LIVE NOW EDIT LATER

The heading says it all. Another book is written and the finish line is in sight!
This latest book FRAMED highlights how important friendship and creativity are in life. Naturally, there are secrets, deceit and mystery all wrapped up in an impulsive choice to purchase a purebred Arabian mare. Haven’t we all as horse lovers been there?

In saying this I’d love to own a magic wand to escape the editing. You guessed it, I’m back at the editing stage. The stage where I’ve been five times before. Sometimes I’m full of excitement at what I’m editing and sometimes I have my doubting-Thomas hat firmly fixed to my head. A friend said to me the other day, you’re like this at the same stage of writing your books every time. At least I can say that I’m predictable.

The whole process of writing a novel demands a LOT of time and a LOT of trust in yourself. I’ve concluded writing the story is the easy part.

For me the editing begins by going through the manuscript to tighten up the story. The first thing I do is an extensive search for a number of overused words.

“When in doubt, cut.” Ford Madox Ford

For the writers out there today I thought I might list the forbidden words for any writers out there. I admit to using some of these words. I also admit to spending far too much time adjusting sentences only to change them back.

A heads up moment – some of the words I mention can be found over and over in many of the best-selling author’s books so I’m gradually learning not to panic if I have to use them. I can now work out when the flow is broken and if I use one of the forbidden it flows on nicely.

Here is my list:

feel
seem
felt
very
rather
quite
a little
a bit
somewhat
really
that
then
had
there are
it is
as
every
everyone
everything
The words ending in ing and ly

 

When I reach the end of this exercise I heave a huge sigh of relief, give myself a pat on the back and begin again.

Happy editing …