Walk away, Renée–that Left Banke ’60’s classic–was a memorable song from my growing up. Why? I was almost named Renée–far more exotic than Ann, but there you go. My mom cooked plain food, too.
As fate would have it, though, I’m not able to walk away.
Good thing or else I’d be missing out! So here I am with another insightful Renée–aspiring author Renée Hurteau–whose on point advice for writers is absolutely golden.
I open my file, glance with trepidation at the myriad red marks and comment bubbles throughout, and promptly close it again. I just can’t. Not right now.
Instead, I thought this might be a good time to share some of my thoughts on editing for any of my fellow writers that have found their way here.
Editing, a crucial element to any good story, is difficult. In the beginning, when you first finish writing and hand it off eagerly to third parties for their feedback, it sometimes can seem like a personal affront when their constructive criticism comes back. However, you shouldn’t take it as one! Constructive criticism is vital to a story that people can immerse themselves in. One misspelled word, one convoluted, hard to read sentence, is enough to jar them out of a state of suspended disbelief. What about that small but glaring plot hole you missed?…
Ann writes clean romantic action suspense, featuring real women battling for their happily-ever-after. Look in a mirror if you're unfamiliar with such women.
But the dark side can take its toll.
Writing short, clean romantic comedy is the perfect palate cleanser. Contemporary western romance and Christmas romances provide an equally pleasant distraction that I hope you'll enjoy! I'd enjoy hearing what you'd like to read.
Write me at annmalley@annmalleybooks.com
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2 thoughts on “Beta Readers, CPs and Self-Editing”
No kidding, right? Our writing and reading community–men and women of letters and learning–are the best of friends. I mean, who doesn’t like a great book and help getting there?
ANN MALLEY 
I love Toni! She’s awesome.
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No kidding, right? Our writing and reading community–men and women of letters and learning–are the best of friends. I mean, who doesn’t like a great book and help getting there?
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