Tag: edit

Be kind, Rewind! #writingtip

A few years ago, my spouse was starting a new job with a new manager and this said manager kept getting frustrated with my spouse. You see, my spouse has a couple common phrases that he says ALL the time and one of those phrases is “Sure, sure.” So every time this manager would ask him to do something, teach him something, whatever, my spouse would respond with “Sure, sure.”

His phrase used to be “you know?”

The point is we each have phrases we tend to use A LOT, whether we want to or not. We do this in speech, we do this in writing, we do this in texting. If you’re texting (or in messenger) with me, I will type lol ALL THE TIME. It drives myself insane, but the habit is there and I do it.

So the other day, I’m editing away at one of my new pretty little novels that I’ve finally finished working and you know what I found? I found a brand new phrase I’ve been using abundantly along with a few I knew I always used.

What are your go to phrases in writing that you constantly put into your piece and don’t even realize it?

I literally keep a list on notepad in my computer of “words to delete” which are these overused words and phrases I keep typing.

My newest one is “to be honest”.

My list?

– begin/began
– start/started
– quick

Our phrases/words can and will change. This is why it is SO IMPORTANT to have someone else read through your piece before it ever gets near publishing. Other people pick up on this stuff, not us. My spouse still doesn’t know he says sure, sure every five seconds of the day.

In editing other peoples works, I’ve put together a list of common words you can easily find to delete/find and rework. Here’s my list for you to start with.

– that
– feel/felt
– says/said
– ask/asked

Start there and then really look for what your personal preferences are in your own work. I guarantee you have them.

A Lenten Fast #blogging #life #writing #newreleases #editing

Well, it has been a long time since I’ve been on this blog. I unintentionally gave up blogging for Lent it seems. Go figure. I ran into one of the busiest few months of my life, even busier than wedding planning and moving across country and starting a new job. I’m not sure I thought that was possible. But yesterday was Easter, and that means fasting — whether intentionally or not — is over. So I’m back.

It’s a bright and beautiful Monday morning. Typically that means on my blog that I get to talk about Broken Taboos. But I think I’m just going to take today to catch you all up on what I’ve been doing. Which hasn’t been much in the writing world, I’m afraid.

I haven’t really truly written since January, although there have been a few moments of quick writing here and there. I did start a sci fi short story about this very interesting character. It’s written in first person POV, which is not my norm at all, but I wanted to experiment a bit and what better way to do that than in a short story? It’s been loads of fun, but I do need to finish it. Cheska agreed to help out this scientist while they try to discover patterns and more information about geomagnetic storms in space. So yeah, pretty cool. I’m hoping it’ll be accepted for an anthology.

I’ve been doing a lot of copy-editing since January. I don’t know why, but the copy-editing side of my life has boomed. I’ve had about two pieces a month to edit, which while I love copy-editing, it means I don’t write as much. I do believe that once the SO gets a “real” job, meaning one that pays more than half of what I make a month, then I’ll drop the copy-editing down to minimal so I can focus on writing some more.

Other than that!! Life is amazing! Books are amazing!

I’ve got three releases coming up between May 1 and June 1. Which includes parties and so much more! I’m finally getting around to you know, answering emails and such, and setting up some promo. Now that I can focus on stuff not day job related for awhile.

So…since I’m on the promo kick! I’ll put it out there.

I have a HUGE, and I mean HUGE, release party for Memoir in the Making happening May 1-8. I’m looking for a ton of people to takeover the event. I’m also looking for donations if that’s more your thing. Memoir in the Making is a romance, so if you’re intro writing romancey things, this one might be good to join in on. Here’s the link to the sign up.

Since I’m releasing Fallen from Grace (Spirit of Grace #2) June 1 (see? I told you–so many releases). I’m looking for people to read and review For by Grace to try and up my reviews on Amazon. There are multiple reasons for this, which if I do get enough reviews, I’ll share in a blog post later. The sign up sheet or rather, information collecting sheet, is right here for this one.

My third release for this insanity is a short story in an anthology. Young Love, Old Hearts. It’s a May-December, Old-Young anthology. This is probably my favorite short story I’ve every written. It just feels like I hit the nail on the head with it, and that happens so rarely. I get bubbly every time I think about this short.

Anyway! Enough of the business side of things.

At home!!! We got a new puppy! Well puppy is my term for her. She’s a seven year old chocolate lab mix, she’s adorable, she knows how to roll over and spin in circles, and she listens, and is snuggly. She loves my pittie! They get along fantastically, and I really couldn’t have asked for more in a dog (well, maybe better breath). So I think that completes our furfamily. Two dogs and two cats is plenty!

