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?
Tag Archives: adventure writing
How’s your writing going?
Kia ora, Welcome to September and, if you’re in the southern hemisphere, spring! The daffodils and lambs are making their presence known around my way. How has your writing been going? I know how easy it can be to get trapped in a procrastination cycle. You need to look up a detail for your story,Continue reading “How’s your writing going?”
Why adverbs deflate your writing
The best travel and adventure writing immerses readers in the story. We feel the cold water tugging at you as you’re struggling to make a river crossing; we hear the growl as you fend off wild dogs; we feel your serenity as you experience a transcendent sunrise. That immersion happens through precise word choices, andContinue reading “Why adverbs deflate your writing”
Where are you hanging out online?
Kia ora, I’ve been feeling adrift since leaving Instagram earlier this year. I miss seeing what adventures people have been going on and the writing updates that people share. I want to feel that connection again, so can you help me out? Which socials are you hanging out on? Is it Insta still? Threads, Bluesky?Continue reading “Where are you hanging out online?”
The Proofreading Checklist is almost here
Kia ora, I’ve lit the fire every morning this week, partly so the living room is cosy for lunch, but mostly to keep the cats warm and out of my office. Don’t tell them, but they’re not the best editorial assistants; their suggestions are rarely in keeping with the writer’s voice and I have toContinue reading “The Proofreading Checklist is almost here”
Fun in Adelaide and a mystery bird
Kia ora, Wow! Last week I ventured over to Adelaide for the Institute of Professional Editors conference. I got to meet so many of my editing friends in person for the first time! I’m still processing all the wonderful talks I attended and conversations I had, but one of the key takeaways is just howContinue reading “Fun in Adelaide and a mystery bird”
How many books do you have?
Kia ora, You may have read about the controversy surrounding the best-selling book, the Salt Path, by Raynor Winn. According to reporting from journalists at the Observer, the details about how they lost their home don’t match the account Winn gives in the Salt Path. I want to write a longer piece about truth inContinue reading “How many books do you have?”
When do I capitalise animal names?
You meet all sorts of animals on your adventures, from dogs and cats to tigers, birds, snakes and centipedes. They’re generally easy to spell, right? But what about when you get into the details, when you’re writing about Labradors, Main Coons, snow leopards, tūī, and damselflies?
Five reasons I love adventure books
Kia ora, I have teetering piles of books on my coffee table. Most of them are travel and adventure, some are histories. As I was reordering them last night, I admired the covers and layout and photos, all the love and effort that goes into writing and making such gorgeous books. And that got meContinue reading “Five reasons I love adventure books”
Having the right tool for the job
When you’re writing and self-publishing, you can get a lot done by cobbling together different tools, but having the right tools makes your writing stronger. And at some point, calling in professionals makes the publishing process so much smoother and the end result that much stronger.
Deborah Shaw Adventure Editing 