Writing - Critiques and Self Publishing

I have a writing tip box that shows up in the side bar of my blog each day. 
Yesterday's tip was:

"When you receive critical advice or feedback about your writing, learn to evaluate it then follow your instincts."

I like getting my manuscripts critiqued. Some people don't want to get their writing critiqued, because they are afraid of constructive criticism. I think  this is one of the ways we can grow as a writer.

        I am also not afraid to go back to my previous writings and poems and edit them. I bring out writings and poems I have written and have found many mistakes and many places where I could improve my work. If we need to read a passage over a few times to understand what is going on, then it needs to be rewritten. Sometimes, especially in a poem, word selection is very important. One word can make the difference between a good poem and a very good poem. We need to read them out loud and make sure the words flow easily, without stumbling or hesitation.

Sometimes I shy away from giving criticism because I don't think I am experienced enough as a writer to give it. Let's face it, I'm not well known and I'm not widely published. But, sometimes even the most novice writer can see things that an experienced writer can not because we are not as attached to the manuscript as the writer is. Mistakes can be staring the author in the face but sometimes it takes "fresh eyes" to see them.

 I have read many books that have been self published and I am saddened by the mistakes I see in them. I know it is impossible to catch all the mistakes, but when I pay money for a book, I like for it to be professionally done and not have mistakes throughout it. If a person does self publish, they should either have it professionally edited or have as many "fresh eyes" as possible to read it before it is sent to the printer. I know we are all anxious to see our words in print, but we need to slow down and make sure that it is the best it can be before it is published.

Evaluate the advice you receive, then follow your instincts. 

Do you have a writing tip for the day? 


Happy Writing!

posted by Janet Smart at http://janetsmart.blogspot.com

Writing Wednesday - Pesky Words

To some writers editing is a dreaded part of writing, others look forward to it.


I like editing, because that is when I attempt to make  my so-so manuscript into a better story.

I am not very good with grammar. I sometimes have a tendency to write the way I talk.

One aid to editing I use a lot is the find button. It is very helpful in locating those troublesome overused words.

When my manuscript is complete. I click on the find button and search for those troublesome words.

                                     

down and up - If the verb implies down or up, "down" and "up" are unnecessary words.
example: "He stood up," should be "He stood."

out - If the verb implies out, "out" is unnecessary.
example: "The cloth was spread out over the table," should be "The cloth was spread over the table."

began and started -
example: "He lifted his pencil and started to write," should be "He lifted his pencil and wrote."

to the  and to be often causes wordiness.
example: "He gave her the key to the house," should be "He gave her the house key."

suddenly is seldom needed.
example: "Suddenly the bull lurched forward," should be "The bull lurched forward."

could and would
example:  change "He could see her" to "He saw her."

that is a word we all overuse. Sometimes it is necessary and sometimes it is not. Try the sentence without it and see if it means the same.

just is another word we all overuse.

was and other linking verbs. Try using a stronger action verb.


Since I started writing, I catch myself editing everything I read. It drives me crazy.

I have a tendency to use that and just a lot. Another word I use a lot is it. Instead of stating what I am talking about, I say it. I have been told this is not always a good thing.

What word or words do you overuse?