Here are some common problems I see new
writers make. When editing my own work, I use the following checklist:
1. Overused words
—
Examples:
very, only, just, always, never, already, every, often, almost, got, feel,
seem, started to, began to, tried to.
—
We
need to use these words sometimes. Double-check if they are necessary, or
cluttering up your page.
—
Here’s
a link to a more comprehensive list: http://theadventurouswriter.com/blogwriting/51-over-used-adverbs-nouns-and-cliches-in-writing/
2.
Repetitive words
—
Repetitive
words within the same page, when not used intentionally, can be annoying for a
reader.
—
Read
aloud to catch your repetitive words.
—
If
you have a hunch you’ve used a unique word too many times (and we do this
unconsciously, certain words becoming mind-worms), do a document search.
—
Example:
while editing my last novel, I wondered if I’d used the word “extraneous” too
often. In a search, it came up 12 times. I reviewed each use and assessed
whether a synonym might be appropriate.
3. Telling vs. Showing
—
We
need both of these narrative strategies, but look for places where you could
show more and tell less.
—
Ask
yourself: do I get “dulled out” while reading? Do I feel like skipping ahead?
—
An
example of telling:
—
Farzana
gets nervous while teaching.
—
A
(silly) example of showing:
—
“Okay,
give me an example of, um, showing?” Farzana took a sip of coffee, then coughed,
sputtering it onto her laptop. She scanned the room, wondering why that guy in
the back was smirking at her.
4. Over-writing
—
Most
early drafts require cuts.
—
Ask
yourself:
—
have
I said the same thing twice?
—
would
½ the description be more powerful?
—
have
I shown and told (unnecessarily) within the same passage?
—
As
above, look for places where you feel bored by your own writing.
5. Not
getting feedback
—
When
I was a new writer, I didn’t show my work to others. I was nervous to expose
myself to criticism.
—
Now,
I see feedback as a gift. My early readers find the mistakes I don’t. They
offer solutions that make the work stronger.
—
Learn
the art of receiving feedback.
—
Find
other writers, or avid readers, and ask for feedback. Urge them to be honest,
and remind them that they won’t hurt your feelings. Ask them to comment on your
prose, characters, settings, plot etc.
—
Thank
them for their feedback. Do not get defensive. Listen and take notes. Ask
clarifying questions only.
—
Take
a few days to process their ideas. You may decide to follow all or only some of
their advice. Sometimes I find that feedback inspires brand new ideas.
Farzana Doctor is the author of three novels: Stealing Nasreen,
Six Metres of Pavement (which was a 2012 Lambda Literary Award and the 2017 One
Book One Brampton winner) and the recently released All Inclusive which was a
Kobo and National Post Best Book of the Year. Farzana was named one of CBC
Books’ “Ten Canadian Women Writers You Need to Read Now”. She is also a
Registered Social Worker with a part-time psychotherapy practice. She curates
the Brockton Writers Series.
Website:
www.farzanadoctor.com
Twitter:
@farzanadoctor
Instagram:
@farzanadoctor
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/farzanadoctor
Buy
links:
Indie
bookstore: http://www.charisbooksandmore.com/book/9781459731813
Amazon:
http://amzn.to/2yZ3gSk
Book
trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqTStZedIao
Book
club guide: https://www.dundurn.com/sites/default/files/supplementary/AllInclusive-BookClubResource.pdf
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