Most writers will integrate some level of foreshadowing into their first draft on instinct. Where it really makes its impact though, is in the 2nd draft when you have time to take a good look at where you want to… Read More ›
editing tip
Editing Tip #126 – Formally Breaking Up (with) Your Dialogue
Time and again I see authors who are still navigating their understanding of sentence structure make the two following errors when it comes to breaking up their dialogue: 1. They shove a he/she said in the middle of sentence to… Read More ›
Editing Tip #125 – When a Beta Reader Says … Pt2
“I don’t understand what’s going on here…” “This is awkward…” “Did you mean this _______?” “Why did he/she jump to that conclusion?” When your beta reader gets confused, it’s never a good sign. The four sentences above are common when… Read More ›
Editing Tip #124 -When a Beta Reader Says … Pt1
If you’re just starting out using Beta Readers or if you’re starting a new genre and have collected a new set of Beta Readers, deciphering their comments might pose a bit of a challenge. Today we’re going to look at… Read More ›
Editing Tip#123 -Grammar: “You and I”
Here’s a great grammar mem I found a while back, to share with you on a week when my clients demand that less of me gets to everyone than usual 😉 This is a great trick to remember and something… Read More ›
Editing Tip #122 – Strategic Place Setting/World Building
Whether your book takes place in today’s world, the future, or some entirely unique realm, it’s imperative that your reader get a sense of location and the expectations for that ‘world’ ASAP. If you write literary fiction, a block of… Read More ›
Editing Tip #121 – Sucking up Those Saggy Middles
How do you know for sure if the middle of your manuscript is sagging? I mean, it’s absolutely brilliant when you write it, several of your colleagues have beta read it and gave mostly praise, so you’re good to go… Read More ›
Editing Tip #119 – Don’t “Fake It” with the Facts
First drafts are notoriously full of factual errors, even if we’ve done a ton of research before starting the writing. Often, though, we think to ourselves that we need to “get the right info” on something, but by the time… Read More ›
Editing Tip #118 – Rereading for Minor Hiccups
Before asking for any outside advice from friends, family, or even beta readers one of the most fundamental things you can do as an author is re-read your own manuscript looking for the little things… sure, it’s easy enough to… Read More ›
Editing Tip #117 – Organizing After the Rush
Whether you’re a planner or a pantser, there are going to be numerous things that happen throughout the course of your book that you didn’t anticipate … and we need to keep track of these nuances – especially if you’re… Read More ›
