Kia ora, A pickle some travel and adventure writers get into is writing all about themselves. It’s easy to do because that’s the natural angle to take when you’re writing about your trip. Naturally, when you write about where you went, what you did, and how you got yourself out of different pickles, you writeContinue reading “Metaphorical pickles”
Tag Archives: self-publishing
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”
Why “thing” weakens your writing (and how to fix it)
Small words can have a big impact on your story, and not always for the right reasons. One of those small words is “things”.
Tell me your opinion on this
Kia ora, I’m heading away this weekend, so I’m getting my gear together. Snacks are a key part of the day walk and tramping experience. My go-tos: One Square Meal bars (apricot or cranberry) and Whittaker’s Peanut Slabs. But I’ve got to tell you: I can’t do scroggin. Even if I lace it with M&Ms.Continue reading “Tell me your opinion on this”
I’m so inspired
Kia ora, A few weeks ago I sent an edit back to a new writer. I always find this to be a nail-biting experience. Will they like my edits? Will they find my suggestions helpful? Have I caught everything I can? My main goal is always to help writers bring out the best in theirContinue reading “I’m so inspired”
Why “decide” weakens your writing (and how to fix it)
Is “decide” weakening your writing? This small word can slow pacing, strip emotional depth, and trap you in telling rather than showing. My latest blog post shows how focusing on actions, rather than decisions, creates more engaging scenes.
Celebrating writing wins
Last week I wrapped up a copyedit for a local writer. This was our fourth time working together. His first book all those years ago was great – strong opening chapter, well paced narrative, realistic characterisation. Even with that solid foundation, I made a lot of edits. He’d done all that solid work, so IContinue reading “Celebrating writing wins”
Filter out these words
Kia ora, One of the common comments I leave on manuscripts is, “You can cut out the filter words here.” Filter words tell us what you see, hear, taste, or think, rather than show us what you see, hear, taste, or think. Check out this straightforward way of making your writing more immersive. See youContinue reading “Filter out these words”
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 