I love the read-aloud test. It’s something I should I more of with all my writing. Some of my dumbest mistakes come simply from rushing and over-assuming. With a book being so long, I feel like doing this would be even more impactful!
Agreed, Colin. Whenever I look at something too long, I read it out loud slowly, so I don't gloss over what's not there... that can happen to if you go too fast.
Another great lesson here, Renee! Thanks for putting this all out there. Self editing can feel like cutting off an arm; we just won't do it. For 1000yrs I was a professional photographer and it was such a horror show when putting together a portfolio for a sales call; what to put in, what NOT to put in. When I turned to commercial writing, I always had an editor at a publication who chopped the heck out of my words for me. I was less attached to them, I suppose. But with my creative writing, even working with an editor, I would fight tooth and nail for every word. Even now, with putting up my current novel here on Substack, even though it's been written and re-written and edited, and critiqued, and edited again, just as I'm about to close out, there's that one sentence, that one phrase, that I futz with. And I always, always always, read dialog out loud to make sure it fits.
Marc, I agree. Writing isn't always easy and there's decision that can really play havoc with us. In the end, I don't know that anything is so absolute it can't be changed.
Oh, this is good stuff, Renee. I needed a practical way back into my manuscript, and this helps. I'm going to give reverse outlining a shot. Thank you!
I love the read-aloud test. It’s something I should I more of with all my writing. Some of my dumbest mistakes come simply from rushing and over-assuming. With a book being so long, I feel like doing this would be even more impactful!
Agreed, Colin. Whenever I look at something too long, I read it out loud slowly, so I don't gloss over what's not there... that can happen to if you go too fast.
These pro-insight tips are awesome! Great article! Reading aloud has been so helpful in making sure my story is cohesive (and makes sense).
Excellent, Liz. I always say if I have just one helpful take away from something, it's worth it.
Another great lesson here, Renee! Thanks for putting this all out there. Self editing can feel like cutting off an arm; we just won't do it. For 1000yrs I was a professional photographer and it was such a horror show when putting together a portfolio for a sales call; what to put in, what NOT to put in. When I turned to commercial writing, I always had an editor at a publication who chopped the heck out of my words for me. I was less attached to them, I suppose. But with my creative writing, even working with an editor, I would fight tooth and nail for every word. Even now, with putting up my current novel here on Substack, even though it's been written and re-written and edited, and critiqued, and edited again, just as I'm about to close out, there's that one sentence, that one phrase, that I futz with. And I always, always always, read dialog out loud to make sure it fits.
Marc, I agree. Writing isn't always easy and there's decision that can really play havoc with us. In the end, I don't know that anything is so absolute it can't be changed.
That checklist is wonderful. I especially dig the reverse outlining strategy. Looking forward to putting that to work. Thanks for this, Renee. :)
You're very welcome, Norman :)
Over complicator here. Great advice.
Oh, this is good stuff, Renee. I needed a practical way back into my manuscript, and this helps. I'm going to give reverse outlining a shot. Thank you!
Awesome, Christa. Good luck!
God help me, the “walked” and “strode” conundrum! -eye twitches-
It's the little things, Michael ;)
If you play your cards right you might be able to use BOTH words...
😆 The perfect sentence is within reach!
The sky is the limit :)
Yep. And I would add never stop reading those how-to books, revisiting the standard rules. The basics pay off
From a former caffeinated squirrel, this is excellent. Thank you!
🤣 we are all caffeinated squirrels 🐿️ You’re welcome, Jo.
This is a keeper, Renee! Thank you.
My pleasure, Gael 😊