Whipped Cream Erotic Romance Reviews: Across a Crowded Room by Elizabeth Marchat

Whipped Cream Erotic Romance Reviews: Across a Crowded Room by Elizabeth Marchat

Editing Your Work

One thing I've been told is never edit while you're creating. Get your thoughts down, and then when you're finished go back and edit. That may take several passes. The first  pass may be for continuity. Make sure the places and characters' names are spelled the same way throughout, or make sure you didn't change someone's name mid-story. It happens. If your main character has blue eyes when the book starts, keep them that way or explain why they changed color. You're the author, you can fix it.

Spell check doesn't check everything. Make sure the word you wrote is the word you meant.  To, two, too or assure ensure. There are more. You know them, don't confuse them. Spell check won't correct words that are spelled correctly even if they aren't the correct word. If you want the word 'and' and you forget the 'd', 'an' is correctly spelled. Proof reading aloud will catch those errors.

Grammar. You say, "Ugh." I understand. Use the Chicago Manual  of Style. The ruled have changed and seem to change annually. Keeps grammar books selling. Even dictionaries have a variety of ways to spell the same word. Some grammar practices 'date' an author. Some rules are old school today and publishers have moved on. Read. See how the publishers are editing the type of book you're writing. If they use serial commas, I'd suggest you follow that practice.

Ebook publishing has changed the way the industry does everything, from contracting to promotions. Keep up with the trends. At a later date, I'd like to take each topic and break it down  for a blog.

Editor's advanced check list

• complicated sentence structure
• repeated sentence structure
• run on sentences
• no basic knowledge of grammar or punctuation
• repeated use of a character's name
• passive writing
• indecisive characters
• no conflict
• telling not showing the story

One Selfish Hour

You can see, why I've had a problem at my desk lately. Every time I try to write, this ghost writer gets there first. She doesn't Tweet. Poor darling just tries to catch the little blue bird when it chirps.

I know - I know - I've been lax with this blog recently. I used to be so much more diligent, but with all the social networking available, I feel like some things have fallen by the wayside...unfortunately, this blog has been one of them. I miss writing my horrible poetry and subjecting you all, my friends, to my tirades and rants when I finally look up from the pages of a book or my computer screen long enough to note some new ridiculous event which inflames my sense of irony. Sooo, here's a quick update for anyone who might be interested in what I've been up to recently... I know you're waiting with bated/baited [is that fishy?]breath.

• Some of you know, I've been editing for The Wild Rose Press going on three years now. The books in the slide show represent a few of my authors' works. Other books on this page are by several of my critique partners. E-Publishing looks like it may be the wave of the future or as some of us see it - the present.
• Critiquing - I've been busy working with several authors on their books and my own. They are all lovely, supportive women, struggling to make time in their busy days to do what they love!
• Reading - Voraciously - I've consumed book after book [like a vampire at a human banquet.] Working on a paranormal can you tell?
• Learning about social networking, finding ways to minimize time online and maximize coverage. [tweet, tweet]
• Family - never enough time for me to spend time with my brood. Husband, five children, three son-in-laws, four grandchildren, three grand cats, many fish, four grand dogs ... and a partridge in a pear tree ... just kidding about the partridge.

As I contemplate how dear free time can be, I'm amazed at how frequently I choose work over what or who I enjoy - people I want to be with, doing things I love to do, making time for contemplation. Make time today to spend time with someone who makes you laugh and do something you want to do! Take a selfish hour for you. Everyone deserves at least one hour of his/her very own.

Spring ...it's different for all of us

I know -- I know, I'm fortunate the weather is sunny and mild. The birds are all chirping announcing spring is in the air. But darn it my feet are bare and freezing and I've got a cool breesze at my back. Those of you who had snow on the ground when you woke up a day or two or go are probably ready to wring my neck. But -- hey -- Florida is supposed to be HOT HOT HOT!

I'll be whining about the heat come September or October when I won't be able to get cool. Right now I'm going to go put on my socks.

Maureen

Holiday Cheer

Christmas is right around the corner and I'm thinking of a poem fit for the season and something to get us through the New Year. Let's all follow this advice and smile more this year. Look around you, I'll bet you see something that will inspire you.

New Year by Maureen Sevilla

There's a reason for the season
Not Ho, Ho, Ho
Not Hum, Hum, Hum
It's not just teasin' -- or buying for pleasin'
Try a grin on everyone.
Smilin', Huggin', Kissin', Lovin' --
This is the way to start the fun!

Spread the cheer, don't ever fear
A grumble or mumble
A stumble or tumble
Take time together -- no matter the weather.
Drink a toast to old'n new.
Warmer, Higher, Brighter, Lighter --
This is my Christmas wish for you!