My characters also have a distressing habit of dropping the subjects of their sentences when they speak. So, add that to the list of problems I have to constantly seek out. Add the fact that they nod, smile, and grin through every possible scene and I'll be busy when I rewrite.
So. Share.
What are your most common blind spots?
Who knows, I might be doing the same thing and haven't noticed it yet. ; )
Announcement 1~~Don't forget--I'll be interviewing Charlotte Rains Dixon about her new book Emma Jean's Bad Behavior on February 19. You won't want to miss it. Charlotte is an author, writing teacher, and writing coach. Check out her blog at charlotterainsdixion.com.
Announcement 2~~Check out Lara Lacombe's big announcement! I'm thrilled for her and Edge of Trust! Another writer to introduce you to later in the year or early next year. ; )
Announcement 3~~There's a new home for women's fiction writers--Women's Fiction Writers Association. Here's what it is and how to join the loop. I'll add more info as the WFWA gets off the ground. ; )
“The need is for an organization dedicated to women’s fiction. Whether the stories are contemporary or historical; literary or commercial; include a dash of romance, a heap of romance or none at all; the stories all have one common thread—they are about a woman’s emotional journey.
A new organization—Women’s Fiction Writers Association—is being launched to fill the need. It will be an inclusive community of career-focused women’s fiction writers with networking, education and support at every step in their career path.”
To join the email loop and be part of the conversation, contact Laura Drake at Laura_drake1123 [@] yahoo [dot] com
Aww, thanks Zan Marie! I look forward to the day when I can help share your good news as well!
ReplyDeleteMy blind spot is the word really. I really, really like it, and I use it really often. Really. I also tend to overuse 'and.' A lot of the time, I have to find a way to re-phrase something to cut out all the 'ands' and 'reallys.' [g]
Really? ; ) That's really not one of mine, but I can see how it slips in. And is another thing altogether. ; )
DeleteYour news was too good not to share. I hope I have good news sometime... ; )
I find when I'm writing now that I tend to think the next word but not type it, adverbs, "that" and a few other hundreds of words are blind spots in my rough draft.
ReplyDeleteYes Lara's news is exciting.
I haven't really gotten started on my search and destroy mission, but I plan to use Bobbie Christmas' WRITE IN STYLE for a handy list of things to search for.
DeleteOh, man, I have to many blind spots to list. Hmm, do you think Paul and Anna are women's fiction?
ReplyDeleteSara,
DeleteI thought about your WIP and I think it's possible, but the fantasy elements might make it a squeeze. Now if there was an agent who represents both WF and fantasy, that would be wonderful.
Thanks for the announcements! My blind spot is excessive em-dashes and ellipses and trying to take poetic license by starting too many sentences with the word "And."
ReplyDeleteI hear you, Jess. And and but at the beginning of the sentence should be like pepper--used sparingly. ; )
DeleteEek, I've already caught THREE instances where one character offers to help another with the dishes and the first character waves them off. I mean, what am I writing here, a housekeeping manual??
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to Lara!
And yay that you found an association and genre for FF! Anything that leads the book closer to publication makes me excited!
Ha! Washing dishes, huh? Believe me, I wouldn't wave them off. I'd have a conversation while washing. Hmmm. That's an idea. ; )
DeleteI'm thrilled with the WFWA. It's like I've come home.
Zan Marie:
ReplyDeleteMy nemesis is "turn." Apparently, I like to have my characters turn before they do something. :) "He turned to face her and said..." "She turned away, not wanting him to see her distress." Etc. etc. etc. I definitely end up doing a Find session just for "turn" to see if it's really needed.
And thanks for the announcements!
In other news, I've nominated you for a Liebster blogger award! Here's a link to my blog with the award and guidelines: http://www.amararoyce.com/2013/02/liebster-mein-liebster-award.html
I hope you'll play along. :)
-Amara
Now why do I hear the Birds singing, "Turn, Turn, Turn" all of the sudden? ; ) That's one to hunt.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the award. I'll be by soon. ; )
I'm like Jo...words don't get typed but my brain says them. They are usually pronouns or articles. But I also over use "that" and my characters have smiles curling their lips all the time!
ReplyDeleteDon't you hate how lips keep acting so strangely in our writing. Mine twitch. ; )
Delete