How to avoid writing too much? Check if you really need that first scene. A lot of mss I read fall down because they start with lots of back story instead of getting to the good bits straight away. You can seed in the back story later. Also, if you’ve explained something once you probably don’t need to explain it again (this is something I have to scrap in my cleanup – extra words where a character goes through their motivation again – probably because I was trying to fix it in my own mind). Finally, when you skim a page and find some long paragraphs, sit and find a way to cut them down. Shave a line off every one. You’ll be amazed how a change in word choice can make a huge difference.

Annie

Janga’s illustration is one I learned eons ago. It’s like seeing an old friend again.

I had this experience last week when I read Revelations or should I say Steven King’s ‘On Writing’. He took the mystism out of writing. He presented it so cleanly and simply, I can’t believe I was bucking against it for so long.

I find that I have to edit the same way, Terri. I can’t see my errors on screen as cleanly as I can in hard copy. Call me old-fashioned, I guess.

And Ter – It is second or third, I think. Thought I find my writin’ has improved wit’ next projects after I’ve done some editin’ on others. I learn by doin’ not by readin’ craft books. That’s jus’ me!

There be a language of editin’ and writin’…a grammar language that escapes me. I jus’ have ta go by me instincts. And keep a list nearby a’ examples ta avoid.

Chance – When I have needed to correct something, it’s so much easier for me to print and mark up. For some reason, there are things I see on the paper that I never see on the screen.

I tend to highlight in different colors in Word, or change text colors. Not as exciting, but it gets the job done.

I needs a program that will let me circle, box, etc. with a minimum of keystrokes…

Or develop a thicker skin and let the contest judges do it all!

Sin, listen ta them and keep on writin’!

And about the “that” issue, it’s one of those times when we are blind to our own work. For instance, I received a crit in which it was pointed out I’d used the word “it” three to five times in a paragraph or two. I must have read that part over and over before the crit, and never noticed. But once it was pointed out, it was blaringly obvious. Very frustrating.

I think most of these concerns that are being addressed in this discussion are revision issues. Sometimes our internal critics use them as weapons to block or slow our writing.

As I revise, I find Richard Lanham’s “paramedic method” helpful when I use it sensibly as a guide rather than as laws.

1. Circle the prepositions (of, in, about, for, onto, into. [Three or more consecutive prepositional phrases should cause an alarm to sound.]
2. Draw a box around the “is” verb forms. [But recognize that some "to be" verbs are necessary.]
3. Ask, “Where’s the action?”
4. Change the “action” into a simple verb
5. Move the doer into the subject (Who’s kicking whom?)
6. Eliminate any unnecessary slow wind-ups
7. Eliminate any redundancies.

Illogical repetitions drive me crazy when I’m reading. Even some excellent writers miss redundacies such as “first and foremost,” “end result,” personal opinion,” “foreseeable future,” etc. But my weakness for verbal fillers such as “It is interesting to note” and “in terms of” is just as bad. And Terri can attest to my overuse of “that.” I think recognizing the errors we are most prone to make is a big part of our battle.

I’m ignoring the modifier issue because if I start on dangling, misplaced, and squinting modifiers, my post will be longer than San’s blog.

“It’s more about deep POV versus a bit more of a distant POV.”
Speaking of the perils of writing, what the heck is a deep POV? Do I even Want to KNOW? Probably not. If everyone thinks that SIN is good at it Then its gotta be BAD! Just thinking about what ever a deep POV is sent the chill of a tremor of dread shivering like a snake slithering like a serpentine river flowing down my slender spine…
All kidding aside SIN, you are full of it. Completely delusional. Marnee Jo is correct when she said “ I can feel what you’re describing. I’m right there with your characters and in fact, I feel closer to your characters than I have to a lot of other characters I’ve read.” Very TRUE. SIN You write stories that draw the reader in. You wrote:
“How beautiful of a picture they paint me as I read their words and wonder why I can’t seem to get my point across.”
SIN you do get your point across. And Your stories are beautiful, just not in the typical way. They are intense, emotionally electric, provocative and haunting.
SIN you write stories that are haunting … and Memorable … something that very, very few writers can do.