The SO is graduating with a BA in May! I’m so excited and proud. Can’t wait to see the SO walk with cap and gown. It’s been a long time coming. That also means the SO has to start looking for a career rather than just a job to pay the bills. Which I’m sure the SO is uber happy about. =P

On another note, I’ve been crocheting scarves a lot lately. I’m waiting to see if the idea I have in store will come to fruition, but I’m thinking an author and fan charity donation of knitted and crocheted scarves to one particular group (yes, I’m being a bit vague on purpose). What I noticed, aside from all of us authors having furbabies), is that a lot of us love to crochet or knit. No idea why, but it’s something pretty common among the community. I figure fans are also the same way since reading and crocheting/knitting seem to go hand in hand. The donations would go to women who are leaving domestic abuse situations. Which is something I’m very passionate about.

It’s something I’ve tried to bring to light a few times in my Spirit of Grace series and in my personal life. There is a second organization that would before foster care kids who are in college, which is also something I’m passionate about bringing awareness to. But…this one is still in the works, but if you’re interested, let me know!

Wow! This turned out to be a long post!! Love you all! Missed you! Can’t wait for WIPpet Wednesday!

A day of rest #ROW80 update

My weeks, work wise was fairly slow compared to last month. I’m really enjoying it being calm. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean I did everything I was supposed to be doing, and Saturday I certainly took a day of rest. I was told (by my publisher no less) that I should take a day off. Since I’m not someone who normally sit still well at all, I did take a day off from writing, but not from working. So Saturday I spent the day editing. I finished up part 1 of a copy-edit I had, and I edited a bunch of my own chapters to get them prepped and ready for beta readers.

Today, as Sunday, is going to be very busy. Normally I only have work in the mornings, but today I have it in the afternoon as well. So hopefully, I’ll get some editing and maybe some crocheting done today.

1. Write 1667 words a day, like NaNo.

Wednesday: 2310
Thursday: 7315
Friday: 2402
Saturday: 0

I was able to finish the novel I was working on Friday morning. So I’m only a companion piece and maybe a few shorts stories while I wait for NaNoWriMo to begin.

2. keep up with all blog posts ROW80, WIPpet, Open When and add in 1 extra post a week

I…sort of kept up with this. I totally spaced my Open When post that was supposed to go up yesterday, so I’ll probably be trying to post that later today on my lunch. My 1 extra post this week was a promo/interview for Rachael Orman’s “Her Ride”

3. Edit at least one chapter a week on something.

I did 2 chapters earlier this week, and then yesterday alone, I did 4 chapters of copy-edit and 5 chapters of my own (first round on my own) to send to betas. So I’d say I accomplished this goal.

4. crochet one round of border a week

I sadly haven’t done this yet. Perhaps now that I’m finished writing this book, I’ll find the mental capacity for crocheting!

Updates from the Beyond

Yes, I have noticed that I haven’t been around in the last few weeks. It’s honestly because I’ve been so busy, and not busy with fun stuff. My blog posts for my author’s corner have dwindled the past three weeks, all failing to be given to me and thus not shared with you. I’ve been traveling a great amount and thus unable to write or post for WIPpet Wednesdays, something I sorely miss. I could probably manage to post, but no way would I be able to manage to actually read my fellow WIPeteer posts, and thus I don’t feel comfortable posting without being able to reciprocate.

So here’s a bit of what’s been going on.

1. I’m looking for people to fill spots for the rest of the year on my blog for Author’s Corner. Right now, I’m only looking for LGBT authors or authors who write LGBT (or both, if someone happens to fall into both of those categories like me). I have a post up and coming next week from James Crawford, and I sincerely hope it actually happens.

2. I’m recently engaged!! Which is crazy exciting, but now think about the fact that we chose a wedding date six months out. Wow…so much planning. And I really hate planning. So now that most of the big things are planned, I can finally start to relax a bit. Also, I’m graduating with my Master’s degree in May, so I’ve been planning for that as well.

3. I have two books of my own that need to be edited, and I thought I would finish at least the first edit on Ashes Fall before I had to start on the final edit of For by Grace. I was wrong. For by Grace comes out June 1st and I really need to get the final edits to my publisher. Sadly, Ashes Fall is once again taking the back seat. These two books are coming out this year, along with a third that I co-wrote. I need to get kicking on writing in order to have anything coming out next year.

4. Due to the desperate need for money, I took on an editing job. Which will be awesome! I’m also searching for a part-time to full-time job in retail, because apparently I think there are more hours in the day than there actually are. This editing job is amazing though. It’s for debut author Tammy Morea and is a YA novel. I can’t wait until she publishes it for you all.

