofreading, creating the cover, working with a copy editor, cashing in the paycheck.

Using last book's paycheck to buy research books, writing, editing, rewriting.

"A" is correct for me, but it all depends on the writer and the publisher.

Explanation

"A" is correct for me, but it all depends on the writer and the publisher.

4. Head hopping means...?

Unattributed dialogue that leaves the reader confused as to who said what.

Shifting the point of view in mid-scene.

Creating reader identification with the characters by having the character be kicked in the head during an action scene.

It means "hopping" from head to head (one point of view to the next) within one scene.

Explanation

It means "hopping" from head to head (one point of view to the next) within one scene.

5. A dangling modifier is...?

Something that only happens in romances with an NC-17 rating.

A phrase that doesn't modify any word in the sentence.

A minor character that doesn't fit in with the other characters.

A plotting mistake where storylines aren't properly resolved and the reader is left hanging.

Most often, they modify the WRONG word in the sentence, e.g., Baked, fried, or mashed, you can make potatoes a part of every meal.

Explanation

Most often, they modify the WRONG word in the sentence, e.g., Baked, fried, or mashed, you can make potatoes a part of every meal.

6. A beta reader is...?

Something a good writer doesn't need because she'll work with a copy editor before publication.

Worth her weight in chocolate.

A human spellchecker.

She's worth every ounce of her weight in chocolate. And that's the good, Swiss chocolate!

Explanation

She's worth every ounce of her weight in chocolate. And that's the good, Swiss chocolate!

7. The term "L-Book"...

Stands for "listening book."

Is an homage to "The L-Word" -- only with better writing.

Means "lesbian book."

In this case, it stands for "listening" book (mp3).

Explanation

In this case, it stands for "listening" book (mp3).

8. What is the most common source of confusion for German writers who write in English?

Proverbs

Prepositions

The issues Americans have with orange juice and pizza toppings

Hyphens and dashes

While I still think Americans have issues with orange juice and pizza toppings, the prepositions can give German writers gigantic headaches.

Explanation

While I still think Americans have issues with orange juice and pizza toppings, the prepositions can give German writers gigantic headaches.

9. The hardest part about writing is...?

The research, plotting, writing, rewriting, editing, and all the other tedious paperwork.

Dealing with all the marriage proposals from adoring fans.

Deciding on what to spend your royalties.

It probably depends on the writer and the story.

It depends, of course! Some writers hate research, plotting, and editing. And while I had two marriage proposals (both from the same reader), spending my royalties has never been a problem for me :-)

Explanation

It depends, of course! Some writers hate research, plotting, and editing. And while I had two marriage proposals (both from the same reader), spending my royalties has never been a problem for me :-)

10. What title of one of her novels or short stories would Jae like to change if she had the chance?

Backwards to Oregon

Conflict of Interest

Next of Kin

Change of Pace

The Art of Pretending

The reason: Now that she's more familiar with style guides, she knows that it should be "Backward," not "Backwards." While not wrong, "backwards" is more British English than American English. Oops.

Explanation

The reason: Now that she's more familiar with style guides, she knows that it should be "Backward," not "Backwards." While not wrong, "backwards" is more British English than American English. Oops.

11. How many writers does it take to change a lightbulb?

Just one. Writers are solitary creatures anyway.

Two if they're writers of romance novels. And then they'll write happily ever after.

That depends on the number of plot obstacles.

All the answers are partially right, but I like C best.

Explanation

All the answers are partially right, but I like C best.

12. Keeping a spreadsheet with your writing progress is...?

More boring than watching grass grow.

Incredibly sexy.

Totally crazy.

What's a spreadsheet?

It's smoking hot! Was there ever any doubt?

Explanation

It's smoking hot! Was there ever any doubt?

13. What books do or should writers use almost daily?

The Bible (or other holy books, depending on the writer's religion).

The Chicago Manual of Style.

Merriam-Webster's Dictionary.

Her checkbook.

A cookbook.

B and C are what I use most often. There's something said for "cookbook," too, but we both know that writers would rather spend their time writing than cooking.

Explanation

B and C are what I use most often. There's something said for "cookbook," too, but we both know that writers would rather spend their time writing than cooking.

Submit

14. The subjunctive mood...

Is created by lighting a candle and wearing a sexy thong before you sit down to write.

Is created when all that damn grammar is giving the writer a headache.

Is created to express wishes, commands, and statements that are contrary to fact.

Is created with "were," not "was," even if the pronoun is "he" or "she."

C and D are correct, but option B (the grammar headache) isn't totally wrong for most writers either.

Explanation

C and D are correct, but option B (the grammar headache) isn't totally wrong for most writers either.

Submit

15. What does an author need to consider when she names a character?

It's best not to have the first name end in "s"

It's best not to have the last name end in "s"

It's best not to have two characters have first names starting with the same letter.

It's best to pair a short first name with a longer last name and vice versa.

It's best not to name characters after your ex-girlfriends.

Yes, that's right. A writer has to consider ALL of these things. If you ever need to name your baby, ask a writer for help. She knows all the do's and don'ts.

Explanation

Yes, that's right. A writer has to consider ALL of these things. If you ever need to name your baby, ask a writer for help. She knows all the do's and don'ts.

Submit

Basic Writing Knowledge Test

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