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| Insecure Writers Support Group |
Co-Hosts: Christine Rains, Dolarah @ Book Lover Ellen @ The Cynical Sailor Yvonne Ventresca LG Keltner
July Question:
What are your pet peeves when reading/ writing/ editing?
1. Having to edit out And, But, Now, Well, and Oh at the beginning of nearly every dialogue line. You'd think that by now, I'd stop clearing my rhetorical throat.
2. Editing every book I read. Again, you'd think I'd understand that I can't affect the page I'm reading after it's published. (Worse yet--rereading my own published things. Oh. My. Goodness!)
3. Twiddling my pen/keyboard for hours for four measly little words. I'd be happy with ten. Nah! Don't you even think it.
4. Since I draft in the pantsing style, I find editing threads together to be a bit on the onerous side. Unfortunately, I'm a bit stuck in this style. Though, I will read Lisa Cron's STORY GENIUS as I draft the next novel. I think...
5. Having to cut really great scenes because of # 4. Sigh.
What are your pet peeves in this great game of wordsmithing?
Once again, I apologize for not getting around to other IWSG blogs. Chronic Pain and Fatigue is a nasty taskmaster.
Links:
Must Read: "The Two Demons of Despair"--I can't think of a better link for IWSG!"You're Aren't Lazy--You're Just Terrified"--Great article that explains so much!
"7 Tips to Help you Write When You Don't Feel Like It"--Another great article!
"What is the Theme of a Your Story?"--This one is super helpful!
"How to Write in Deep POV + get into the mind of your character" is another excellent link.
And here's a big dose of truth about writing--"Writing Through Life's Stages"
Oh my goodness, YES!!! Cutting those scenes that are so beautiful and so right, but so out of place... That kills me too. Hey, fodder for bonus content, right?
ReplyDeleteThat *is* a nasty pet peeve of mine. We'll just have to suffer together. ;-)
DeleteWell, I share your editing peeves. And I'm currently editing out beloved scenes and plot threads. But, they're fodder for future stories, right?
ReplyDeleteHopefully! Good luck!
DeleteHa! Yes, that irritation with oneself. I do a hunt and peck for commonly over-used words and without fail, I've a ton of them despite knowing better!
ReplyDeleteThat's the hard part, isn't it? My hubby just pointed one out in my MS. Changing a few to our growing list of possible subs is making it a bit easier to take.
DeleteI have to edit out and, but, and so at the beginning of so many sentences. But, if it gets me going and the words on the paper. Maybe I'll grow out of it.
ReplyDeleteWho says you have to outgrow it if you can identify them when you reread? Or at least, that's my reason for creating that part of my editing list.
DeleteYes! I'm editing all the 'just' out at the moment. And 'a bit' in every other sentence!
ReplyDelete"A bit"! That's another to target.
DeleteMost months, I don't read very many IWSG posts by other writers, but this month, despite 'real life,' I'm making a commitment! So found your lovely blog that focuses nicely on writing peeves. I also am a 'pantser' in my approach to writing, outlining AFTER the draft is complete. Three columns on my outline of chapter summaries, characters, and notes help me capture those blips that need editing out . . . revise, revise. Hope you are soon feeling better. My blog (in case you wish to visit) is http://bethandwriting.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteBeth, you and I are on the same boat! Outlining after the first flush of inspiration is a good way to describe my process.
Delete#1 definitely. And getting rid of "just" and "and then" and all sorts of ridiculous stuff like that. Why do they still creep in??
ReplyDeleteI think it's from how we talk. We let go the editor to draft and then have to pick that part up again later. Happy Hunting and Killing, Deniz!
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