editing – Paper Beats World

How many drafts do you need?

This is a burning question, and I’ve seen people do it wrong both ways. Lots of people will write one draft, say ‘wow, this sucks,’ and toss it right out. Others will never get done with that first book, because they must make it perfect before they move on to any other project. Brothers andContinue reading “How many drafts do you need?”

Writing Prompt Saturday- What do you love about your first draft?

We’ve talked about what you hate about your first draft. In fact, I believe I asked you to write a great big hate letter to your first draft, and what a big disappointment it was. Now, I want you to switch it up. While you’re reading your first draft, what did you love? What partsContinue reading “Writing Prompt Saturday- What do you love about your first draft?”

Editing Dialog

I think it’s important to know your strengths and your weaknesses in life. Doubly so when you ‘re a writer, (read small business owner.) For instance, my weakness, which has been pointed out many times, is fight scenes. Probably because I don’t like to read them. What I really am good with, though, is dialog.Continue reading “Editing Dialog”

Red Pens

Why do we use red ink for editing? Is it a sense of tradition, dating back to when pens only came in three colors? If so, why do we keep doing it when we’ve got so many options? I actually can’t bring myself to write in red ink, only edit. I can write deadlines in it, too.

Writing Prompt Saturday- What do you hate about your first draft?

Alright, this is something I do with all of my fist drafts. I unload. I am furious at my first draft! I spent all that time and ink, slaving over a hot notebook and keyboard to make it perfect and for what? It’s not perfect. It’s not just as I want it to be. It’sContinue reading “Writing Prompt Saturday- What do you hate about your first draft?”

Check This Out- The Pomodoro Method

If you’re getting into the thick of your editing process, you’re in danger of running into one of two walls. Maybe you’re getting immersed in the process and forget about other things, like eating or personal hygiene. Or, you’re so daunted by the whole process that you’re waiting until you’ve got ‘real time’, to getContinue reading “Check This Out- The Pomodoro Method”

The Writing Life- Editing Shopping List

Editing Shopping List- Don’t lie, you’re going to love this part even if you hate editing. I’ve never met a writer that didn’t walk into Staples and hear the Halleluiah chorus in their head.

Plans For February 2015

Here we are, another month, another theme. This month, we’re talking about a writing topic you either love or hate. It’s editing. Like I said… I really enjoy editing. It gives m a chance to combine some of my favorite things, organization, creativity, and anal retentiveness. It can also be terrifyingly intimidating if you don’tContinue reading “Plans For February 2015”