Welcome to our group blog. This May our Group Blog is on editing. All
books go through multiple edits. What have you learned are your problems, and
what irks you about editing?
We do go through many edits. The first few are our own edits
before we send anything off. After the first draft we edit for sentence
structure, spelling, grammar, character development, interior and exterior
conflict, plot, red herrings and probably a lot more. Then we edit again. Then
off to our editors, revisions and back for more editing. I think all of us want
the best polished novel possible for our readers.
What are my problems? Ah, so many challenges. I tend to use
passive voices – was – a lot. I need to use words that are more active and
vivid. As well I use crutch words like smiled,
glared, stared, and words like ‘just’ and ‘that’. I also have some punctuation issues, like where to put
the comma.
Editing takes time and it’s technical and not creative. working
with your muse, but it’s a necessary evil for a well-written story.
I think what irks me about editing is that no matter how many
edits you do, or how many people edit it or look at it, when you read the final
published copy – there’s always an error – which someone immediately points
out. Sigh…
I’m looking forward to seeing what our other authors have to say
about editing and what irks them.
Skye Taylor http://www.skye-writer.com/blogging_by_the_sea
Diane Bator http://dbator.blogspot.ca/
Connie Vines http://mizging.blogspot.com/
Anne Stenhouse http://annestenhousenovelist.wordpress.com/
Margaret Fieland http://margareetfieland.wordpress.com
Victoria Chatham http://www.victoriachatham.com
Dr. Bob Rich https://wp.me/p3Xihq-1UN
Rhobin L Courtright ttp://www.rhobincourtright.com
Rhobin L Courtright ttp://www.rhobincourtright.com
Hi Beverley, I, too, have problems with commas and possibly the more so as I get older. I like editing, though. At least the first time through... Anne
ReplyDeleteThanks, Anne. How about the second and third edit? :)
DeletePassive voice is one of my failings, too. To be totally honest, I actually speak that way and always have. Unusual, but I'll say things like, "Don't be doing that." instead of don't do that or "I was just thinking..." instead of I think. I get called out on it all the time. One of these days I'll create a character who talks like I do and I can just run with it (oops, just used the word just.) Commas seem to be another issue entirely - there's the old school and the newer more flexible uses. I never seem to get it right so thank God for my editor.
ReplyDeleteNice to see someone who uses "just" besides me. Even when I reread or edit I sometimes leave "just" in, because it seems to add "just" the right amount of emphasis. And I think a character who talked in the passive voice would be fun to write.
DeleteYou absolutely correct on those published mistakes! Commas, so simple, so difficult! And usage seems to change. I'd like to get a hold of the 'they' who seems to make these grammar changes.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Rhobin and you're so right on the changes that keep occurring, especially with commas. Spellcheck says one thing, one editor like it another way and another says don't need it. Sigh...
DeleteLooks like I can be of service to you ladies. Please read my comma tips at https://wp.me/p3Xihq-1nr
ReplyDelete:)
Bob
Off to check that out, Bob. Any help greatly appreciated.
DeleteCommas. I love Oxford commas. But, alas, editors often do not :(. Good post.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Connie.
DeleteOh, that cheeky comma. It catches lots of writers out. My own feeling is that if there are too many commas in a sentence, the sentence can be split and made sharper. The days of long Dickensian sentences are over.
ReplyDeleteGood point, Victoria. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDelete
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