Book Reviews/A Writing Journey
Category: Writing tips
This was an easy to read how-to book divided into chapters such as point of view, interior monologue, voice and beats. In every chapter there was a gem of advice that had me mulling over a writing habit I had previously overlooked that needed to be eliminated. The book included exercises and summaries at the end of each chapter that I must admit, I disregarded.
With a special thanks to my editor, Joyce Gram for recommending this book, I now pass that endorsement on to you.
I thought writing an 80 000 word manuscript a daunting task, but now I know that’s the easy part. I shared my story with my writing group, and because I made changes from their suggestions, I thought I was almost done.
Ha!
Now I’m in the middle of yet another edit where my focus is verbs — those boring passive verbs; my favourites I repeat far too often; and ones needed to convey a character’s feelings without spelling it out.
Today, our editor/facilitator announced to our group, “Focus on one thing at a time in an edit,” and I wished everyone had pounded their fists on the table with applause because her advice reminded me, I’m on the right track.
Editing is a daunting task, so don’t try to fix everything at once, and remember my tip from an earlier blog about allowing time in between edits.
Book Magic is an excellent read if you’re ready to publish. The book delves into: what to expect if you go the traditional route; what kinds of books are better to self-publish; pitching your work; and copyright, to name a few.
With forty years experience, the author has six books published on writing as well as her own fiction and non-fiction works. With headings and sub-headings this is a great reference book, I can refer back to when needed.
More than a year ago an author friend launched her novel — The Beggar’s Dance. With a copy of a book in her hand, it all looked so easy. Only fellow writers understood the years of toil that went into writing that, and any novel. Continue reading “All it entails”
Read and Write 
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