Nuts and Bolts and Squirrels
On Better Punctuation, Part Two
If you grew up writing, whether you were forced to by teachers or wanted to as a creative outlet, you probably have at least a basic understanding of how to punctuate any written communication. But then, maybe...
On Better Punctuation, Part One
If you grew up writing, whether you were forced to by teachers or wanted to as a creative outlet, you probably have at least a basic understanding of how to punctuate any written communication. But then, maybe you've forgotten. Or you read...
How to Decide When You’re Ready for an Editor
I will hazard a guess that since you're here, you might be looking for an editor. Or maybe you know you'll be looking for one sometime, and you're doing your research. Welcome! And good on ya, thinking ahead like you are! Here are four...
Resist, Resist, Resist!
Have you ever heard this maxim? Resist the urge to explain. I've been itching to share this phrase for months, but I couldn't figure out how. So I decided today to just dive in an see what happens! And then see how my editor skills kick in...
A Manuscript With Style: Part Three
This is by no means a statement of how it must be done, but a good jumping off point for you. You may find that you prefer something slightly different, or altogether different even. The main thing I try to remember is to keep within commonly...
A Manuscript with Style: Part Two
Creating a Template Last time we tackled how to create Styles, which give manuscripts a polished, professional look. I mentioned creating a template once you have your Styles mapped out. So here we go—how to create personalized templates! Firstly,...
A Manuscript with Style: Part One
Creating and Using Styles Hey, psst. Over here… so hey. Do you want to make your editor happy? Like, really happy? I’ve got something that’s really gonna make her day. Actually, it’s not much of a secret, but I’ll tell you anyway, and even give you...
Doing Your Work
The other day in an online writer's group a gentleman asked, "A question for all you writers: did you spend time learning about the craft of writing before you wrote anything, or did you start writing first, and learn along the way?"After a few...
Fun with Punctuation
A couple of days ago, a friend of mine posted on Facebook that she loves commas, so much so that she tends to overuse them. To which she received comments from her geeky friends (including me) regarding which punctuation marks were their...