Editing Archives | The Writer's Cookbook

What Happens When You Don’t Know Your Characters’ Backstories?

Kristina Adams — Thu, 24 Nov 2022 20:48:30 +0000

Backstories are an integral part of your character creation. They inform everything from how your character speaks, to how they think, to how they interact with other people. Sure, you might be able to figure out some of this organically, but it’s a lot harder if you’re not consciously thinking about what’s driving your character […]

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Copyediting for Authors (with Kristin N. Spencer)

Kristina Adams — Thu, 20 Jan 2022 07:00:00 +0000

Kristin N. Spencer spends part of each day imagining up new worlds and beings when she isn’t busy with her three children, two dogs, and husband. When she’s not writing, editing, or mothering, you can find her sewing cosplay costumes, watching geekesque movies, or reading voraciously. Her purpose in life is to help people tell […]

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Self-Editing Fiction (with Kristina Stanley from Fictionary)

Kristina Adams — Thu, 23 Sep 2021 06:00:00 +0000

To get your Fictionary discount, use the code KADAMS at checkout. Combining her degree in computer mathematics with her success as a bestselling, award-winning author and fiction editor, Kristina Stanley is the creator and CEO of Fictionary – creative editing software for fiction writers and editors. She is a Fictionary Certified Story Coach. Her novels […]

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5 Signs Your Characters Need More Depth

Kristina Adams — Tue, 29 Jun 2021 06:00:00 +0000

Characters need depth. Three-dimensional characters are what keep readers reading. They’re what makes your writing process more fun. And they make your writing process easier. Every indie author career is built on the strength of its characters. Why do I say that? Think of the last novel you read. What do you remember about it? […]

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How to Write Any Kind of Relationship With Accuracy and Honesty

Kristina Adams — Thu, 24 Jun 2021 06:00:00 +0000

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What is Emotional Distance (and Why Does it Matter for Your Writing)?

Kristina Adams — Thu, 03 Jun 2021 06:00:00 +0000

Emotional distance is the key to building your editing skills and becoming a better writer. You’ll learn: Why you need emotional distance from your writing How to build emotional distance How to improve your self-editing skills Listen to the podcast Powered by RedCircle Become a patron Become a Patron! Show notes Free productivity webinar details […]

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How to Shorten a MONSTER Long Sentence

Natalie Mills — Tue, 04 May 2021 22:49:25 +0000

As a kid, I wrote short, snappy sentences. As I grew older and more pretentious, my sentences grew in length. Longer sentences meant I was a better writer, right? WRONG. The better I got at writing, the more I understood about clarity and ‘making every word count’. In short, my long overcomplex sentences either bored […]

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Editing Fiction: When to DIY and When to Outsource

Alexa Whitewolf — Tue, 06 Oct 2020 05:00:00 +0000

‘Write drunk, edit sober.’ Powerful words from Ernest Hemingway, if I do say so myself. I’ll indulge in some wine or something when I write, mainly because it’s my relaxing time. But edits? Those are done stone-cold sober. Editing fiction is the process of taking your work, your carefully (or not so carefully) written baby […]

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5 Common Plot Problems (and How to Fix Them)

Kristina Adams — Mon, 07 Sep 2020 05:00:18 +0000

Plot problems. Every writer has them. It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been writing. There have been many times when I’ve called my friend and editor Silvia Lopez in a frenzy, trying to work out what’s wrong with my characters and why they’re not doing as I want them to. Or I can’t quite connect […]

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ProWritingAid Review

Kristina Adams — Tue, 30 Apr 2019 05:00:17 +0000

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Hemingway vs Grammarly

Ellie Betts — Tue, 19 Mar 2019 06:00:34 +0000

Though I have seen countless adverts online for both Hemingway and Grammarly, until recently I had never tried either of them out. It was entirely for arrogant reasons. Every time I saw the adverts my first thought was ‘I’m too good at spelling and grammar to use one of those.’ I know! Who do I […]

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How to Fix Plot Holes in Your Novel (From 14 Writing Experts)

Kristina Adams — Tue, 30 Oct 2018 06:00:25 +0000

Ah, plot holes. We all face them. But how do you fix them? Fixing a plot hole can be the difference between a finished story and something that spends its whole life in limbo. It can be the difference between a highly rated book and one that tanks. Fixing plot holes is no easy feat, […]

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