editing

Why Stories Need One Protagonist (and Why Supporting Characters Should Stay Supporting)

One of the most common structural mistakes new writers make is confusing importance with point of view. Just because a character plays a significant role in the story does not mean they should carry POV. In fact, giving POV to too many characters—especially in books for younger readers—often weakens the story instead of strengthening it. At the heart of this issue is a misunderstanding of what a protagonist actually is. What a Protagonist Does A … Read more

The “Would” Problem: When Conditional Verbs Weaken Storytelling

One small word can quietly drain energy from a memoir: would. Writers of fiction and nonfiction often use would when describing past experiences, but the word frequently creates distance between the reader and the action. Instead of stating what happened, the sentence shifts into a conditional or habitual structure that weakens the verb. Consider this example: Pinocchio would lie whenever he was afraid. This sentence summarizes behavior rather than showing it. Now compare it to … Read more

The Problem with “Seemed” Sentences

Words like seemed, appeared, and phrases such as seemed like often weaken a sentence by introducing uncertainty where the writer could state the idea directly. These words act as filters between the reader and the moment being described. Instead of presenting the experience clearly, the sentence suggests that the narrator is interpreting or guessing. Consider this example from the world of Pinocchio: It seemed like Geppetto was disappointed. Now compare it to a more direct … Read more

Say What It Is, Not What It Isn’t

One subtle habit that weakens prose is describing something by what it isn’t rather than stating what it is. Writers often do this without realizing it. Sentences slip into constructions using not, didn’t, wasn’t, or similar negatives. While these sentences may technically communicate the idea, they force the reader to mentally process the opposite of what the writer actually means. Clear writing moves forward. Negative constructions make the reader take a detour. Consider the difference: … Read more

Breaking the Repetition Trap: When Every Sentence Starts the Same

Memoir and personal nonfiction naturally rely on first-person narration, but that doesn’t mean every sentence should begin with “I.” One of the most common structural problems in early drafts is the repeated use of sentence openings like I didn’t, I remember, or I felt. When this pattern appears several times in a row, the prose becomes predictable and the emotional impact weakens. Readers don’t consciously analyze sentence structure, but their brains quickly recognize repetition. When … Read more

The Problem with Wordy Clauses

Many early drafts contain sentences weighed down by wordy clauses—phrases that add length without adding meaning. These clauses often appear in forms like: Writers use these constructions when they are explaining a thought instead of stating it directly. The result is a sentence that circles around the idea rather than delivering it clearly. Consider this example from the world of Pinocchio: Now compare it to a cleaner version: Pinocchio realized that lying always made his … Read more

The Problem with Passive Voice

Passive voice occurs when a sentence hides or removes the person or thing performing the action. Instead of showing who is responsible, the sentence focuses on the result of the action. This structure is not always wrong, but it often creates sentences where the subject becomes unclear and the prose loses energy. Consider this example from the world of Hansel and Gretel: Hansel and Gretel were led into the forest. The sentence tells us what … Read more

Crafting a Compelling Narrative: Tips on Turning Personal Experiences into a Story That Captivates Readers

Memoir writing is a unique and rewarding endeavor that allows you to share your personal experiences with the world. However, turning your life story into a compelling narrative that captivates readers requires more than just recounting events. It involves crafting a story with a clear arc, relatable characters, and a deep emotional connection. Here are some tips to help you transform your personal experiences into a captivating memoir. 1. Find Your Story’s Core Message Every … Read more

Decoding Reader Assessments: How Nonfiction Authors Can Benefit

A reader assessment for nonfiction authors serves a similar purpose as it does for fiction authors, but it focuses on different aspects that are critical to nonfiction works. Here are the key components typically included in a reader assessment for nonfiction authors: Content Accuracy: Feedback on the accuracy and reliability of the information presented. Readers assess whether the facts, data, and references are correct and credible. Structure and Organization: Insights into how well the content … Read more

Unlock Your Writing Potential: Top Tips to Sit Down and Start Your Manuscript

Finding time to sit down and write is difficult, but sometimes it’s more about procrastination. So, here are some tips to help you sit down and write your manuscript: Set Clear Goals: Define what you want to achieve in each writing session. This could be a word count, a specific section, or a set amount of time spent writing. Create a Routine: Establish a regular writing schedule. Whether it’s early in the morning, during lunch … Read more

Understanding Reader Assessments: A Crucial Tool for Fiction Authors

A reader assessment for authors is a tool or process used to gather feedback from readers about a manuscript or published work. It provides authors with insights into how readers perceive their storytelling, what aspects are engaging or need improvement, and how effectively they communicate their message to a reader. Here are some common components of a reader assessment: Plot and Structure: Feedback on the overall plot, pacing, and structure of the story. This includes … Read more

What to Expect from a Professional Editor

Publishing today is highly competitive. If your book isn’t nearly perfect, you risk readers trashing your story. Professional editors are one way to make sure you release the best product possible. But it’s not always easy to find the right editor, especially when you are trying to find one for the first time. When hiring a paid editor, a writer should expect several things: Professionalism: The editor should conduct themselves in a professional manner throughout … Read more

Critique Groups: A Writer’s Lifeline

If you are a writer or aspire to write, you soon discover it’s not as easy as it looks. In fact, it’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done, and I’ve been writing professionally for over thirty years. It’s a career where the minute you think you’ve mastered the craft, your editor returns a document covered in markups and comments that triples the size of your MS Word file. Hence, writers learn quickly to stick together … Read more

Continue Shopping →
Item added to cart.
0 items - $0.00
Checkout