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IWSG: a place where writers and friends share woes or hugs.
Welcome to mine!
Welcome to my March's IWSG post. I apologize for posting this so late. I've spent the past several weeks in my writing cave preparing an upcoming book for publication. Finally! I spend so much time writing and writing by the seat of my pants that when I look back at the mountain of edits, I realize I'm falling behind.
I've rewritten Darkspell. It feels cringeworthy at best. I also plan to update my website's tabs to include upcoming books as teasers. So much to do!
One of the methods I've recently incorporated into my arsenal of editing is the Reader tool on MicrosoftWord. I've been listening to my computer read back every paragraph. I'm doing my best to rewrite the words so that it reads smoothly--I must be at my best for listening to cadence anomalies.
I'm in the process of trimming down overused words according to an editor's worksheet list--some of the things she has in there are crazy. For example, "in", "to", and "not". I was relieved that the words "and" and "the" weren't included. I'm breaking out into a sweat as it is with everything else!
I'm just about done and will send my current story to my beta readers!
I'm aiming to release it on Independence Day as a way to honor freedom and free will, which is the premise of my story. It is a SciFi Romance Here is the blurb:
Balance. Peace. Order.
She especially wouldn't have unveiled what lurked right in front of her home these many centuries…
I'm done illustrating the book cover. My muse directed me to use the anime this time, an interesting turn to be sure. Would you like a sneak peek? Here it is:
I plan to include a glossary at the back of the book and a few bonuses, though I'm not exactly sure what!
What is your process for finding overused words? Do you have pet words? What do sort of bonuses do you look forward to when you read a book?
I'll have to use Reader Tool!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the upcoming releases and the writing and editing frenzy.
Thank you, Alex!
DeleteLove your cover. Congrats on your release. I use word "Find" to search for overused words like just or that.
ReplyDeleteHi, Natalie! Thank you! It's a work in progress! :D
DeleteOh, those two words--for the most part, "that" can be done away with!
Love the cover! Absolutely love it.
ReplyDeleteWhy thank you, Olga! That is very assuring! <3
DeleteGreat idea to listen to it!
ReplyDeleteI use Word's search feature to find over-used words. Some favorites in early drafts are "just" and "really." :)
Oh, I love the search feature!
DeleteSounds like you've been really busy - and productive.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the upcoming release!
Thank you! I hope all goes well. Eek!
DeleteI'm very nearly in the same place, knee deep in final edits, just working those last 5 chapters. When I'm doing that final read through, I try (antennae out) to notice echo words. If my character scrambles in the opening paragraph, does she scramble again just three paragraphs later? I'm also getting ready to send my story out to beta readers, and I have the cover ready to go as well, but I think the last 5 chapters will take another month. Aargh! So I feel I know exactly where you are. Good for you for making progress AND for including that beta reader request right in your post (which I should have done). Your wip sounds intriguing. If you need another beta reader, please let me know!
ReplyDeleteWoohoo! You go, Beth! These edits are grueling. I'm glad you only have 5 more chapters to go! Whew! Thank you for volunteering to be one of my beta readers. I'll be happy to help you out as well! Just let me know!
DeleteI've heard other writers talk about the MS Word Reader tool, but I've never tried it. I hope it helps you get the smooth cadence you're shooting for!
ReplyDeleteThank you! We'll see. haha!
DeleteSuper blog
ReplyDeletethank you!
DeleteFantastic cover. Congrats on your upcoming release! I find I can take the word -that- out of almost everything.
ReplyDeleteThank you! Yes! I noticed as well regarding "that". haha
DeleteI think the cover looks great!
ReplyDeletewww.onegayastronaut.blogspot.com
thank you :)
DeleteThe words 'in,' 'to,' and 'not' are on a list of word to eliminate? That's extreme and odd...and that's coming from an editor. I have a list on my blog (as a tab) that you can check put and perhaps compare with that worksheet.
ReplyDeleteWishing you all the best with all of your tasks and goals!
I'll have to check that out. Thanks for the well-wishes!
DeleteFelt was my word. listening is a great tool. Congrats on your upcoming release!
ReplyDelete