Editor-Proof Your Writing

I have just begun working through Don McNair’s book Editor-Proof Your Writing: 21 Steps to the Clear Prose Publishers and Agents Crave.

Now, there are 21 steps I’m more than willing to take. In fact, it got me back to the novel I began writing in 2007. (Who knows? Maybe this time I’ll push through and finish it.)

Chapters include “Your manuscript is a Christmas Tree,” “Don’t discuss sows’ ears with silken words,” and “Watch for foggy phrases.”

McNair covers the expected topics: hooking your reader, point of view, and how to avoid being too wordy – among many others.

He also includes chapters on writing query letters and synopses.

I love that each chapter includes “Your Assignment.” Hammering out a solid first chapter will make it much easier to craft each subsequent chapter.

So far, I’ve found the book easy to understand yet rich in practical information. Editor-Proof . . . is a writing course in approximately 200 pages.

I, for one, don’t want a first reader at some publishing house to toss my manuscript in the reject pile because of something she sees in the first paragraph – or the last, for that matter.

McNair was approached by an unpublished author who was wondering why her manuscripts were being rejected time and again. “This lady was basically a good writer. Her blogs sparkled, she dreamed up creative plots, and her heart was certainly in her work.” If all that was true of this author, is there hope for us?

Apparently, “she’d made a major craft mistake in that chapter and, presumably, in all twelve of [her other manuscripts]. It was a mistake that almost guaranteed she’d never be published.” Eek!

Well, they discussed the problem, she got it, and has “now been published many times.”

If McNair’s advice can help this author, it may just help us as well. So, if you have at least one chapter of your novel written and are willing to do some serious editing, grab a copy of Editor-Proof Your Writing . . . and get to work.

What are some of your favourite books on the craft of writing?

9 Steps in the Write Direction

Raise your hand if you’d like to be a best selling author.

Too ambitious?

Raise your hand if you’d like to be a published writer.

Still too much?

Are you ready to add writing to your Action Plan – not necessarily every day, just regularly?

Good! Let’s start there.

Here are eight suggestions for writing more (and developing your knowledge of what constitutes “good writing”).

1. Read

Even reading fiction gives you a feel for good writing . . . or not-so-great writing, depending on what you grab. And, of course, reading how-to books will help you learn the craft. However, don’t think you have to “know it all” before you start or you never will.

2. Start small

Unless you already write on a regular basis, it’s likely best to set yourself a goal that fits into what is likely an already-busy schedule.

3. Add “writing” to your Action List

You’re probably well aware that when we write something down it is far more likely to happen. It also feels great to cross it off the list once a week . . . once a day . . . whatever works best for you.

4. Be willing to make sacrifices

It isn’t easy to make writing a priority, especially with the pace most of us keep. Sacrificing time spent on Facebook, in front of the TV, or playing video games might just give us the time we need. Just don’t sacrifice family, work that pays the bills, or sleep – well, not too much sleep anyway.

5. Get those closest to you on board

Though they may not understand your desire to write, it’s great to have support from family and friends.

6. Ditch the words “aspiring” and “wannabe”

Do you express yourself on paper – physical or electronic – in words? If the answer is yes, you are already a writer. Not all writers are published. Remind yourself of that – often.

7. Connect with other writers

Getting together with one or more other writers can be a tremendous encouragement. If there isn’t a writers’ group nearby – or there isn’t one that seems to be a good fit – consider starting your own. Our writers’ group began by working through Judy Reeves’s Writing Alone, Writing Together. Even if members are all new to the adventure, you can learn from one another.

8. Attend a writers’ conference

Sound crazy if you’re just starting out? Trust me on this. Attending classes and workshops put on by professionals and hanging out with other writers really gets the creative juices flowing. It is also great to connect with others who “speak your language.” They’ll understand the challenges, the sorrows, and the joys of putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard).

9. And don’t forget the obvious – WRITE!

Tag, I’m It

As a participant in the Ultimate Blog Challenge, I’ve been tagged . . . twice. Thank you, Melinda (http://mom2specialneedskids.blogspot.ca) and Susan (http://ripplespillers.com).

The Rules of Tagged

1. Post the rules.
2. Answer the questions the tagger has set for you in his/her post.
3. Create 11 new questions to ask those you tag.
4. Tag 11 people on the Facebook page with a link to this post.

My Answers  to Melinda’s Questions

1. What clothes do you wear when you want to be the most comfortable?

~ capris and a t-shirt

2. What is your favourite childhood vacation spot and why?

~ anywhere I could swim

3. Which city did you grow up in, and if you don’t live there now would you go back?

I grew up in the country, one hour north of Toronto, Ontario. If my hubby and I found work in the area, I would consider living there again.

4. Who is the person you admire the most?

My husband ranks very high on the list. He has loved and provided for me for almost three decades. We wrote our vows and he promised to love me “as Christ loved the church.” At the time, I thought it was a lovely sentiment but had no idea how he was going to live it out. He has – even when I was very unlovable.

5. How many hours do you sleep a night, and how many would you like to sleep?

I aim for at least six. Somewhere between seven and eight would probably be best.

6. What do you think has been the most challenging part of blogging?

~ sticking with it when life happens

7. What do you admire in other people’s blogs?

~ openness, honesty, and authenticity: traits I admire in people

8. What would you say to someone who thinks they know everything?

After trying very hard not to laugh, I would try to gently point out that no one, no matter how smart, knows everything.

