One blog I frequently check out for writing advice is The Blood Red Pencil. I discovered this blog after visiting Patricia Stoltey's blog, which is a gem in itself. Note: Patricia frequently has guest bloggers and gives away free stuff.
The Blood Red Pencil contains advice from Patricia and several other professional writers and editors who take turns giving "sharp and pinted oservations about good writing."
The caption above a photo of a pencil advises writers to "kill your darlings." Writers know this means to be ruthless when editing and get rid of words that don't help your work but are there because you love them.
In today's post, writer/editor Helen Ginger answers the question: "What are editors for?" She offers some helpful suggestions on what to do -- and one controversial suggestion on what not to do.
Another recent post comes from editor and former English teacher and librarian, Jodie Renner, on "Style Blunders in Fiction." Some of Jodie's useful suggestions are: #1, Avoid wishy-washy qualifiers; #3 Avoid overused, colorless words; and #8, Describe the stimulus, then the response-- or what we in our critique group call "putting the cart before the horse. " Click on the above link to read them all.
So, if you're looking for a site with fresh content about writing from some experts, I recommend the Blood Red Pencil.
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Hi Donna. Thanks for stopping by BRP. As someone who's been with BRP since the beginning, I can attest that we offer a wide variety of writing and editing advice, and also have fun. And I agree, Patricia's blog is a gem!
ReplyDeleteHi Helen,
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome. I always learn something after visiting BRP. Keep up the great work!
Donna
This is especially revelant to me today. My son is writing essays for different scholarship opportunities. I am his editor. We worked on one last night. I know how irritating and painful it is to have someone critique your words, but I also know the pricelessness of a good editor. The pain runs both directions but it serves the end product. He and I are learning that together.
ReplyDeleteHi Sally,
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful way to bond with your son by helping him with his essays.
Good luck with his scholarships.
Donna
Thanks, Donna. I am going to visit this blog.
ReplyDeleteHi Barb,
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome. Thanks for stopping by.
Donna
Hey, is it just me or do things look a little different around here? :-) Love the background photo. And I like Blood Red Pencil, too...I don't get over there often enough, though. Thanks for the reminder!
ReplyDeleteHey Cathy,
ReplyDeleteYou noticed! I've been fooling around with the layout and new look. The background reminds me or my visit to Ireland with my sisters.
donna
Hi Donna -- I'm so far behind in my blog visits that I missed this post when it went up. Thanks so much for mentioning and linking to my blog and to The Blood-Red Pencil.
ReplyDeleteYou've done a great job with this blog design. I love the background, and your layout is nice. It's very easy to read.