Self Editing

I finished the damn book.  And it’s off to the formatter.

I thought I’d finished weeks ago but kept going back and making changes and reading it over and over. Every time I’d find something new. I had a couple of friends read it and they sent some errors they caught. So back again to make a few corrections. Here are some of the self-editing I did in no particular order.

I had a couple of names that were very similar. It could be confusing to the reader, so I went back and changed them. Thank heavens for find and replace.

I also used find and replace, for those lovely words like - as – just and - the ings.

I cut and moved sections, so the book flowed better, and it fit the timeline.

I checked for spelling, both with spell check but also by reading it through.

I checked for grammar and punctuation. My grammar is good (I think) but punctuation is my weak point. And I find Word and I sometimes disagree on what I thought it should be.  I’ve got feedback from other writers and apparently things like the use of commas is different depending on editors.

I made notes and went back to check eye color stayed the same for each character, if one man drank scotch and the other whisky, I made notes and made sure it stayed the same through the book.

I went back and read each person’s journey to make sure it made sense and I made sure the conflicts between the characters was resolved by the end.

And I’m listening to the reading of the book. People have suggested three different methods of doing this. I’m going to try all three and see which works best for me.  The ones recommended were Autocrit, WordPress and Office 365.

Now to see what it reads like once it’s in print and how many errors I missed.

I’d love to hear what other people check for when they self-edit.

Meet Gayle M Irwin and her Latest Books

Gayle M. Irwin is an award-winning author and freelance writer, being recognized by Wyoming Writers, Inc., and the Wyoming Press Association for several of her works. She is a contributor to seven Chicken Soup for the Soul books and the author of many inspirational pet books and stories for both children and adults. Her first novel, a clean, contemporary pet rescue romance titled Rescue Road, released November 8, 2019. The follow-up book, Finding Love at Compassion Ranch, released in May 2020. She subtly weaves important life lessons within the lines and pages of her stories, including the importance of pet rescue and adoption. An animal advocate, she volunteers for various dog rescue and humane society organizations and donates a percentage of all book sales to such groups. Gayle resides in Wyoming with her husband and their adopted animals. She creates a weekly blog and a monthly newsletter. Find her blog and learn more about the author, her writing endeavors, and her pets at her website:

Beverley: Which genre or genres do you write or prefer to write? And why?

Gayle: I began as a children’s author, writing inspirational pet stories which teach important life lessons, such as courage, perseverance, and friendship. I spent a few years taking additional creative writing classes at the local community college, and last fall I released my first clean, contemporary western romance called Rescue Road. The story takes place in Montana, a state in which I used to live and where my parents still live. The love story revolves around pet rescue and adoption, an issue close to my heart. Rescue Road is the first in a series I’m calling Pet Rescue Romance. My desire through my books is to educate, entertain, and inspire, whether the

Beverley: Who influenced you the most in deciding to become a writer?

Gayle: I’ve enjoyed writing since I was a teenager, at which time I composed stories based on my favorite television shows. I studied journalism in college and began my writing career as a reporter. A few years later, I became an editor and freelance writer. My work as an author started in 2007 when I wrote and published my first children’s book about my blind dog titled Sage’s Big Adventure: Living With Blindness. The two most influential people in my life were my junior college journalism instructor, Arlene Larson, and, when I pursed my bachelor’s degree at the University of Idaho, Lois Melina; she even hired me to help her with her Child Adoption Newsletter during my last year of school. I feel blessed to have been tutored and encouraged by both of these creative, strong women during my formative years.

Beverley: What gets your creative juices flowing?

Gayle: Spending time in nature and being a volunteer animal rescue transporter. I was raised in small towns and on a small farm in Iowa, where my parents and I lived until I was 17. We then moved to the Rocky Mountain region of the United States. I was raised to appreciate nature and I’ve been an animal-lover since childhood. Those facets of my life remain strong. I enjoy traveling and visiting America’s national forests and parks, and I possess a passion for helping animals in need; therefore, I serve as a volunteer transporter for rescue organizations, helping animals go to their adoptive families and taking animals from kill-shelters to rescue groups. My pets (2 dogs and 2 cats) are rescues, and nothing delights me more than to know a cat or dog that’s been abandoned or abused find a new loving home.

