Reading your work aloud is quite useful. Another approach is to treat your writing as if you were grading a student’s essay. Don a critic’s hat. Wear another person’s shoes to change your perspective. So now that we’re wearing someone else’s hat and shoes, Let’s ask ourselves some questions.
- Do your paragraphs follow an idea, or can they be broken into smaller paragraphs?
- Do you have a catchy opening? Does it invite the reader to read more?
- How about the ending? Is it strong?
- Can you keep track of the subject in your longer sentences? -And does each sentence make sense?
- Is your imagery fresh and convincing?
- Are words repeated too often?- or an action repeated?- I read a book where the protagonist bit her lip when she was anxious. She did that so often, her lower lip would have been completely gnawed off.
When you reach the dramatic tension in your story, be sure not to dilute the action with description. If you do need to describe, stick to the bare bones.
I hope this information will be useful. Many of you already know this stuff, but sometimes it helps to have a checklist. Until next time, Happy Trails….(Apparently my hat of choice must be a Roy Rogers Ten Galleon)
If you enjoyed this article, please consider sharing it!
