Another Newbie

By Jolene B Perry

I'm new blogging here. Normally I blog here. This is what I like to call shameless self-promotion. It's okay, we all do it, and I kinda like it from the rest of ya.

Some stuff you should know about me:

I live in Wasilla, Alaska. I don't know Sarah Palin. (everyone asks)

I spend an exorbitant amount of money at Taco Bell. It’s the only fast food I eat.

On the flipside I won’t touch a fruit or veggie that’s not organic. I know, I know, it seems a bit counterproductive…

I whither a little every time I leave my house without my iPod

Need someone to tie your fishing lure? I can do that.

Start a fire? Set up a tent? Build a house? Justify a shoe purchase? Learn to play the guitar? I’m your girl.

If you’re looking for the bottom of the laundry pile? I’m SO not your girl. I don’t think it exists.

I taught middle school math with a degree in Political Science and French and I now LOVE math. I’m just a dork like that.

Been married for 14 years to a guy who baptized me into the church at 19. We have two kids who are more outrageously awesome than any other two kids in the world, ever.

The last thing you need to know about me is that I firmly believe in brevity (anyone who has written me a simple question in an email will adamantly disagree) and I believe in writing. I will ALWAYS write about writing – at least a little.

SO – today I’m going to share one of my favorite self-editing tips. This is NOT one to do with a rough draft. This is one to do when you THINK you’re ready to submit.

Print off your MS - make sure the pages are numbered – toss it into the air, sit in the middle of the pile you’ve created and pick up one page at a time. It’s SO good because you don’t have the chance to get pulled into the story. IF you don’t want to kill a tree and turn your floor into a disaster zone all at the same time - you can randomly scroll through your document NOT ALLOWING yourself to read consecutive pages. Mark the pages with comments. If there’s NO EDITING NEEDED, leave a comment that says some thing like “I’m good enough, I’m smart enough, and doggone it, people like me.”

Happy writing!

Leave me your favorite self-edit tip, if you would. We’re all lonely writers at some point in time… and my favorite tips about writing, editing, submitting… have all come from fellow bloggers. No pressure or anything.