I used to think I could do it all… I was doing dishes some days ago and stacked the dirty ones next to the sink. On the top, placed much more precariously than I intended, was a heavy glass 9×13 pan. It teetered and I reached for it, but missed. Did I mention I’m a…… Continue reading I am a Klutz, Some Things Just Come Naturally
If you are looking for ways to self-edit prior to sending your work to a paid editor, you may find this series helpful. Look for the tag targeted editing in the sidebar. We’ve already begun editing and have a good handle on a few major issues in writing with the first part of this series.…… Continue reading Targeted Self-editing, Part 2
My writing process looks a little like this, I write a rapid first draft, warts and all. Get as much down of the situation and feeling as I can so I can recall it exactly when I need to re-write. I then let it sit about two weeks while I focus on other writing. I…… Continue reading Targeted Self-editing, Part 1
I didn’t understand what that meant when I first read it…I mean, we are talking Stephen King. For those, like me, who look at that phrase and feel a wee bit squeamish at the thought: It means to dissect from your work those little portions you loved writing and felt were imperative at first, but…… Continue reading Kill your Darlings
Twenty years ago, it was the summer of 1995. I was preparing to move to Bethel College and Seminary (that’s what it was back then, now it is Bethel University). That was the only college I wanted to go to, the only one I considered. I had already declared a major and I’d signed up…… Continue reading I Got My Calling Wrong
I’ve done more edits to my manuscript than I care to admit to anyone but close friends. After looking at it so many times, my eyes have started skimming over parts I thought were fine. The bad news is…they’re not. I needed a way to take a fresh look at this document that I…… Continue reading When in Doubt~ Print it Out
I’ve been reading quite a bit of Indie work lately, which isn’t surprising because that’s what my business focus is right now. However, I picked up two traditionally published books that had been on my shelves for a long time, one fiction the other non-fiction. I was amazed at the difference. I didn’t notice it…… Continue reading When you can’t see the Forest for the Trees
