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Fix those Fatal Flaws

Fix those Fatal Flaws

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A Review of 5 Editors Tackle the 12 Fatal Flaws of Fiction Writing

It’s no secret that writers love to read about writing and editors love to write about writing.  So when I was offered to review 5 Editors Tackle the 12 Fatal Flaws of Fiction Writing, I jumped at the chance. Because we all need to learn to edit brilliantly and to do that we need a blueprint to guide us.

C.S. Lakin, Linda S. Clare, Christy Distler, Robin Patchen, Rachel Starr Thomson have written a complete, fun, instructional blueprint from the point of view of editors who are also writers. This how-to-write book is different from the myriad other writing how-to books on the market in that these editors SHOW rather than just TELL. (And then they SHOW why the mantra: “Show. Don’t Tell” is not always the correct advice. They reiterate that you need to know the rules in order to break the rules.)

Each of the twelve fatal flaws are contained in their own chapter. Flaws such as: overwriting and lack of pacing and tension. Each contributing editor instructs the reader in a non-condescending manner expanding upon the previous editor’s insight and instruction then illustrating the chapter’s fatal flaw with personal samples from their own writing. They demonstrate how to strengthen scenes by fixing the fatal flaw in those segments.

This book caters to writers and editors who love examples. ME! You’ll learn about the Rule of Three for all the writing elements and you’ll learn how to search for Word Weasels, Talking Heads, and Floating Body Parts, in addition to the fatal “Cold Mashed Potato Rule.” I love the chapter ending checklists. You’ll want to print them out and keep them handy as you write or edit.

Look for the quotable nuggets of writing wisdom under the “In Conclusion” sections. Coming off a NaNoWriMo fail, I appreciate Lakins’s final advice to slow down. To “show words the honor they deserve and work with them respectfully.”

Think of this book as your personal writing coach that you’ll return to often because no writer wants the world to know that their first draft is garbage. Make ’em believe you naturally write brilliantly.

What’s your go-to reference book for learning how to edit?

Turn on the Faucet

Turn on the Faucet

“Start writing, no matter what. The water does not flow until the faucet is turned on.”

 Louis L’Amour

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Everyone loves a good metaphor. L’Amour compares writing discipline to a kitchen faucet and poignantly drives his metaphor home.

My family once lived in an old farmhouse with an artesian well. During a long summer drought in the 90’s, when yards looked more like straw fields and wells often ran dry, ours kept gushing water. It was comforting to turn the spigot and find fresh cold water.

I imagine L’Amour’s word faucet must have been hooked to an artesian well. Throughout his lifetime, he wrote 100 novels and more than 250 short stories. He just kept plotting and plodding away no matter if he felt like it or not.

L’Amour expresses what writers inherently know—if you don’t write, nothing gets written. Of course, he is not the first prolific writer to say something like this. Dorothy Parker once said, “Writing is the art of applying the ass to the seat.”

It’s a matter of discipline.

It’s a matter of beginning.

Even when the words aren’t flowing like an artesian well.

I’m in a drought right now. Early in the month I registered for NaNoWriMo but guess what? I have written one word.

ONE.

My daughter challenged me to begin my next book with the word, “Unfortunately.”

Yes, it’s an adverb. Do I or don’t I?

I decided it was time to get motivated so I wrote up a few tips for myself that I’ll share with you.

Ten Tips for Turning on the Faucet

So, tell me, what do you do to remain motivated?

 

What are you Reading?

What are you Reading?

Always read something that will make you look good if you die in the middle of it.
P. J. O Rourke

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So, what are you reading?

People who love to read love to surround themselves with books because books are, after all, our friends. And generally, we love our friends.

But, if the company we keep influences who we are, then can the same be said for the books we read?

When I was in college, a friend contemplated my treasured books on the shelves in my dorm room. I asked him what he thought. He said, “I think you are confused.”

I’m not sure if he meant that my vast interests made me seem schizophrenic or if he had a distaste for poetry or Danielle Steel. Or maybe as readers we’re all a little batty because we enjoy reading everything and anything for reading’s sake.

“Ink, a Drug.”

(Vladimir Nabokov, Bend Sinister)

Like a drug is right. Reading ink, inhaling ink, writing with it, playing with words-on paper or digitally. What fun! (and work)

Here are a few books I’m reading right now:

I’m a fan of Maeve Binchy. She writes down to the bones always keeping the plot and characterization in movement. In this nonfiction book, she tackles everything from finding your writing voice to finding an editor to writing short stories, etc. Lots of great info.

I try to read only one novel at a time (recovering fiction addict.) This novel focuses on a family dealing with their mom’s dementia. I’m in the middle of this journey with my mom. Quite apropos.

  • 5 Editors Tackle The 12 Fatal Flaws of Fiction Writing by C.S. Lakin, Linda S. Clare, Christy Distler, Robin Patchen, and Rachel Starr Thomson

This one isn’t out yet. I’m reviewing it for the authors. I can tell you, it is one you’ll want to get. They give examples of poor writing and then show how an editor would fix the errors. Look for it in December.

Not sure if I died today if I’d look good with these books in my hands. But, I think these represent me. Today anyway. A little too boring? Probably. But, next month I might be reading some dead guy or gal or a current dystopian novel or historical fiction or a thrilling bio. That’s what’s great about being a reader. We have lots of interests. Lots of friends between the covers.

So, how about you? What books are on your lap? (or next to your dog?)