Not All Flags Are Red
I’ve talked about red flags in publishing and I’ll continue to do so because predatory people and companies prey on those who haven’t had the opportunity to learn what they need to in the industry, but it’s also important to know that not all flags we see are red. We have to be vigilant, but […]
How Toxic Positivity Can Ruin Your Writing
What is toxic positivity? Essentially, it’s the belief that negative thoughts about anything should be avoided. Sure, we can look on the bright side, but sometimes things suck, and that emotion deserves to be honoured. But wait, how does that tie in with writing? Here’s a secret that’s not so secret: Sometimes our writing sucks. […]
Finding A Trauma-Informed Editor
You may be familiar with the saying, the first draft of your memoir is for you. It’s often when a lot of the emotions and trauma tied to the topic of your memoir come to the surface and dance with you. After that first draft is done, it’s time to do a round of editing: […]
Writing the Right Words
There’s a scene in a later season of one of my favourite 30-minute shows, The Office, where Kevin starts speaking very simply. His logic is that you don’t need fancy language or words to communicate, and it will save time. “Why waste time say lot word when few word do trick.” But, of course, because The Office is a […]
Don’t Rush the Second Half of Your Book
It’s 6:30 on a Friday and I’m in college. I can hear the whoops and excited chatter in the common lounge of my friends and their friends. I’m sitting at my computer reminding myself that I had promised to finish this essay tonight so I could enjoy the weekend, but I’m only halfway through. Don’t […]
Explaining Manuscript Assessments & Developmental Edits
Have you heard these terms flying around (maybe on my own social media), but aren’t completely sure what they mean? Is there a difference? What They Are A manuscript assessment is a high-level review of the document. I take a look at plot, character development, and arc. It’s a great way to see where the […]
Why Do I Need to Do a Develomental Edit?
“I’m going to get my book traditionally published, so I don’t need to worry about a developmental editor.” That statement, while once true, is no longer as accurate as we thought. During the long months of the pandemic many people turned to their computers to write the book they had been thinking about writing . […]
