Ten Book Edits: When It Rains…
On a Sunday in early May, Atlanta had a third rain shower in a week, one predicted to last all afternoon. I recall hearing a powerful, small-voiced thought: ‘what a good day to edit a book!’ As the rain pattered the ground sounding like hands dancing on a rattling keyboard, I enjoyed both my editing…
Read More Drafting: Like It Rough
Virginia was embarrassed about her early draft, apologizing in a way like my mother would after cleaning thoroughly for company’s arrival – once guests were welcomed and had complimented her lovely home, she would say “Oh, it’s such a mess.” This being Virginia’s first time back to writing after a long absence, she sought forgiveness…
Read More Love/Hate: Writers on Writing
5 Writers Respond to Dorothy Parker On Writing’s Beloved Struggle The members of the Creative Writers Workshop were asked to view the image and write a quick, honest and heartfelt response. At 100 words or less, they could edit this, if needed, but not over think it. Here are the results — Typing is a…
Read More Hiring and Working With an Editor
Just out of college, he had never written a book before, much less hired an editor. He asked for help from a few friends and his mom, but they didn’t want to hurt his feelings or find flaws with his work. He needed a professional who didn’t know him to do a thorough cleanup and…
Read More Crazy-Busy Writer
When the young writer didn’t communicate in his usual combination of valley-speak and text-speak, I knew something was up. “I’m crazy-busy,” he spouted, jittery as an overly caffeinated Chihuahua. I paused to inhale, maybe have a thought, so he anxiously interrupted to cement his point. “Like, OMG, cray-cray busy!” Oh, NOW I get it! Sure,…
Read More