Here’s my motto: It’s better to write crap than to not write at all. Therefore, I give you permission to write your story while you are in the throes of storytelling passion. The words are flowing. The story is in your head. You could write the whole thing if you didn’t have to eat or sleep. Just get it down on paper, and worry about fixing it later. It doesn’t matter if your writing stinks. You’ll polish it another day. Revisions are a lot more mechanical than the creative process. Tightening sentences, removing repetitions, making sure all loose ends are tied up, improving characterization--These can be done once you have the words to manipulate.

I need at least two read-throughs when I’m done with my first draft. Some writers may be Miss Perfect or Mr Superwriter the first time around, but that’s not me. I do intense line editing during the first sweep and read through my story for consistency on the final run. As a result, my editors have called my manuscripts "clean." This doesn’t mean I won’t have to change things once an editor gets a look, but it means she’ll realize I’m a seasoned writer whose craft is polished at a professional level.

I don’t rely on anyone except my critique group to guide me. I’ve learned how to hone my craft myself through endless trial and error. Rejection and revision are part of the game. Having other fiction writers as critique partners is invaluable. Learn from their suggestions so that your writing becomes faster and smoother the next time around. Then get to work on the next book, rejoice when the story and characters take over, and write as fast as you can to get those words on paper.

Again, don’t worry that your writing sucks. When you set your deadlines, allow time for revision. Once your first draft is complete, you can tackle the manuscript with a red pen. At least the hard part will be over. The story is written. You’ve reached your word count. Anything written can be fixed.

By the way, how do you like my new photo at the top? Since I’m a Florida writer, I decided to go with something more keyed to my "author brand." This complements my fabulous new website that will be operational any day now. Keep watch for a contest to celebrate the changeover. If you have my website bookmarked to my old URL, please change it to http://nancyjcohen.com Would love to hear your opinion on these new images.

Nice pieces of advice. Your style of writing is very unusual and interesting.

Thanks, Alex!

Nancy, I pretty much follow the same procedure. Write the whole manuscript as fast as I can. Except that I note down day by day the number of words I wrote. Before writing I rapidly read the previous chapter to refresh myself and then I keep writing. Once the first draft is typed, I revise and edit, a slow process that takes several readings. Then I send the ms to one of my CPs, enter her suggestions and then to the other CP. Before sending it to the editor, I have the computer read it out loud.

Mona: Yow, I don't think I'd want to hear it read aloud, although I've heard of others who use that technique. You do a very thorough job.

I do my first edits after every 5 chapters written. It's a quick read through looking for the obvious--typos, tense screw-ups, possible name changes. When the manuscript is finished, I go through the whole thing again. Then I also read it out loud. That's where I catch a lot of stuff that just doesn't sound right. I give it one last read, then send it off. Not all of my books go through critique. It depends on how fast I want to submit. My editor also claims I write clean. If I fall off the editorial shelf somehwere it's with punctuation.

I do both, I think. Lately, I've been priting out the day's pages and giving them to hubby to read for story, to see if I'm keeping his interest. And as long as I have the hard copy, I'll review it and often catch those typos and repeated words, which I'll fix the next morning.

But I still need to read in larger chunks, especially when I start bringing in or tying up plot threads, to make sure the continuity is there.

You're right, Terry. Reading straight through is important for catching inconsistencies and making sure all plot threads are addressed by the end.

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