I Write My Heart, You Edit My Soul!



★★★★★

What would you do if you found an editor who finds all of the errors in your manuscript? I know what I would do. A special room awaits my editor. All of his or her basic needs would be met. He or she will enjoy secluded five star meals with a glass of wine. If it is a woman, I will do her hair and nails. On the other hand, if it is a man, I will order pay per view sport events to keep him happy and wax his back hair. Did I mention the door of the room would be replaced with bars?  An evil laugh echoes as I dangle the key on my finger.   Good editors are hard to find!

 

 

 

An editor is every author’s secret weapon. Depending on the length of your manuscript, it can cost $0.50 cents per page or $0.022+- per word to have it edited.  Therefore, I have tested three editing tools to help with the process.

 

Step one          http://www.spellchecker.net/

·         The program has thesaurus, spell, and grammar check.

·         It will not catch missing words.

Step two          http://www.paperrater.com/

·         It provides grammar, spell check and proofreader.

·         You can select the education level and type of document.

·         The software grades the document.

·         It will not catch missing words.

Step three     http://www.naturalreaders.com/download.htm

 

                 ·         Set the speed at negative one or less for clarity. 

 

                 ·         It reads text from documents and WebPages.

 

                 ·         You will notice missing words and discover plot holes!

 

    

Step four            Read your manuscript!

 

                ·           You will notice missing words! 

 

Step five            Repeat step one through four.

 

Using these programs will not take the place of an editor. It is important to familiarize yourself with these programs before you rely on them. Once you have mastered them, you will see the difference. Whether you have an editor or not these tools are helpful. By minimizing errors, an author can increase their chances of having an error free novel.

Sunday News, Author’s Muse.

The Sunday newspaper are a great resource for bargain shoppers and authors. I did not always think that way. When I saw the sale circulars, I was excited. I looked through them and circled the items I wanted. Then, I embarked on an exciting shopping spree.

 

Somehow, after braving the rain, snow or heat to shop, the items spent months or years in my closet with tags attached. I know I’m not the only one. By now, you are probably wondering, what does this have to do with writing? Have you ever introduced a main character and lost sight of, or mixed up their features? Yes?

Then, sale circulars are your new best friend. I use pictures of the models as identification photos for the characters. Did I hear someone say, you can make a chart! Charts are great but they do not work for everyone. I have found a new use for the sale circulars. Instead of using them to put a dent in my finances, I use them to keep my characters feature in order.

How do you keep things in order?

 

Write or Flight?

Things have been strange between us for the past few months and I’m starting to wonder if I have offended him. I am confused. A million things go through my mind. Is he seeing someone else? Does he still love me? One question lingers… Do I really love him?

I do. He saved me from myself. I know it sounds cheesy but he completes me. Please allow me to explain. When he’s with me, I smile, laugh and breathe easier. He’s my oxygen. I am torn and I can’t bear to lose him. He comes home when he feels like it and I am tired of waiting! We’re a team. I cannot do what I do without him. I calm myself and brainstorm for ideas to win him back. I have to make him want me, as I want him.

Everyone appreciates coming home to a calm environment and he is no different. I clean the house, put on some smooth Brazilian jazz and place scented candles in our room. I’m not a drinker but I’m nervous. A glass of wine might take the edge off. Fifteen minutes into the retreat, he arrives. My heart is racing. The closer he get’s I can feel a wave of light current passing through my body and it lingers on my fingertips. I exhale and allow him to caress me.

He’s back! I’m glad we’re working on our relationship. When I say ‘he,’ I’m referring to writing. Writing is my companion. We don’t always see eye to eye but we’re a team. I realize that sometimes he’ll need his space but when I need him I try to do the things that will bring him to the surface. I engage in activities that evoke his spirit. For instance, I take a scenic drive, visit a park, listen to music or attend cultural festivals. Sometimes, inspiration comes from the things that fascinate us. A writer is never short on creativity. Sometimes we are trying to find the right way to express our ideas.

 

I'm curious...how do you set the mood for writing?