Beverley: Do you have a favorite cartoon character? Why?

Gayle: No, I’m not a cartoon person.

Beverley: Who would you love most to meet 'in person' and why?

Gayle: Betty White because of her love of animals and her tireless work on behalf of animals in need. Plus, she’s so funny! I loved her character in “The Golden Girls!”

Beverley: If you had an unexpected free day what would you do with it?

Gayle: I would rent a cabin in the mountains for the night and relish the tranquility and scenery … and write!

Beverley: What are you working on now?

Gayle: I recently released another book in my Pet Rescue Romance series. Finding Love at Compassion Ranch is the story of Erin and Mike, who knew each other in high school, but haven’t seen one another in more than 30 years. They reconnect at Compassion Ranch, a sanctuary for former research animals. Erin stops by to volunteer for two weeks, and Mike is the ranch manager; both lost their spouses during the past five years. Compassion Ranch may provide a second chance at love for them, just as it provides a second chance for the animals.

The next project is a Christmas novella set in the Jackson, Wyoming area. The title of the book is In the Shadow of Mount Moran: A Christmas Pet Rescue Romance. The book will be available mid-to-late November.

All three books of the Pet Rescue Romance series are set in the Yellowstone National Park area. Rescue Road is set in southwestern Montana; Finding Love at Compassion Ranch is set in northwestern Wyoming; and the Mount Moran book will be set in western Wyoming, near Jackson and Grand Teton National Park, just south of Yellowstone. I lived in West Yellowstone, Montana for about four years, and I lived in the area where Rescue Road is set for nearly seven years. I love this part of the country, and I plan to write this series based upon locations in Montana and Wyoming.

Blurb for Finding Love at Compassion Ranch:

A ranch like no other …

Erin Christiansen is still adjusting to life as a widow. She seeks additional healing by volunteering at Compassion Ranch, a sanctuary for former research animals. Upon arrival at the majestic and unique northwestern Wyoming ranch, she meets Mike, a man she knew in high school, whose compassion for animals and people might be the balm Erin needs.

Retired veterinarian Mike Jacobs is no stranger to loss. Five years after the accidental death of his wife, he now serves as ranch manager of Compassion Ranch. He not only fixes fence and provides tours, but he applies his veterinary skills and his heart for animals to his work. Upon recognizing Erin from high school, he can barely believe his first love will spend a few weeks at the sanctuary.

Can Erin and Mike span the years since they have seen each other or do they, like many of the rescued animals, have wounds that run too deep to trust and love again? 

Excerpt from Finding Love at Compassion Ranch:

Erin heard the sound that escaped from Mike’s mouth, even with his lips sealed over hers. She attempted a step back, but the wooden fence, and Mike’s body, ensnared her. So did the feelings which resurrected. The only man who had kissed her in more than twenty-five years had been Daniel. He hasn’t even been gone two years and look at yourself, Erin’s brain raged. She pulled her mouth from Mike’s. Immediately warmth drained from her. She placed her hands on Mike’s brawny shoulders.

        “I’m sorry, Erin,” he whispered. “I shouldn’t have done that. I just … I’m just so attracted to you and seeing you here, so filled with compassion and grace, your loveliness just shines, and I’m drawn to you like I haven’t been to anyone since I lost Elizabeth.”

        “You’re so sweet, Mike, I just don’t know what to say. Except I …” Her hands dropped to her sides. “Daniel’s been gone less than two years. I’m still processing ...”

        “I completely understand. That’s why I’m apologizing.”

        He backtracked toward the gate and held it open for her. “Here, let’s step out and talk for a bit.”

        Erin gave one more pat to Hope before stepping out of the enclosure. She walked to a whining Winston, untied the dog’s leash from the post, and picked him up into her arms. She carried him through the open barn door and stopped near the corral. Erin gazed at the sky, filled with twinkling stars. A full moon overhead shone like the sun upon the landscape, topping the nearby mountains with golden glitter. Shadows of pine trees fell upon the landscape. The quiet of the night enveloped her and the attraction toward Mike danced within the landscape and entangled within her heart, beckoning her to join subtle music. Erin sighed. She sensed his presence beside her.

