Sometimes I live-tweet writing advice while editing. I can’t help it; I’m a writing coach!

Here’s a lesson from today:

You never want a reader to say “I’ll have to take your word for it,”
the response to when you tell us something w/o showing us.(Tweet)

Telling DOES have a place, but you need evidence to support it—
something the reader can experience. Play lawyer; give us Exhibit A. (Tweet)

When revising, look for abstract/subjective adjectives (bad, good,
beautiful, mean, sad)—then PROVE IT to the jury: the reader.(Tweet)

To sum up:
Your story’s on the stand.
Readers are the jury.
You’re defending counsel.
Make jury believe your story with evidence.(Tweet)

And here’s a Making a Murderer meets John Baldessari image to pin or share:

How’s your writing going, by the way? Getting ready for all the upcoming pitching contests?

If you need help, check out my editing services. Here’s a look into my inbox, and the feedback from clients I’ve been getting:

“I really appreciate all of your comments. You’ve given me a lot to think about and great specific ideas on how to make my story better.”

“Thank you so much for taking the time to do this critique. Seriously. Your ideas and insight into my story are incredibly helpful. You are the first person to suggest not only using comps, but you are the first person who gave me some titles to consider using.”