  Short Stories
This week: Self Editing Quick Tips Edited by: Jay's debut novel is out now!  
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This Short Stories Newsletter is dedicated to readers and writers of short fiction and to those who want to know more about the art of telling big stories in small spaces.
This month:
Self Editing Quick Tips
Things to look for in your short stories, when you're in a hurry! |
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So, self-editing is a long and slow process to learn and absorb, and focusing too much on it can often actually hamper our efforts to write fiction. In my experience, it's problematic to spend too much time on editing too early in a story or the story never makes it to the page. However, sometimes, when we are writing short fiction, especially if it is on a deadline or for a contest, it can be useful to have a few tricks in one's back pocket for tightening up the language as-we-go, because there may not be very much time at the end for editing (especially if you're writing for the Writer's Cramp or a similar daily effort!) This is by no means an exhaustive list, but just some of the things that I use while I'm working that I think you might find useful as well.
Some quick things that you can look for right away in your fiction:
"Be" verbs and junk language-- verbs that do nothing but modify (had, was, were, would, etc) are often filler words that waste valuable word count and don't advance your story. There are specific situations where each of these words is necessary, but running a quick search for "had" and "was" will allow you to tighten up your narrative in a jiffy. These words add stiffness to prose. An example, far from the only one, but dynamic enough to get the engine running: try using verbs like so: "he moved" instead of "he was moving" -- even though "moved" is past tense, it can be used to indicate current movement at 2/3 of the word count, and looks cleaner to boot. Another
Dialogue tag clutter: Look at your dialogue tags and see if you've been tempted to insert a lot of dry description and adverbs-- remember, your default tags are "said" and "replied," and that neither of these needs to be used every single time. Dialogue with fewer tags rips along at a faster pace and helps to immerse the reader in the story. Another thing where no holistic approach is correct; it's best addressed on a case-by-case scenario, but if your dialogue feels laggy, reread it and see if there's too much non-dialogue in your dialogue.
Give it a once-over for major cliches, worn-out turns of phrase, unintentional repetition of words (my personal nemesis!), and overwrought, nigh-unreadable descriptive passages. Anything that YOU struggle to read as a writer will be inevitably more difficult for your reader to grasp, since the reader isn't able to benefit from the intended meaning in your head.
Last but not least-- when in doubt: simplify. If you think something is too complex to be understood, give yourself the time to reassess and be sure you're putting out the clearest story you can. 
Again-- this is just a primer, but these are basic things to work on that shouldn't hamper your style or flow while you work-- keeping you productive and hopefully making your writing even more efficient!
What other fast and easy editing tips do you have for writers who are in a hurry? Any you'd like to share?
Until next month,
Take care and Write on!
~jay
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From last month's newsletter: "What's the Holdup?"
dragonwoman writes:
When I hit a block, I change direction by beginning the story over again from another viewpoint. Or I set that one aside and begin a new story.
That's a good plan, I think!
blunderbuss writes:
Creativity blocked? I've found two things that help me. One is not to mither about it. The more you are aware and nagging yourself, the worse it gets. (That applies to the relatively serious writers - not the casual ones. They probably are not 'blocked' anyway). Secondly, do something else creative which doesn't involve writing e.g. paint/draw, cook something new and special, plant something different in the garden - you get the idea. Works for me.
Great suggestions for our readers!
One Breath Away  writes:
Becoming creatively blocked is common for me. I have found there are several things to help me get past it though. Possible a quick nap, talking to some good friends, and especially reading, like you mentioned.
Thank you for these steps. I hope to use them as well for help as they seem like they might work well. I especially agree with the last one. We should always keep trying.
Determination is the key to success, above talent and ability-- because with applied determination you can improve your craft.
Andrew  writes:
Jay, grrr, taking away my excuses for not writing, grumble, grumble....  
Thanks for linking the Quills!  They're all open and everything now for nominations. And I'll be making my way through those other items in the coming days too. I'm sure they'll be good reads per usual.
`Andrew
 but of course, Andrew!
Doug Rainbow writes:
I write some things for money and most pieces for personal fulfillment (for fun). I'm never blocked on the material written for pay, like a truck driver never gets "drivers' block" from gong on the road. He may not "feel like it," but he gets behind the wheel and goes. As for the writing I do for fun, if it is fun enough, or rewarding enough, I do it. Otherwise I don't. But I don't feel "blocked". I would sometimes just rather do something else. When I feel frustrated or hurt by not writing these elective pieces, I will stop doing them -- without regret -- until the spirit again moves me.
Well, I think that's normal-- not getting the work done for-hire means missing deadlines and worse; creativity often suffers a bit when your job shares territory with your hobbies. It's important not to burn yourself out though, so it's good that you have a solution for that.
brom21 writes:
The newsletter you wrote totally hit home. To me writer’s’ block is the lack of motivation and the thought of doing all those painstaking revisions. I have not really considered the inside and outside kinds of writer’s block. I think for most people the main hindrance is the external aspect. Thank you for being so encouraging!
You're most welcome! I think that anyone who is going to put in the time to work at and improve their writing deserves as much bolstering as one can manage. |
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Short Stories: November 13, 2013 Issue [#5993]
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