Editor Time: Don’t fall in love…

need new pic

…with phrases or scenes. Everything can be edited out. 

Remember, I’m an author, too. 

Scenes, characters, descriptions…all are up for grabs when it comes to edits. Some of these end up needing to be cut for the good of the story. 

They’re still in there only because the author can’t let go. The author may believe the reader will either need the bit contained or will love the side trip into how majestic the room looked or the awe-inspiring sunset view. Sorry, but (a) for the most part, the author (and editor) will have built up enough information within that the part the author doesn’t want to part with, needs parting with. And (b) unless the character is describing a room tour or the sunset to someone blind, less is more.

This is coming from me, the editor. Me, the author…I’m an over-describer to the hilt. I love details. I love going into detail. Quick definition: detail, not backstory, not future story.

Heavens know I love telling you about the scene, scents, feels, tastes, sights, you name it. I will bore you to tears with it.

1…that’s me the writer.

2…me the reader…ick.

3…me the reviewer…I’ve skimmed and been bored.

Yes, description and side trips are needed in any book. Yes, they can give a break in tension or mood. Shift between time changes, hide clues and red herrings. Yes, add to the story.

Just don’t make the book about them. Keep the book to the story it’s meant to tell. If you’re moving too far into the past or future books, then you’re not telling this book’s story. Therefore, why are you writing this book?

Allow me to move back to author favourite phrases, these can work. But…

1…readers and reviewers really don’t like anticipating the next usage.

2…next usage could be when your book is tossed across the room in annoyance.

3…think creative not habit

4…the only time every person says the same thing is if they’re maybe in the same family (but, honestly, still a rarity)

5…oh, it’s a spelling method to show a dialect…be consistent, not habitual, and is it one character’s way or every character’s way. Everyone…then you might want to figure out how to let us know without always writing it that way or see point 1 and 2 above.

Now, I’m going to stop here, there’s plenty more to comment on, but let’s be honest there’s a length balance that is needed for any blog posting. I’ve marked a reminder to talk more on characters…the secondary to third-ary, fourth-ary, even fifth and six-ary ones.

Now in the meantime…keep writing!