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?…
Honestly? I write about real women battling for their happily-ever-after. You know the kind. Look in the mirror. Deadly choices that demand faith feature in my romantic suspenses. Personal demons, defeated by embracing self, haunt my clean romances. My head, too. Kicking those snark monsters to the curb is a must do for every heroine. Heroes, too. I'm no sexist.
Fun and frolic are what's for dinner in my sweet shorts. (Short stories, although my shorts have been known to frolic, but don't spread that around :^)
When not writing, which is almost never, I get cozy with my forever friend. My husband Greg, aka: The Grinch Who Stole My Mattress. I also love to harangue my three grown and flown children. Wonder why they left home? I don't. But my spooky little kitty named Boo and her alter ego Peanut (Formerly known as the Anti-Boo) keep me feeling loved. They may be in it for the tuna. Follow me on social media and sign up for my newsletter and you'll be able to clue me in soon enough. I can't wait!!
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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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