Kia ora, Why have my chickens decided that the best place to lay their eggs is under a soggy, droopy fern and not inside the hen house where the nest boxes are filled with fresh, dry saw dust? They are delightful beasties but I do question their decisions sometimes. But onto the topic at hand:Continue reading “Why writers don’t work with book editors”
Tag Archives: writing
Writing routines and changing clocks
Kia ora, The clocks changed here in Aotearoa over the weekend, so my sleep schedule is now out of whack with the cats’ breakfast schedule. On Tuesday morning, one of them got fed up with waiting so she sourced her own rabbit and proceeded to eat it in the bedroom. Thank you. That wet crunchingContinue reading “Writing routines and changing clocks”
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?
A blood moon and giving feedback
Kia ora, Did you catch the blood moon on Monday? I’m one of those horrific morning people so I was outside in my jammies and jacket at 5.30am watching the moon turn red. A great start to the day, I reckon. I’ve been wrapping up an adventure edit this week. It’s been great fun andContinue reading “A blood moon and giving feedback”
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”
The joy of maps and following along
Kia ora, A friend asked me about my editing work recently. I had great joy in explaining how I created a custom Google Map for a recent edit so I could follow the places the writer visited. For another project, I zoomed in even further and followed the adventure street-by-street. The friend was surprised –Continue reading “The joy of maps and following along”
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”
Deborah Shaw Adventure Editing 