The editing tip I submitted to the ACES Editors Corner was featured in today's email:
"If you come across a misspelling in a manuscript, do a search for that same misspelling. It could be a one-off typo, but there's a good chance the author misspelled that word elsewhere. Search for it as soon as you come across it. Or put it on a list of words to search later so you don’t forget."
I've partnered with Tertulia to offer a discount on The #ConsciousStyleGuide. For 20% off, use code STYLE through May 28, 2024. Or get 50% off with a 30-day, no-commitment trial membership—no code needed. (U.S. only)
Yesterday I emailed an updated version of the Conscious Language Toolkit for Editors and Writers to past purchasers. If you're a purchaser who didn't get the update, DM me. I had some email bounce messages.
New or prospective editors: Check out the brand-new ACES Guide for New Editors created by ACES: The Society for Editing! This guide contains invaluable information, including types of editing, career opportunities, advice from established editors, ethics, and DEI in editing. It was an honor to be part of the team that put it together, led by Vee White. Check it out and share widely!
Ah, the dreaded second book. And the third... then the fourth... the fifth, the sixth...
I'm still not sure I know what I'm doing. Every book is different, and I need to find a new way into the story every time. #writingcommunity#writerslfie#writingtips
Integrating notebooks. I make a habit of periodically reviewing the snippets of thoughts that I’ve jotted down over the years — editing, revising & releasing ideas/concepts. The Muse sometimes sends messages we don’t fully comprehend in the moment, which is why I capture whatever I can.
#Giveaway! Do you write or edit? Want more choices for inclusive language? Interested in a style you can sustain? Enter the Goodreads giveaway for my forthcoming book "The Conscious Style Guide: A Flexible Approach to Language That Includes, Respects, and Empowers." There is more than one way to do #ConsciousLanguage. Available for preorder everywhere books are sold.
In all my more tech oriented romances, yes, I mix steam with tech, I name Linux distros because, well, it's far easier and I know they won't go out of date, and even if they do, the Linux ecosystem will still be around, so I can just say I installed this latest Linux branch for you! Of course because Windows is more blind friendly than Linux is, I have my characters doing Windows commands on Linux but honestly, I doubt anybody's gonna snipe me for getting that part wrong. #Linux#WritingTips
I'm starting a thread of books, blog posts, videos, podcasts etc that have good #writing advice. I'll also use a hashtag #WritingTips in case anyone wants to join.
Inspired by an episode of @adapalmer and @Bluejo's excellent podcast where they talk pacing with Ken Liu:
I find it so hard to judge whether or not my pacing's good. As they mention on the pod, familiarity with a story can affect your sense of pacing, and who is more familiar with a story than its author?
One of many good #WritingTips from developmental editor and writing coach extraordinaire, Beth Weeks. (I am slowly going through her #WritingAdvice tag, there will be more from her.)
#WritersCoffeeClub 01/21: Do you know the ending before you start writing?
The real trick is how soon do you tell the reader what the ending is? They should be anticipating future conflicts and confrontations, including the climax, fairly early on in the novel. The middle bit is the hardest, an interesting enough maze of diverting anticipations that the readers will chase until they hit the climax. Which will have a twist.