I’ve run across a number of editing checklists as I’ve read through the blogosphere. Seems every writer has one. (Google “editing checklists” and in 0.17 seconds you get 983,000 results.) Nothing wrong with checklists. I usually peruse them and think, “Good points. I need to remember some of ‘em the next time I’m editing a manuscript.” Do I ever refer back to any of them? Nope. Why not? Well … to be honest, most of the checklists are l-o-n-g. They are more like editing encyclopedias rather than checklists. Do writers really do all those dozens of steps? If I could distill editing down to the basics, what would those key points be? I would divide editing into two phases: a Big Picture Edit and Fine Line Edits. A Big Picture […]
Read the RestArchive | December, 2011
Seven Things Every Writer Must Do, Part Six: Add Value to Others
I love to encourage others. To motivate them and help point them to success. At the end of the day, if I’ve added value to someone, I feel fulfilled. For me to see a writer who is discouraged, afraid or lacking self confidence is like saying “sick-umm” to a bull dog. I’m all over it. You might say I jump on the opportunity because God gave me the gift of encouragement. While that is true, it wouldn’t work if I didn’t believe it. But, fortunately, I do believe in the human spirit and how much it can achieve. And I truly want to see everyone live up to their potential. To live their dream. Think of children. When they are faced with an unfamiliar task, they may be timid. They […]
Read the RestFriday Fiction: Baby it’s cold outside
Dottie Morgan has no desire to share her home – or her heart – over Christmas. After all, her Christmas spirit froze over when Dottie lost her son in World War 2. But when a blizzard of the decade traps Dottie in her home with four near strangers, she just might discover that opening her door just might open her heart a Christmas miracle…and a new reason celebrate Christmas. Behind the Pages: The idea of a book that took place in a Storm House simmered in my mind for the better part of two years. I came upon the concept while walking with an older friend in our small town. She pointed out an old house on the corner, one that looked like it might have grown there, with the […]
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