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?
Tag Archives: editing
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”
Can you help me test this proofreading guide?
Kia ora, I have been working on a resource for writers, one that I hope will give your book a valuable boost without stretching your budget. It’s called the Proofreading Checklist. It’s a checklist, yes, but it’s more than that. I walk you through the proofreading process, what it is, what it’s not, what toContinue reading “Can you help me test this proofreading guide?”
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.
See you in Wanaka?
Kia ora, I’m going to Wanaka for the Mountain Film & Book Festival! ✅Accommodation booked ✅Event tickets booked Whoo hoo! I’ll be attending the Words and Wine event on Sunday evening. The speaker line-up is fantastic. I’m looking forward to hearing Naomi Arnold talk about her time on Te Araroa. (Do check out Northbound –Continue reading “See you in Wanaka?”
Easy wins for your writing
Kia ora, Yesterday I sent out the final part in my three-part series on words that weaken your writing. Check out all three: These are just some of the words and phrases I watch out for when I edit travel and adventure stories. On their own, “decide”, “thing”, and “it was” are fairly tame, butContinue reading “Easy wins for your writing”
One phrase that weakens your writing: “it was”
Sentences that start with “It was” and “There were” can weaken writing by adding clutter and obscuring focus. Replacing them with stronger, direct language deepens your writing and draws your reader in.
How many drafts do you have?
Kia ora, How many travel or adventure drafts do you have sitting unfinished? Those drafts could be blog posts or articles, or full manuscripts. Reply and let me know your number. I want to know, and I’m not judging. Cheers, Deborah P.S. Don’t like your number? Want help with those drafts? I can help. ReplyContinue reading “How many drafts do you have?”
Being intentional with your words
Kia ora, I had a great weekend away at Arrowtown, just outside of Queenstown. A group of us heaved ourselves around the Sawpit Gully track. Steep on the way up, steep on the way down! The crisp, blue skies and autumn colours were just gorgeous. In last week’s email I talked about my dislike ofContinue reading “Being intentional with your words”
Deborah Shaw Adventure Editing 