5. I’m still chugging along in school and my other job that doesn’t actually pay anything but gas money.

So this be my life for the past three weeks which I haven’t posted here. No interesting reads as of yet, though I did get started on Kristen Duvall’s Femme Du Chaos which is a great read so far! Wish I’d finished it before life got in the way again. Hope to see you all soon! Maybe Wednesday with a WIPpet post!

My Editing Schedule

Mar 24 – Ch 0, 1 (FbG) Ch 1, 2 (August Moon, TM)
Mar 25 – Ch 2, 3, 4 (FbG) Ch 3, 4 (August Moon, TM)
Mar 26 – Ch 5 (FbG) Ch 5 (August Moon, TM)
Mar 27 – Ch 6, 7 (FbG) Ch 6 (August Moon, TM)

Mar 30 – Ch 8, 9 (FbG) Ch 7, 8, 9 (August Moon, TM)
Mar 31 – Ch 10, 11, 12 (FbG) Ch 10, 11 (August Moon, TM)
Apr 01 – Ch 14, 15 (FbG) Ch 12 (August Moon, TM)
Apr 02 – Ch 13, 14 (August Moon, TM)
Apr 03 – Ch 15 (August Moon, TM)

Here’s to really hoping I’m able to stick to this editing schedule, and yes, I realize how ambitious I am. Either way, in the next three weeks, both these novels will be edited!

Grammar Wednesday: Word Mixups – Weary v Wary

Hello friends,

This is the last Grammar Wednesday of the year! Since next Wednesday is Christmas, I will be taking it off from this adventure. This week we’ll be looking at weary and wary–two things that should not be happening during the holiday season. But here we go.

EXAMPLES

She was wary of going to a new church on Christmas eve, not knowing anyone generally didn’t bode for a pleasant service.

Being weary of the holidays, Rusty decided to take a nap on the edge of her bed, curing into a tight ball before slipping off into slumber.

 

…

have a great 2014!!

Grammar Wednesday: Word Mixups – Effect v Affect

These are two that are actually less mixed up than they used to be. Affect is to affect something, while one thing has an effect on another.

EXAMPLES

Rusty was affected by the dog that moved into the house.

Rusty made an effect on the dog when she smacked him on the nose.

The effect of the lights in my eyes is to blind me.

I’m affected by strong lighting.

Grammar Wednesday: Word Mixups – It’s v Its

There was no Grammar Wednesday last week due to Thanksgiving and travel. This week we’ll focus on what that is consistently incorrect in many things that I edit. One would thing that it would be easy because “it’s” is a contraction of “it is,” but it’s still messed up.

The easiest way to look at this one for correction is to try it out as “it is” and to look to see if “its” refers to something or someone.

EXAMPLES

It’s easy to say that Christmas comes quickly when one is having fun.

Christmas has its moments with family and friends and strangers all coming together.

Grammar Wednesday: Word Mixups – Apart v A part

There is a massive issue when these two are mixed up, mainly because they mean the complete opposite.

She stood apart of the crowd.

She stood a part of the crowd.

Both have very different meanings. “A part” means together and with, while “apart” means separate and away from. Thus they are very different in how they are used.

EXAMPLES

The piece was a part of the whole.

Rusty was a part of her mom and a part of her dad.

Rusty was apart from Seeley for the better part of a week during a move.

Grammar Wednesday: Word Mixups – Peek v Peak v Pique

These are fun ones and are very often misused. I think the easiest way to differentiate is to just write sentences with them.

EXAMPLES

Peek a boo! I see you!

The peak was over six thousand feet high.

The concept piqued the child’s interest, so they gave the child more to study.

We played peek a boo with each peak as it peeked around the corner; it was just enough to pique the toddlers interest and kept zir attention.

Grammar Wednesday: Word Mixups – Lead v Led

While lead is a word that would be used in a sentence, it is not the past tense of “to lead.” Lead is actually a metal…led means “to lead” in the past tense. This is a very common mistake that is made, and I constantly have to correct it in other’s work and in mine. It’s not that I don’t know the difference, it’s that my fingers think for themselves sometimes.

EXAMPLES

Once they had led them to the cemetery, they started the ritual killing.

Lead is an element on the periodic table of contents.

Grammar Wednesday: Word Mixups – Patience v Patients

It has honestly surprised me how many times I have seen this one mixed up. I’m not sure if it’s because of just random typos, but it does seem to happen more than it should.

Patients are people; they generally reside in a hospital but can be found in other places.

Patience is something that an individual has with someone or something else.

Now, it seems to be confusing because patient and patient are the spelled the same even though they have different meanings.

