self-editing – LZ Edits | Editing Services

Adding Layers

“Ogres have layers.” ~ Shrek Story characters should have layers. Some details are revealed only in gut-wrenching moments with another character as they let their walls down, and others are never revealed to other characters, but drive motivation throughout the story. You will probably not get all layers into your first/zero draft. Here’s how toContinueContinue reading “Adding Layers”

Self-Editing Part 2

Last month, I began to discuss how you can approach editing your own story with four tasks. Today’s discuss will pick up where that left off. You addressed what you saw as issues with the story’s structure. You now have to start turning your manuscript into something that readers expect when they read in thisContinueContinue reading “Self-Editing Part 2”

4 Self-Editing Tasks

You have completed the first draft of your story. If you’re working toward publication, you probably know this was just step 1. (My post on From Draft to Done can help you understand the process.) Today’s topic comes to you courtesy of writer-me, who finished the first draft of her novel last week during writingContinueContinue reading “4 Self-Editing Tasks”

tone and ‘tude

(sorry so late; this will also be the only newsletter this month. ~LZ) Flaubert is absolutely correct about the writer. Now, consider this axiom: What your characters do and say will show readers what they believe. Carefully choosing your descriptive words will create the tone and ‘tude (attitude) of your story. We’ve all read aContinueContinue reading “tone and ‘tude”

October 2024

Sections Writing Advice Editing Advice Service Availability Writing Advice Preptober! A lot of writers challenge themselves to write 50,000 words in the month of November. While the official NNWM has had some problematic issues, trying to write a novel by focusing on “butt in chair” and getting the words down is a valid first draftContinueContinue reading “October 2024”

September 2024

Sections Writing Advice Editing Advice Service Availability Writing Advice Last month, we talked about how to build your story’s ending from your character’s wound and assuaging their fears or the Lie they’ve been telling themselves all this time. There’s a concept called “mirroring” that will make your story resonate with readers. The psychology of theContinueContinue reading “September 2024”

August 2024

Sections Writing Advice Editing Advice Service Availability Writing Advice Last month, we talked about rewards and turning points in your story plot. This character development will drive your story toward the end as the character takes this new understanding and alters their plans. They have finally seen the toxic things, the bad influences, and theContinueContinue reading “August 2024”

July 2024

Sections Writing Advice Editing Advice Service Availability Writing Advice Last month we talked about SCENE GOALS, and the yes, no, yes, but, and no, furthermore ways to end a scene. The fact of the matter is a yes, but or no, furthermore is only meant to be a tangent, a diversion, from their goal. ItContinueContinue reading “July 2024”