HOW TO SELF-EDIT

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The final draft of your book is done.  Now you get to  relax?.  No, you can’t.!

The next step is to self-edit—the edit you, as author, should do. After all, it is a Draft , and only you are familiar with the story, and can easily correct  all self-made errors , like noticing  where your story wanders away from  the scene being played out. Or when characters are not clearly defined ,and how about incorrect spellings, punctuation errors, and poor  word choices.

First print all the pages of your book. Then as you read, correct the errors you find on the printed  page, and  then on the computer.

A FEW SUGGESTIONS:

  1. Use words your reader can relate to—Simple words and not  words needing the use of a dictionary.  Remember, the more the reader stops, the less interest he or she has in  continuing.
  2. Show don’t Tell.— Use an action word to show, anger, instead of saying : He is angry. Example: He slammed the door behind him
  3. Do not use the word almost. Example, She almost cried.   The character either cried, or did not.
  4. Don’t sermonize or preach to your reader.
  5. Try reading your novel out loud. You may find areas where improvement is needed
  6. Omit Clichés and use “said” for dialogue instead of “explained, declared, etc.”

After you complete your self-edit, then retain the services of a professional Editor so your book is finally ready for publication,  and, at long last, you can either rest, or begin another story.

 

Don’t ever give up in frustration, Paula

 

 

 

 

 

AMERICA’S INDEPENDENCE DAY

 

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AMERICA’S INDEPENDENCE DAY

On July 1st 1776, Congressman Richard Henry Lee of Virginia presented a Resolution, later adopted in the late afternoon of July 4, 1776, as follows:

RESOLVED: That these United colonies are, and of right ought to be Free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be totally dissolved.”

This important Resolution was made a designated National holiday for all Americans to  remember a significant moment in time, when the  United States declared itself a FREE Nation.

We, as Americans enjoy the freedom and independence fought for by our ancestors, and should take this opportunity to be thankful for the men and women who built this country, fought for the freedom of this country, and still serve to keep us a free and independent Nation.

Happy July 4th, Paula