Inspiring and encouraging quotes for writers.
The editor's secret weapon, which she may never surrender, is the delete button. I used to tell my authors to go through their copy and take three words out of every sentence. The power you gain when you drop words gives you muscle, shock. You sound new and interesting to yourself.
posted by Tricia Goyer at 11:22 AM
Tricia Goyer is the author of thirty books including Songbird Under a German Moon, The Swiss Courier, and the mommy memoir, Blue Like Play Dough. She won Historical Novel of the Year in 2005 and 2006 from ACFW, and was honored with the Writer of the Year award from Mt. Hermon Writer's Conference in 2003. Tricia's book Life Interrupted was a finalist for the Gold Medallion in 2005. In addition to her novels, Tricia writes non-fiction books and magazine articles for publications like MomSense and Thriving Family. Tricia is a regular speaker at conventions and conferences, and has been a workshop presenter at the MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) International Conventions. She and her family make their home in Little Rock, Arkansas where they are part of the ministry of FamilyLife.
3 Comments:
Tricia, When I began editing your rough drafts, I felt driven to complete your sentences. I'm now learning that life isn't an English composition class, and that part of creative writing is creatively breaking the rules to achieve specific effects, like muscle, shock.
The beginning writer hates to part with her words, but writing is stronger when we cut the fat. Love your quotes, Tricia!
Cutting three words from every sentence REALLY works!
Also, I think being too wordy is the #1 problem for new writers. Remember . . . resist the urge to explain!
Thanks for posting!
Post a Comment
<< Home