9. Do you pick up hitchhikers, and if you don’t, why not?

I don’t. Sadly, because in this day and age, it’s just too scary.

10. If you could live in any city in the world, where would you live and why?

I would move to Jasper, Alberta, with my hubby. It’s his favourite place on earth.

11. What was your favourite childhood game?

It’s not a game, but I loved to horseback ride.

My Answers to Susan’s Questions

1. What gets you out of bed each day?

I truly enjoy what I do.

2. If an alien landed on earth, what would your top tip ‘for living here’ be?

Look for ways to make the lives of others better.

3. What is your ‘happy song’?

My theme song is Johnny Reid’s “Today I’m Gonna Try and Change the World.”

4. Do you have a special place real or imagined?

I enjoy sitting in my backyard in the hammock chair my family bought for me as the sun sets, the solar lights go on, and the fireflies come out, specialty coffee in hand.

5. What childhood fable, fairy tale or movie stretched your imagination and sticks with you today?

This is a tough one. I can’t really think of anything.

6. What is your idea of a perfect evening?

Going out to dinner and a movie with my hubby and our three grown kids.

7. As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

It may sound corny, but I always wanted to be a mom.

8. What is your favorite type of movie?

That, too, is a tough call. I often enjoy a well-acted drama based on a true story, but it’s rarely what I choose when given the option. (“Freedom Writers” is my favourite movie.) I like action/adventure, sci-fi, chick flicks, some teen romance, and CG, but nothing above a PG rating.

9. If you won the lottery would you tell anyone?

It would be hard to keep something like that to myself. I would probably tell family and friends.

10. If you could visit anywhere in the world where would it be?

As I mentioned, my husband would like to at least visit Jasper. I would want to do that for him.

11. Do you believe in Destiny?

As a Christian, I believe in a loving God who has my future in His hands.

My Questions

1. What was your very first blog post about?

2. Why did you decide to participate in UBC?

3. Do you belong to any other FB writing groups? Which ones?

4. If you could make a living pursuing just one type of writing, what would it be?

5. What is your favourite social network and why?

6. What is your favourite time of year and why?

7. Do you absolutely love to do something that isn’t writing-related? What would that be?

8. What do you do when you want to take a break?

9. What’s the single best piece of advice you ever received?

10. If you had to move to a different country, which would you choose? Why?

11. What one word would you use to describe your life today?

The 11 Bloggers of my choice:

1. D’Tarelle Tullis

2. Holly Fulford-Jeffrey

3. Cathy Morton

4. Rob N Carri Hensley

5. Nikki Riddle

6. Sara Hadiaris

7. Cheri deFonteny

8. Dyrene Bell

9. Veronica Sheather

10. Emily Brewer

and last, but definitely not least my WB (writing buddy)

11. Julie Jordan Scott

The Writer’s Journey

Life is a journey.

Much of what we do in life is also a journey.

As you know (if you read my blog a few days ago), I recently attended a writers conference. There were writers there at every stage of the journey.

The starry-eyed hopeful . . . who still dreams of the romantic life of a published writer

The novice . . . who has gotten down to business and realizes there’s a lot to learn

The newly-published . . . who realizes it’s a lot of fun to see one’s name in print, who wants that feeling again, and who realizes there’s a lot to learn

The intermediate . . . who has published a number of articles and maybe even a book or two, who realizes there’s still a lot to learn

The pro . . . who is making a living with their writing and possibly speaking engagements as well and yes, you guessed it, knows there is even now lots to learn

Do you see a theme here?

I attended Steve Laube’s continuing class, “From Idea to Print.” He summarized his thirty years in the industry in just six hours. Among the handouts was a list he carefully prepared of skills development books he recommends. He encouraged us to never stop learning.

Steve broke it down by month, thirty-six books in total. However, he also included his “If You Will Only Read One” list. Here are those four books by category:

Fiction: Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Renee Browne and Dave King

Non-fiction: An Introduction to Christian Writing by Ethel Herr

The Writing Life: Bird by Bird by Anne Lamont

The Business: The Essential Guide to Getting Your Book Published by Arielle Eckstut and David Henry Sterry

I will likely share some of Steve’s other recommendations in the future, but this looks like a great place to start.

Happy Reading/Happy Writing

Write! Canada Conference

Got home yesterday from …

What a great time!

A special thanks to Denise Rumble, Managing Director of The Word Guild, to Les and N.J. Lindquist, and to Wendy Nelles.

There are so many others who worked together to make this weekend a success, I would be sure to miss more than I could name. (See the Write! Canada website for bios of the staff and faculty and for faculty interviews. There are several more volunteers, however, who are not listed.)

There was a lot of talk about teamwork over the past three days, and that’s what any great event is about.

Last year, I volunteered at the conference for the first time, and I promised myself I’d never go again without doing so. It is so amazing to be a part of the team.

Among other meetings, I attended Steve Laube’s continuing class and Thomas Umstattd Jr’s workshop. Thomas Froese took on the challenge of being the last keynote speaker. As the music leader said after his presentation, “Is it possible to be exhausted and thoroughly energized at the same time?” The answer seems to be yes.

I am so very thankful for the Cyber Age. I can follow friends and professional contacts throughout the year.

How about you? How are you taking advantage of the Internet to develop friendships and network with others in your profession or areas of interest?