Write well. Write often. Edit wisely.
It’s not a waste of time to finish a first novel, to practice your writing skills with that first novel manuscript, even if it will never be published. But know that the first novel will not be a masterpiece.
Readers don’t have to write books to know a lot about them—and writers would do well to respect the reader’s knowledge and expectations.
Continue reading Readers are Smart—Respect What They Bring to Books »
There’s a lot of conflicting advice that tells writers to never use words that end in -ing or to not use -ing words under certain conditions. Explore both the advice and the rationale behind it.
Continue reading Writing Advice—What About -ing Words (Part Four) »
Explore the rationale behind writing advice before you choose to accept or reject it. Includes advice on semicolons, exclamation points, prologues, and opening stories with dreams.
Continue reading Writing Advice—Behind the Advice (Part Three) »
How’s a writer to know what writing advice is good and what is better ignored? A continuation of an earlier post.
Continue reading Writing Advice—Weighing the Advice (Part Two) »
Tales and novels have different structures and purposes. Explore the differences and learn why telling tales in the middle of a novel is often not a good idea.
Explanations for why a work in progress doesn’t read like a published novel. Includes areas to work on to improve a WIP.
Continue reading Why Doesn’t My Story Read Like a Published Novel–A Reader’s Question »
When you can’t find rules for punctuation or grammar, sometimes simply choosing an option and then being consistent with that choice is all the answer you need.
Rid your stories of characters who just happen to always show up at the right place at the right time to discover secrets that they always understand.
Encouragement for when you feel you’ll never be as good as other writers.
Continue reading (Stop) Comparing Yourself to Successful Authors »
The reader will focus on what stands out. Turn the reader's attention where you want it to go.
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freelance editors, and everyone who loves words
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Copyright © 2010-2018 E. A. Hill Visit Beth at A Novel Edit
Write well. Write often. Edit wisely.
