Writing Tips · 26 April 2021
There are numerous ways plurals and possessives are written incorrectly, but I want to discuss the four that are the most common I see—and how to write it correctly if you're following along with the Chicago Manual of Style.
Writing Tips · 10 July 2020
Ever read a line in someone's book and think it's flavorful but then pause, trying to make sense of it? Here are a few I see more often than others and why I tend to change them.
Writing Tips · 09 January 2020
One of the most common ways to challenge your writing is to switch it up when it comes to tense and perspective. If you're in the indie-author community, you might've had to do this with an anthology you signed up for. Or maybe you just want to try something different. This post is lengthy, but it will help you sort through the options and some basic rules for staying on track.
Writing Tips · 29 August 2019
I know editing will seem like an endless game of Delete This, but keep in mind that many edits are also expanding things. When we talk about killing adverbs and excessive adjectives, it's because those are likely going to be replaced with more detail rather than less. Anyway, here is a brief list of things to avoid, just to get you started.
Writing Tips · 27 August 2019
Homonyms have three "flavors," as defined by Merriam-Webster Dictionary. This post is for the homophone flavor. And it's stocked with memes.
Manuscript Help · 13 May 2019
Summary: Now that we have our brain in gear (hopefully) and we have some things to consider along the way, let's move back to the self-editing stuff. If you are just joining us, be sure to check out part one of Prepping Your Manuscript for Your Editor, then come back and join us here!
Manuscript Help · 13 May 2019
I'm going to start by saying I recommend at least two self-edit rounds. Crazy talk, I know. But first, let's dive into what the heck for. If you know you're going to hire an editor, you might need some convincing to comb through it yourself since that's what you're paying them to do, right?
Well, yes and no.
Writing Tips · 01 January 2019
Sometimes it's easy to use the wrong term. Catching these kinds of errors will not only make you a better writer, it'll help your editor too.
Manuscript Help · 24 September 2018
Now you've got your manuscript back, but where do you start? Until you get your own handle on how to tend to an editor's suggestions, here are the suggestions I've accumulated from my clients.