Each blog contains 1 idea, 2 quotes, and 3 questions to ponder.

1 WRITING IDEA

As a writer, you’re not alone in your frustration with perfectionism. It’s a real problem for most of us who put “pen to paper.” I know, it stinks.

Here’s the secret: when you truly understand your target market, it changes the way you write. If your audience loves $10 words, then write $10 words. But if your readers prefer lean language ($1 words), then give ‘em those dollar specials.

Once you get inside the head of your target reader, the right words flow much easier.

And while we’re at it… save the heavy editing for when you’ve completely finished your first draft. Yes, your draft will be sandpaper rough. But that’s okay.

Let all your ideas flow onto the page using the creative side of your brain, then do your spelling/grammar/structure corrections by using the analytical side of your brain.

When you’re writing/creating, sometimes you must command the analytical side: “Stop! It’s not time for you yet!”

Trying to do both at the same time is like trying to clean a dog that’s rolling in the mud. Good luck with that.

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2 WRITING QUOTES

“I think I did pretty well, considering I started out with nothing but a bunch of blank paper.”

— Steve Martin

“You write to communicate to the hearts and minds of others what’s burning inside you. And we edit to let the fire show through the smoke. ”

— Arthur Plotnik

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3 Writing Questions

1. How do you determine target audience preferences, especially with choice of language?

2. What strategies help your ideas flow freely during the initial stages of writing?

3. Have you ever edited too early in the writing process? How did it affect your work?

What if a trip to the Amazon resulted in an amazing discovery?

WATCH THE BOOK TRAILER:

About Me

Hey, I’m Brian. Born a Tar Heel but now a Virginian, I’m a father of five and the husband of one amazing lady. My family has a thing for Golden Retrievers. Given the right circumstances, I can do a smooth moonwalk on a slick kitchen floor. I’ve also written a book called The Jungle Within.

Each blog contains 1 idea, 2 quotes, and 3 questions to ponder.

1 WRITING IDEA

The big idea: watch out for the “weasel words” in your manuscript.

What are weasel words? Words that clutter your manuscript and/or words you repeat without realizing it.

• Weasel words show a lack of focus and may point to a narrative needing more work
  (Two main culprits: “That” and “It” — but there are plenty more: see my list of common weasel words)

• For most situations, choose active voice over passive voice
  (Passive: The dog was hugged by Suzy; Active: Suzy hugged the dog)

• Consider removing adjectives, especially the weak ones
  (Weak examples: Awesome; Good/Terrible; Big/Small; Pretty/Ugly; Tall/Short; Young/Old; Beautiful)

• Avoid the obvious phrases
  (“He clapped his hands”; “She sat in the chair”; “They stood to their feet”)

• Adverbs usually aren’t your friends
  (“I’m pregnant!” she shouted excitedly.)

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2 WRITING QUOTES

“If a novel is 100,000 words and is 99.9 percent perfect, it still contains 100 errors.”

— Alton Gansky

“Writing without revising is the literary equivalent of waltzing gaily out of the house in your underwear.”

— Patricia Fuller

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3 Writing Questions

1. What words or phrases do you repeat the most?

2. What are some exceptions to using passive voice over active voice?

3. How do you know which adjectives and adverbs to keep or lose?

What if a trip to the Amazon resulted in an amazing discovery?

WATCH THE BOOK TRAILER:

About Me

Hey, I’m Brian. Born a Tar Heel but now a Virginian, I’m a father of five and the husband of one amazing lady. My family has a thing for Golden Retrievers. Given the right circumstances, I can do a smooth moonwalk on a slick kitchen floor. I’ve also written a book called The Jungle Within.