Self-editing
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The author reflects on his love for Dean Koontz’s Odd Thomas series, particularly the themes of talent and obligation. He emphasize the importance of using one’s gifts wisely, drawing inspiration from quotes and biblical references, while also sharing personal talents and experiences.
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“The story in this book is fantastic!” Rowlf exploded. “I can’t put it down.” “Oh really?” Cyndy interrogated. “I found it annoying to read because of all of the oddball speaker attributions.” “That’s because you have no vision,” Rowlf interjected. “This writer is being experimental.” I’m proofediting a book right now for a publisher that
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I’m somewhat of a revision monkey. I love sculpting words! Which likely explains why I prefer editing to writing. So, I’m revising—again—and that means I’m reading through James Scott Bell’s excellent Revision & Self-editing—again. This is not a commercial, this is a strongly held opinion: If you don’t own this book you may not be
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Cut out all those exclamation marks. An exclamation mark is like laughing at your own joke. – F. Scott Fitzgerald, an American author of novels and short stories Laugh at your own jokes. – Neil Gaiman, an English author of short fiction, novels, comic books, and graphic novels Wow. Sometimes writing advice is so contradictory.
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In these posts, with the author’s permission, I look at their work pre-editing and post-editing—and at what I did to improve the piece. The idea is to catch a glimpse into not only the editing process, but the relationship between editor and author. Jennifer Slattery is one of my favorite writers for the ACFW Journal.
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I invite you to visit one of my favorite blogs, Novel Rocket, where I post today about ways to cut words from your manuscripts. Michael Ehret, for Writing on the Fine Line
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“There is but one art, to omit! Oh, if I knew how to omit I would ask no other knowledge.” Robert Louis Stevenson, 19th century author, best known for his novels Treasure Island and Kidnapped. You know my love for tight writing. I am convinced knowing what not to include is far more important than
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I’m on vacation this week and re-running a couple of my favorite posts. Enjoy! Go to any writing conference or eavesdrop on any writer’s critique group (both great things for the practicing writer, by the way) and if you hang around long enough, the subject of passive writing will be discussed—and usually with the same
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While I’m watching mental fireworks (no real ones, too much fire risk), enjoy this post from the past. I think the advice is still good. Earlier, we looked at ways to be more clear in your writing by eliminating redundancies and overwriting, and choosing simple words when appropriate. Now, let’s look at how the right
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In these posts, with the author’s permission, I look at their work pre-editing and post-editing—and at what I did to improve the piece. Ruth Logan Herne and I go way back. I won’t say how far because she might kill me. You think I jest? Well, maybe so, but let’s just say I’m not willing
Writing On The Fine Line 