        “Beautiful night,” he whispered.

        “Yes, it is,” she responded.

        Erin set Winston near her feet and turned to Mike. “I know we have feelings for each other, and we share a common tragedy. I’m just not sure I’m ready to leave Daniel’s memory behind right now.”

        Mike placed gentle hands upon her shoulders and looked into her eyes. “I do understand, Erin, believe me. I don’t want you to feel you’re betraying Daniel nor am I asking you to forget him. The two of you shared many years together; Elizabeth and I did, too. I won’t ever forget her. Just as I needed time to accept her passing, you need time to accept Daniel’s passing. I guess what I want you to know is … I loved you when we were in high school. I missed you every day those first few years, and I never forgot you. I let you go because I knew we were both young, but I really didn’t want to let you go.”

        “Why didn’t you tell me then how you felt?”

        He sighed and glanced to the sky before returning his gaze to her face. “I tried. I did ask you to come to Seattle, if you remember.”

She nodded. “I remember. But all you said was you wanted me to come to Seattle; you didn’t say why or that you loved me.”

“I wanted to, but I listened to my dad and my best friend and kept my feelings bottled up. I focused on my schooling and my career. I made a mistake by not being truthful about loving you. I didn’t know what happened to you, where you were, but I looked for you at our fifth high school reunion. I thought if I saw you there, I could tell you how I felt and maybe we could try again. But you weren’t there.”

She shook her head. “I was planning my wedding then and since I had only attended high school that one year, I didn’t have the inclination to go.” She stared into his eyes. “I actually thought I’d hear from you that first year of college. I did wait, Mike, but by my sophomore year, I figured you weren’t interested after all, and I moved on.”

“To Daniel.”

She shook her head. “Not at first, but I began dating. I met Daniel the start of spring semester. By summer, after meeting each other’s families, we were serious. I figured you had moved on, too.”

He nodded. “I dated a bit, but my feelings for you didn’t subside. I didn’t try to find you because … well, my parents kept pushing me to do well in school and get into vet school and launch my career. I regret listening to them, and not my heart.”

He placed his hands on her face and looked deeply into her eyes. “I still love you, Erin, and now that we’ve reconnected, I want you to know I’m here for you. Whenever you feel ready, I’ll be here. We can stay in touch, visit each other now and then, and see what happens. Maybe you’ll come to love me, maybe you won’t. I’m okay with that. I’m not going anywhere. But, if nothing else, you can know you have a good friend, even a special companion if you want. I’m here.”

Her eyes searched his, and she saw honesty and integrity … and love. She lay her head on his shoulder and felt him wrap his arm around her waist.

Buy Links for Finding Love at Compassion Ranch:

Kindle: https://amzn.to/2AM7sLk

Print: https://bit.ly/2XhZbq3_CompassionRanchPrint

Buy Links for Rescue Road:

Kindle: https://amzn.to/2W7fpBe

Print: https://amzn.to/2MCklLl

Social Media links for Gayle Irwin

My website: www.gaylemirwinauthor.com

        My Author Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/GayleMIrwin/

Twitter: @wyoauthor1

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/gaylemirwin

Summer – New Normal and Reading

I can’t believe we’re already in June. It’s been a very different year so far. In my area we are starting to open up, but very slowly. For our long holiday weekend (Victoria Day), they pushed ‘camping at home’, with tents in the back yard and RV’s in the driveway. Now we’re moving toward summer, and they’re pushing for ‘Holiday at Home.’ I have no intention of flying anywhere or driving very far. It’s a new normal.

For my New Normal, I bought some backyard patio furniture and have my small garden planted. My rescue dog is adjusting and enjoys laying on a small plot of artificial grass and I’m set for ‘Summer at Home’. My plan is to write on my WIP and read. I’d love to get caught up on my reading.  

I’m getting names of books read. I’d love recommendations. What are you reading? What do you recommend – even your own books? What’s in your TBR pile?

I only have a couple so far:

Killer Chardonnay by Kate Lansing

Small Town Storm by Allie Harrison 

Black Pearl by Donnell Bell

Would love to hear what you’re reading and doing for the summer. Please share.

