Here are some common mistakes I find in manuscripts. 1. Filter words These fall into the whole “show don’t tell” category of advice. They can stop the flow of the reader’s momentum. Filter words often include verbs that identify any of the senses: heard, felt, thought, saw, tasted, etc. Example: I heard the trill ofContinue reading “5 Common Writing Mistakes”
Tag Archives: author
Why do I need an Editor?
Have you just finished your first novel and you’re wondering what to do with it? Are you thinking of submitting to an agent or KDP (Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing)? There are several steps before your manuscript is ready for submission, and one of the most important is to find an editor. Although there are severalContinue reading “Why do I need an Editor?”
Different Types of Editing
Some edits blur into each other in practice, but there are technically four distinct types. This is where I specialize and often the first stop on your editing journey. I look at your manuscript as a whole. I analyze the thematic elements, character arcs, pacing, plot holes. Does your book match genre and age groupContinue reading “Different Types of Editing”
As Confident As My 3 Year Old
I’m not much for making my own mistakes. I prefer to learn from the mistakes of others. But I’ve gotten to the point in my writing career where application is far more important than theory. I’ve begrudgingly accepted I have to mess up to grow. And I came to a crossroads: pursue my passion orContinue reading “As Confident As My 3 Year Old”
A Birthday of Memories
Every year, a few days before my birthday, I have deep and dark thoughts about missing my sister. Once the day actually comes, the anxiety dissipates, and I am able to find excitement in celebrating with the people who are still here. But those days leading up can be brutal. If you’re missing someone onContinue reading “A Birthday of Memories”
Courage Over Fear
I’ve had a hard time sharing my manuscript with other people because I’m terrified that it’s terrible. Through processing this, I’ve realized that I’m actually worried that I wasted the last six months of my life writing something that won’t be published. But no one can decide if my time was wasted except for me.Continue reading “Courage Over Fear”
An Editor’s Encouragement
Sharing your writing is like sharing a secret: unbearable at first but unburdening in the end. I’ve been doing some freelance editing, treating each manuscript with the love I hope someone else would treat mine. What is it about these creations we love so much that make it so hard for us to put intoContinue reading “An Editor’s Encouragement”
An Integration of Body and Soul
I had an interesting session with my hypnotherapist. What began as a discussion about manifesting a wildly successful writing career quickly turned into a discussion about my longstanding body image struggles. Who knew the two could be connected? She threw me a curve ball when she asked me if I loved myself. I thought, “OfContinue reading “An Integration of Body and Soul”
Happy Father’s Day
Thank you for embarking on this crazy journey of four kids in four years with me. We’ve figured some things out, but we’re continuing to learn and grow together every day. Thank you for your sacrifices and your gigantic heart. You would give everything away if I didn’t make you keep a little for yourselfContinue reading “Happy Father’s Day”
Paid to Dream
I made money from my writing yesterday. I think for the first time. And it gave all the sacrifices value. The time spent away from my family. The early mornings, the late nights. I’ve written for years simply because of what it offered me emotionally, but yesterday it contributed to me financially. And it changedContinue reading “Paid to Dream”
Jacqueline Pinchuk 