Edits, Edits, and More Edits

If your wondering where I’ve been for the last month, I’ve been deep in the editing process. I believe all this editing is necessary, and I don't think I'm overanalyzing things, but there have been significant changes from this version to the last. I wrote a new beginning and a fresh ending, along with adding some additional character backgrounds. These are all significant improvements that enhance the story and make the reader more emotionally invested. This was the biggest feedback I got from my developmental edit, and its no simple task.

Additionally, I've been working on refining my writing style. Recently, I came across a book called 101 Ways to Improve Your Writing by Gary Provost. I highly recommend it, even if you're not an aspiring writer. It’ll help with your daily communication skills, from text messages to work emails. After reading it, I realized I had several bad writing habits.

The most significant impact came from a chapter called “Show, Don’t Tell.” It emphasized the importance of not dictating what the reader is suppose to see, but rather allowing them to experience the characters and situations for themselves.

To illustrate the impact of this, I've included an example below. See if you can spot the difference.

Before:

Owen's face shifted from desperation to puzzlement, as he looked back at Terry. "I don't know what to do, Terry. I've searched the map, and there's nothing. Do you want to take a look?" he asked, his voice tinged with desperation.

After:

Owen's eyes widened and he looked down at the map once more, his finger tracing different routes with increased urgency. "Oh no, there's nothing," he finally admitted.

"Nothing, Owen? Should I go ahead and crash into the side of the mountain now, or can you find me somewhere to land?"

"I don't know what to do, Terry. I've searched the map, and there's nothing. Do you want to look?"