Tag Archives: editing

Arty rules are rubbery (Encore edition)

It’s not that I hate saying it; I hate having to say it. Arty rules are rubbery. When writing, whether for a fiction market or in a memoir, the rules aren’t immutable. They weren’t etched in granite via lightning strike or by … Continue reading

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Okay, I’m Done. Now What?

You’re “done” you say? That begs a few questions. Like: Are you finished with the rough draft/first “complete” manuscript? Are you finished with all the updates of your first draft? Have you given up altogether? Are you ready to start … Continue reading

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My View on Collaborations (Encore)

“Know whut? We should write a novel!” And thus, all too often, are collaborations born. How many times this has occurred is unknowable, although I’d guess the thought has crossed the minds of nearly every writer at one time or … Continue reading

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Mistakes can be blessings (Encore)

Usually when I make a mistake, it’s something that continues to kick me in the head no matter whether I admit it or not. There’s always payback. Bent nails, split wood, crooked trim, creaky hinges–the list goes on and on. And … Continue reading

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Write *Something* Every Day (Encore)

Writers write. It’s as simple as that. Good writers tend to write a lot. That’s a big part of how they became “good” writers. If you aspire to become a writer, or if you’re already a writer and you want … Continue reading

Posted in editing, Historical writing, Memoir, novel writing, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Arty rules are rubbery (Encore)

It’s not that I hate saying it; I hate having to say it. Arty rules are rubbery. When writing, whether for a fiction market or in a memoir, the rules aren’t immutable. They weren’t etched in granite via lightning strike nor by vengeful gremlins … Continue reading

Posted in Memoir, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Edit? You mean I’m not done yet? (Encore)

Whoa. Edit my own book? Where would I even start? For most writers, especially those who haven’t already completed at least a couple full-length novels, you need to let your work cool off before you do anything. Why? Because your brain … Continue reading

Posted in Historical writing, Memoir, novel writing, short fiction, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

Highs and lows (Encore)

Slow and steady may win some contests, but if that’s how your story moves along, you might as well take up something else, like gastropod racing. If, on the other hand, you’d like to write stuff that folks might actually want … Continue reading

Posted in Memoir, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , | 12 Comments

Edit? You mean I’m not done yet? (Encore)

Whoa. Edit my own book? Where would I even start? For most writers, especially those who haven’t already completed at least a couple full-length novels, you need to let your work cool off before you do anything. Why? Because your brain believes your … Continue reading

Posted in editing, Memoir, novel writing, short fiction, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments