Thursday, September 21, 2017

PROTECT YOUR VOICE


I'd like to offer a few thoughts about voice and editing.


There are times for rules and times for forgetting the rules.  Craft is always something to master, even if only to ignore.



Despite my repeated warnings about adhering too obsessively to “rules,” it’s still true that some of my editing clients have craft trip-ups that make for tough reading.  I see clumsy grammar gremlins, over qualifying, unnecessary attribution to POV characters, cart-before-the-horse descriptions, etc. They can be distracting and thus detracting. 

None-the-less, your voice might lead you to break rules,

In my opinion, great voice walks right up to the edge of troubled writing… That cliff and its risk make up the writing sweet spot.


Write brave but keep clarity in mind.  And always be careful to protect your voice.


Remember: It may not be perfect, but it may be right.

Write well.  All best from the Inkpot.