Articles written by Shannon Lausch

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About me - Shannon Lausch

I'm a freelance writer and editor. Besides Helium, I enjoy contributing to Associated Content and Demand Studios. My favorite topics to write on include education, creative writing and books.

I hold a bachelor's degree in political science (with minors in

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Creative Writing > Short Stories Short stories: Vampires: 6 of 127

The room looked like any other community meeting place. An assortment of mismatched and battered chairs formed a semi-circle; cheap florescent lights flickered and buzzed; and a long table draped with cheap white cloth offered a plate of cookies, a pitcher of Kool-Aid, and a carafe of coffee. But something about this meeting...
Education > College Study Tips Tips for choosing a research topic: 3 of 19

Stumped on what topic to choose for your research paper? There are several sources you can use to find ideas. The Internet, magazines, newspapers, academic journals, and even your hobbies can all provide great fodder for a topic. Read on and find out how each of these sources can help you brainstorm. Source 1: Your expertise...
Arts & Humanities > 19th Century US History Biography: James Madison: 1 of 6

At the age of 21, James Madison was prepared to die. In a letter to a college friend in 1772, Madison wrote: "I am too dull and infirm now to look out for any extraordinary things in this world, for I think my sensations for many months have intimated to me not to expect a long or healthy life." Lucky for America, Madison co...
Education > College Study Tips The benefits of using a day planner in college: 3 of 17

While you're shopping for notebooks, textbooks, pens and paper for the start of your college term, don't forget to pick up a day planner. You may balk at the thought - especially if you were forced to keep one in high school. A day planner? In college? When you're entering a new independent phase? Psh! But don't scoff at the...
Education > College Life Humor: When going to a lecture is required in college: 1 of 5

It's not easy being right all of the time. Colleges can be a cesspool of misinformation and ignorance. To combat this plague, you need to constantly share your opinions and worldview with your college class - and that means you absolutely must attend every lecture. When you're the brightest, it unfortunately falls on you to ...
Arts & Humanities > Writing Tips Tips for naming villains in fiction writing: 1 of 5

When creating villains, it's all too tempting to give them a name that embodies their evilness. It's important, however, to keep in mind the normal conventions of naming. Names tend to reveal something about location, year, ethnicity, or nationality - not whether a person is destined to be a tyrannical overlord. Always think...
Arts & Humanities > Writing Tips Tips for naming male characters in fiction writing: 1 of 4

Stumped on what to name your male character? Don't think of choosing a name as a chore. Instead, think of naming as a fun escape from writing your story. When searching for a name, always keep in mind plausibility. While creativity is important, plausibility is often more valuable. After all, naming your character, Solitaire...
Education > College Study Tips Recommended English textbooks for college: 1 of 4

We all have our weaknesses in writing. Maybe you can't quite master the technical aspects of MLA. Or dangling modifiers have a nasty habit of popping up in your writing. Perhaps you're struggling to find your personal voice. Whatever your problem, the advice you need to succeed in your college English classes can be just a l...
Arts & Humanities > Thoughts on Writing Naming your work: 3 of 11

Naming a piece of work - whether it's a screenplay, short story, novel, or poem - intimidates many writers. Finishing your work almost seems like a punishment when you have a blank title looming over you. Relax. Once you've completed your work, the hard part is over. Consider taking a break. When you're ready, you'll be able...
Education > College Study Tips How to stop procrastinating about writing your research paper: 2 of 5

You sit down in front of your computer screen, determined that this time you won't procrastinate on your research paper. As the blank screen stares you down, you realize you don't know where to even begin. So you stall. You once again procrastinate, hoping the muse Calliope will take pity on you. But by your tenth game of So...