Writing Tools

October 24, 2007 by Chris · Comments Off
Filed under: Lessons Learned

I’ve given my latest revision to my husband for his critique. I know I still have some work, but I think I’m at a good point to take a break from it for a few days. I’ve been reviewing points of fact that may need follow up. This is a mystery, after all. I want to make sure I’ve covered the case adequately and that my detective’s conclusions are logical. My husband is a good one for tasks of this sort.

I’ve also entered a fine tuning phase of my work. Using websites such as Roy Peter Clark’s 50 Tools To Help You Write and Writerisms, I am going back and identifying trouble spots, overused words, weak words, and replacing them with stronger writing. Both websites list a concise set of guidelines. Have I really used ‘walked’ that many times? It’s amazing how empowered you feel after following these suggestions and seeing your work magically transformed into a better piece. While I try to keep these in mind as I compose, of course, in the heat of the moment getting the story down is the first task. I’d hate to be one these writers that agonizes over the perfect word. So, with coffee in hand, I’ll begin the process.

Tags: editing, revise, Writing Tip, writing tools