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?”
Tag Archives: writing-tips
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.
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.
Metaphorical pickles
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”
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”
Deborah Shaw Adventure Editing 