Blog
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Scene It First Interview with Rio Youers (Ep. 3)
The third episode of the Fictionary Scene It First interview series welcomed bestselling author Rio Youers on March 22, 2023. In this episode, Rio talked about his graphic adaptations (Sleeping Beauties, Refrigerator Full of Heads) and novels such as The Forgotten Girl, Halcyon, Lola on Fire, and No Second Chances. Just before the seven-minute mark, […]
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Fictionary Interview with Ellen Jovin
On March 4, 2023, I had the honor of interviewing Ellen Jovin, author of Rebel with a Clause: Tales and Tips from a Roving Grammarian. In this lively discussion we talked about her adventures with the Grammar Table, her approach to language, and the wonders of the English language. Upcoming interviews can be joined […]
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Scene It First with Delancey Stewart (Ep. 2)
The second episode of the Fictionary Scene It First interview series welcomed bestselling romance author Delancey Stewart on February 22, 2023. In this episode, Delancey talked about all things romance, writing strategies, and her favorite tropes. Upcoming interviews can be joined live by registered members of the Fictionary community, and it’s always free to register. In […]
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Scene It First with Jonathan Janz (Ep. 1)
The first episode of the Fictionary Scene It First interview series kicked off with my interview of horror author Jonathan Janz on January 25, 2023. Janz is one of my favorite authors, so it was a true pleasure to speak with him about his celebrated career, his upcoming works, and his insights on scene construction. Upcoming […]
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January Thanks
This January I tweeted daily thanks for helpful things in my editing world. The following tweets offer useful resources and provide insight into my editing life. I missed the first two days, so I’ll send a special thanks to authors everywhere and to The Best Punctuation Book, Period from June Casagrande, with honorable mentions to […]
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I’m Now a Fictionary-Certified Editor
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]I’m pleased to announce that I’ve completed my Fictionary certification and am now listed among the program’s Fictionary-Certified StoryCoach Editors. The training program entailed two months of text and video lessons, biweekly Zoom calls with Fictionary founder Kristina Stanley and other members of the class, and the completion of an entire developmental edit […]
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Review: “Meet Mr. Hyphen (And Put Him in His Place)”
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]In a post from Merriam-Webster’s Words at Play, Mary Norris (Between You & Me) called Meet Mr. Hyphen the “best thing ever written about hyphens.” First: All hail the Comma Queen! Second: If Norris’s assessment intrigues you, then you’re probably a copy editor. I read that post years ago, and because the book was out of […]
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My First Annual Report for Castle Walls Editing
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]I finally did it. For the first time since committing to full-time freelancing at the end of 2017, I’ve drafted an annual report for Castle Walls Editing. While the report is for my eyes only, putting it together has been tremendously helpful, and I’ve already started my 2022 report, which I’ll be updating throughout the […]
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Starting an Accountability Group
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Even with all the advantages of freelancing (avoiding the commute, setting your own hours, protecting yourself with multiple income streams), you still might find yourself missing the kinds of discussions and professional camaraderie that come with in-office jobs. Accountability (or mastermind) groups can help, and it’s wholly within your power to start one. (I did […]
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Caring for Myself Helps Me Care for Your Work
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Time takes its toll. Editors (like authors) spend a lot of time at their computers. As the hours, days, and years go by, we’re well served to find little ways to reduce the stress on our bodies and minds. I turned fifty recently and am hoping to edit for decades to come. But I’m more […]