Kia ora, I’m starting 2026 by looking back on 2025. Or at least, I’m looking back on the books I read, and I read a lot! Here’s my one-ish-sentence summary of each, in the order I read them. I want to hear your opinions too, so if you’ve read any of these, reply and letContinue reading “2025 travel and adventure reading round-up”
Tag Archives: adventure-writing
What book editing looks like behind the scenes
Kia ora, Last week I talked about a client who was initially hesitant to work with an editor because they didn’t really get what editing is and didn’t know what it would involve. (Here’s last week’s email if you missed it.) This week I’m going to show you my process of editing a manuscript. IContinue reading “What book editing looks like behind the scenes”
Let’s grab coffee
Kia ora, If we caught up over coffee together and you asked me how to go about writing your adventure book, here’s what I’d say: These are the kinds of conversations I have with my authors, along with all the comments I leave on your manuscript, too! If you’re interested talking through your project, bookContinue reading “Let’s grab coffee”
How to use quotes and epigraphs
You’ve probably read a book that has a quote at the start, or maybe each chapter opens with a quote. They’re called epigraphs, and their purpose is to give the reader an idea of the tone or theme the story intends to set. But did that person actually say those words? And were those words the actual words they used?
Mid-year check-in
Last week I was knocked out with a cold. I must have caught it in Wanaka when I was at the festival. So I took a few days off; editing is brain work, and if the brain is fuzzy, the editing is too! This week I’m reflecting on the first half of the year andContinue reading “Mid-year check-in”
Aligning our values
Kia ora, When it comes to working with writers, my biggest value is trust. You need to trust me with your manuscript, story, and vision. Sharing your work with someone can be a vulnerable experience, and that trust is not something I take lightly. That’s why I always ask to see your manuscript before weContinue reading “Aligning our values”
Deborah Shaw Adventure Editing 