Authors, Writing and Covid19

The corona virus is with us, all around the world. I often use news headlines or stories I find buried in the news in the plot or development of my stories. Whatever genre you write, have you used the corona virus in your story?

The corona virus has been with us for at least three months. The main ways to protect yourself and others is to wear a mask and practice social distancing, washing your hands, and staying at least six feet apart.  Is there a way to use the situations that we see these situations in our city, country, or area as part of a plot in our novels?

I write romantic suspense and I don’t see how I could use it in a romance. Romance is about relationships, developing a relationship, touching, holding hands, or kissing. How do you do this if you stay six feet apart and wear a mask? I find wearing a mask covers the face so you can’t even see a smile. I suppose you could use it in an online relationship. If you write romance, sweet romance, YA romance, contemporary romance or any other genre, are you writing a book that uses the corona virus in your story? If you are, how are you incorporating it into a romance in this New Normal? Or how could you incorporate it into a romance?

As I’m writing this, I’m also thinking about how this might be affecting relationships in today's New Normal. Hmm.

I could use the virus in the suspense writing part of a book. The villain could carry the virus, or he could be in contact with the virus. He could spread it to many people. It might even be part of his plot to harm people.  Is anyone using it in mystery or suspense? What about other genres?

I’d love to hear your thoughts about writing in your genre with, or about, the Covid 19 virus and the New Normal.

US Memorial Day

Memorial Day is an American holiday, observed on the last Monday of May, having been observed on May 30 from 1868 to 1970. It honors the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Memorial Day 2020 occurs on Monday, May 25.

Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Pre-Corona Virus many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings and participating in parades, going to beaches and summer cottages. Unofficially, it marks the beginning of the summer season.

In the middle of the corona virus the weekend now varies from state to state. Social distancing is required, group sizes vary from ten people up to maybe fifty. (I don’t know each state’s requirements). People are heading to the beaches but there are now rules to follow. Large groups and concerts are all canceled.   

Historically the Civil War, which ended in the spring of 1865, claimed more lives than any conflict in U.S. history and required the establishment of the country’s first national cemeteries.

By the late 1860s, Americans in various towns and cities had begun holding springtime tributes to these countless fallen soldiers, decorating their graves with flowers and reciting prayers.

Each year on Memorial Day a national moment of remembrance takes place at 3:00 p.m. local time.

It is unclear where exactly this tradition originated; numerous different communities may have independently initiated the memorial gatherings. And some records show that one of the earliest Memorial Day commemoration was organized by a group of freed slaves in Charleston, South Carolina less than a month after the Confederacy surrendered in 1865. Nevertheless, in 1966 the federal government declared Waterloo, New York, the official birthplace of Memorial Day.

Happy Memorial Day!

Belated Happy Victoria Day!

I know, I’m late celebrating our Canadian Victoria Day. Blame it on last brain from the Covid 19.

Victoria Day is a federal Canadian public holiday. It’s celebrated on the last Monday before May 25^th, in honour of Queen Victoria’s birthday. It’s always one week before the American Memorial Day. The holiday has been observed in Canada since at least 1845, originally falling on the sovereign’s actual birthday. It continuous to be celebrated in various fashions across the country on the fixed date. When Queen Victoria died in 1901, parliament made her birthday an annual holiday.

The date is also, simultaneously, that on which the current reigning monarch celebrates their birthday. It is Queen Elizabeth II’s official birthday, although her actual birthday is April 21^st. The weekend is sometimes informally considered as marking the beginning of summer season in Canada.

The holiday has always been a distinctly Canadian observance and is celebrated as the first big camping weekend, opening up of summer cottages, summer festivals in parks and almost always big fire works displays. All this before the corona virus pandemic. 

This year, because of the corona virus, everything was cancelled. Camping at home was encouraged. It included putting up tents in the back yard and parking the RV’s in the driveway. All gatherings and celebrations were cancelled, including all the fireworks display. It was the New Normal.

Hope all Canadians still had a Happy Holiday Weekend.

And tomorrow I’ll cover the American Memorial Day.

Editing – A Necessary Evil

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