Lots of people ask me what exactly an editor does when they read through a manuscript.  Instead of me giving a vague answer, take a look here for a detailed description by a top editor.

When you’re reading through your writing, try to notice which words you use too often.  I’ve just finished editing my next novel, and my editor pointed out that there were several words I leaned on far too frequently.  With some imagination, some hard work, and the find key in Word, I was able to expand my vocabulary, improving the text.

Here are three of my weak words which kept cropping up:

MOMENT

FOCUS

STARE

What are your weak words?  Can you find and replace them?

Often I get asked ‘Where do you get ideas?’ as if ideas are some sort of mysterious angel that only authors and other artsy people can see.  Marquez actually described ideas as being like angels somewhere in his writing, and maybe for him they are.  For me, ideas are more like little creatures bustling about in the undergrowth of life.  With a little digging and exploring, they’re pretty easy to find.

One way I get a hold of ideas is to go to an art gallery.  At the Vancouver art gallery this weekend, I spied a painting that got my mind churning.  One thought led to another, and an idea for the name of the character in my next book popped out the bushes of my mind and sprang into full view.  Once I had the name, all sorts of ideas for his voice, his actions, the story, began to dart about.

Go to a gallery and find a painting that draws you in.  Take something to write with and make some notes on the thoughts you have as you look at the painting.  Keep writing and see what you get.  If the first painting you choose doesn’t help you come up with new ideas, then try a second or a third.