EXAMPLES

The patients at the hospital were patient when waiting for their doctors (yeah, right).

Her mother exerted the most amount of patience she had ever seen when she described what had happened to cause her brother’s black eye.

Grammar Wednesday: Word Mixups – Faze v Phase

Tricky bugger!

You can phase out of something and not have it faze you. That’s how this one works.

EXAMPLES

The star ship phased out of reality and into the third dimension.

The captain stared at the view screen, unfazed by what was happening.

Grammar Wednesday: Word Mixups – Reek v Wreak

This is a rather easy one to figure out.

One can wreak havoc with things that reek. =P

Reek is a smell, nasty, but a smell nonetheless

To wreak is a verb; it is something that someone does to something else. It is also not to be confused with “wreck,” which I have actually seen before.

EXAMPLES

Rusty’s litter box reeked from lack of cleaning. Whoopsies.

Rusty wreaked havoc in the middle of the night when I was trying to sleep; the darn cat never wanted me to be fully rested.

Grammar Wednesday: Word Mixups – Awhile v A while

Now this one is confusing for a lot of people. “Awhile” as one word basically means “For a while” with two words…so if someone writes “for awhile” they basically write “for for a while” which is confusing and incorrect. This makes it hard. If there is a “for” generally the “a while” will be two words.

EXAMPLES

It had been awhile since she went to the gym, but she really needed to start working out again.

A while had passed since she had gone to the gym.

For a while she thought she was good with just walking to and from work

Every once in a while she would go for a longer walk to get ice cream.

 

 

Grammar Wednesday: Word Mixups – Then v Than

These are two that get mixed up ALL the time, and it annoys me to no end. They mean very different things and can completely change the reading of a sentence and what follows.

EXAMPLES

Rusty, the wonder kitten, scarfed down her food and then vomited it up.

Rusty thought it was better to lounge on the cat tree than to indulge in more kitty nip.

Grammar Wednesday: Word Mixups – Defiantly v Definitely

These are two words that I do see mixed up on occasion. It might just be typos, but I figured it’d be better to explore than to not. These two have very different meanings.

EXAMPLES

Rusty defiantly stood at the window, waiting for the threatening kitten she saw in the glass to arrive again.

Rusty definitely was high on cat nip.

Grammar Wednesday: Word Mixups – Passed v Past

Here’s two that get mixed up often…I even get confused on it. Passed is an action, used primarily with people passing by something or another person. Past is used with time.

She passed by him in the past. (if you want to get in your wibbly-wobbly timey-wimey mindset)

EXAMPLES

Soldier, the white dog, passed by Arwen, the black and white dog, while they raced for the ball.

Time past so slow, each tick on the clock reminding Adrian why she wasn’t out of class–her professor would not stop talking.

 

Grammar Wednesday: Word Mixups – Gentle v Genteel v Gentile

Here’s a three-fer.

Gentle means to be nice, to be kind and soft and comforting.

Genteel means to be polite and respectable.

Gentile is a person who was not a Jew in Biblical times. Someone who was not of the monotheistic faith.

 

EXAMPLES

He was gentle when he brushed the tangles out of his daughter’s hair.

He was genteel in the way he introduced himself, but the gaze he gave her was anything but.

Paul welcomed Gentiles into the Jesus Movement.

 

Got it? Good!

Grammar Wednesday: Word Mixups — Lightning v Lightening

Good morning folks! I almost forgot that today is Wednesday. My life has been a bit crazy this week. This week we’re still looking at word mixups, I have quite a few of them.

Lightning and Lightening. I promise, they are two different words.

The lightning struck down from the sky, bearing the world as if it were day for three brief and heart stopping moments.

The lightening didn’t work, so I added more white to the blue, trying to make the color brighter and lighter.

OROROROROR

The sky was lightening with each lightning strike.

o_O I feel so smart for that last one!

See the difference? Got it? Good!

TTFN

Grammar Wednesday: Word Mixups — Further vs Farther

I recently read a book, not to be named, where the author could NOT figure out the difference between further and farther. It occurred to me that this author was probably not the only one with this issue. Both have an essence of distance.

Farther is physical distance.

Further is metaphorical distance.

FOR EXAMPLE:

Rusty the Wonder Kitten looked from the desk to the chair, knowing that it was only a little bit farther than before.

Rusty the Wonder Kitten knew she could push a little bit further and her mother would be charged with insanity.

“It’s only a bit farther,” her father said as she begged to know how much farther to the gas station–she really had to pee.

“If you go any further with that comment, you will lose your job,” his boss shouted.

***

Get it yet? Hope so! Check back here if you have questions.