Examples To Compare Utilizing

Editing Tips and Hints

Read this short extract. Look for any word from our List of Words To Avoid and common errors to watch for. "The storm wasn't really natural was it? So, it was Sorcery that saved us. Why does the smith deny using magic? Why then didn't he save El'sbeth and little Joe?" Ethan said breathlessly. Cal thought the boy looked anxious as he turned his attention back to spooning thick onion stew into a cracked wooden bowl.

While he casually watched the boy, from out of the corner of his eye, he noticed how the room smelt of garlic and rosemary. The smell of Eamon's cooking made his stomach rumble. He was hungry.

Raul played his lute and he listened to the howling wind outside. He tightened a fret and plucked a note that matched the fevered pitch of the storm, before answering Ethan's query.

"You ask three questions." He stilled the strings and began to play a tune. "You already know the answers but you need to accept them with your heart or you will remain troubled."

"What?" Ethan asked curiously. "What do you mean?"

Compare with this: "The storm wasn't natural was it? Yet, I know Sorcery saved us. Why does the smith deny using magic? Why didn't he save El'sbeth and little Joe?" Ethan finished with a rush. Cal heard the boy's knuckles crack before his attention focused on spooning thick stew into a wooden bowl.

While he watched the boy from the corner of his eye, the scent of garlic and rosemary filled the room. The smell of Eamon's cooking reminded Cal he needed food.

Raul strummed his lute and cocked his head as if he listened to the wind howling outside. He tightened a fret and plucked a note that matched the fevered pitch of the storm before answering Ethan's query.

"You ask three questions, Ethan." Raul stilled the strings and began to strum a tune. "You already know the answers but you need to accept them with your heart or you will remain troubled."

"What?" Ethan looked around and waved a dripping spoon in the air. "What do you mean?"

Things To Do. Write a list of words you over use. Go over your latest writing and 'find' all the adverbs. Find any word ending in 'ly,' or 'ing.' Consider if they are necessary. What about passive writing? Telling not showing. Rethink anywhere you find 'thought,' 'saw,' 'felt' or even 'knew.' If you continue to watch for these points as you right, editing becomes easier. Write a short scene from a character's point of view. What can the hero see, smell, hear, taste, or touch? Use all five senses as a guide to give your readers information. Don't add anything your hero cannot 'know.' Remember these tips when you are editing.