Whether you write general fiction or genre fiction, when it’s time to review that completed first draft and look for loop-holes in the substantive/content portion of your manuscript, WORLD BUILDING should not be taken for granted. Now, it’s true that… Read More ›
first draft
Editing Tip #120 – Pounding Out the Place-Holder Words
When it comes to a first draft many writers prefer to just ‘get it out’ – like verbal diarrhea (euww). But it’s often easier to fine-tune and fix things in a second draft than trying to get every sentence and… Read More ›
Editing Tip #107 – Character Voice & Intoning Accents
There’s a difference between reading, “And then, in her Jamaican accent she said ‘sit right down’ – and I did.” And… “Seet ry’t down,” Rainey said. Her dark eyes shiny; a contrast to her equally dark but matte skin tone…. Read More ›
Editing Tip #98 – Repetitive Patterns to Avoid
When it comes time to dust off the first draft of your story, after having left it for at least one month, there are certain things you will notice straight off: a) that you’re a genius (yeah!) b) that you’re… Read More ›
Editing Tip #78 – Ditch the Self-Restraint
As writers there will come a time when you’ve amassed as much knowledge as your brain can (currently) handle regarding composition and editing. You’ll find you just need to focus on what it is you love – writing. Something else… Read More ›
Editing Tip #44
~ First Draft Fears, Second Draft Jitters ~ I know I’ve said it time and again but you absolutely must re-read your first draft before anyone else sets eyes on it. But then I hear, “I’d rather an editor look… Read More ›
Editing Tip #10
Don’t be Afraid to Fragment, Part 1 – Tackling your manuscript in its entirety and trying to keep every little thing you’ve ever learned about editing in the front of your mind as you painstakingly reread your work from start… Read More ›