Hi Reader!
July is here, and the cookouts and fireworks have begun. June was a busy month!
My daughter graduated from high school, and we've been busy with gardening, updating our home, visiting Farmers' Markets, and tending to our crazy chickens. (I guess that makes us crazy chicken tenders. π)
I've also been busy with proofreading work and taking a couple of courses to keep my skills sharp.
What were you up to in June? Did you have a nice month? Hit reply and let me know!
β
This Month's Writing Tip βοΈ
If you're working on your first draft, you know how challenging it can get. You also know it's kind of a big deal.
I have some tips for you today on how to edit your draft to get it ready to send to professional editors (which is a major step you shouldn't skip!) before it gets sent to publishers.
- Step away before revising. Give yourself some breathing room. Twenty-four hours is ideal, but a week is even better.
- Big-picture editing first. Look at structure: does your message unfold logically? Are there any gaps in flow or purpose?
- Refine tone and voice. Does your writing reflect your heart and resonate with your audience? Trim any fluff or distracting tangents. (Ain't nobody got time for that!)
- Polish prose. Fix grammatical errors, simplify sentences, and tighten word choices to keep focus on your message.
- Read out loud. Youβll catch awkward phrasing and hear the rhythm of your wordsβitβs amazing what voice-checking reveals.
π Keep reading here β
Book of the Month π
β
WARNING: SHORT STORIES FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL BOYS ONLY, BECAUSE GIRLS HAVE COOTIES! by Gene Miller
From Amazon Description: Set against the backdrop of the Delaware River in Delanco, New Jersey, this collection is a heartwarming journey through adolescent adventures, friendships, decision-making, and personal responsibility. It's a trip down memory lane for adults, a time capsule of the 60's era of growing up.
In WARNING: Short Stories for Middle School Boys Only, Because Girls Have Cooties!, every chapter promises a laugh, a lesson, and a look into the timeless journey of coming of age. It's a book that celebrates the joy, the challenges, and the unforgettable moments of growing up.
β
Need a proofreader you can trust?
If youβre a Christian writer or clean fiction author looking for an extra set of eyes on your work, Iβd love to help. I proofread nonfiction, devotionals, blog posts, short stories, novellas, and more.
β
Take a look at my services page to see if it feels like the right next step.
See you next month!
Michelle
"God has given each of you a gift. Use it to help each other. This will show Godβs loving-favor." 1 Peter 4:10
β
β