Mandy Eve-Barnett's Blog for Readers & Writers

My Book News & Advocate for the Writing Community ©

Bibliophile’s Collective Tuesday – The Effect of COVID-19 on Authors & Writers

March 17, 2020
mandyevebarnett


covid19

None of us can escape the barrage of information on this devastating virus and it’s effects. Our priorities are to ensure we are practicing social distancing, self isolation (if needed) and to help those in our community that are most vulnerable.

So  instead, I am sharing a small post today to inform you that the planned Book Lovers Weekend, I was to attend on 21st & 22nd March in Jasper, Alberta has been cancelled along with many other events. It will be rescheduled in time and I hope to read at that time.

book lovers schedule

I ask if you can please purchase (or download from your library) a local author’s book and show some love during this time, many will lose the opportunity to read and share.

In the meantime as the hotel and vacation time was already booked, my friend Linda and I will use the four days as a mini writing retreat in Jasper. For writers extra time to write is a blessing, although in this case we would rather have had the opportunity to share our stories. I will utilize the weekend to edit a friend’s manuscript and my own steampunk novel and enjoy the peace and tranquility of nature in Jasper’s National Park. It is a place we regularly visit and every time it is different with animal sightings, weather changes and the expanse of mountainous terrain. 

jasper national

Let me know what you are reading and the last book review you made – remember your pledge.

I am still reading this incredible story, some is hard to read considering the conditions the plantation workers endured but the characters are well balanced and believable.

black

Take care and remember you can escape into a narrative at any time.

 

 

 

It Pays to be Vigilant when Editing…

August 30, 2013
mandyevebarnett


Vigilant – definition: watchful to detect danger; awake and alert

editing

Have you noticed that your mind fills in ‘missing’ words or ‘skips’ extra words when you are editing? What is this phenomenon called? Alas, even though I searched quite extensively, I could not find anything that specifically named this ‘brain trick’. It is certainly not dyslexia or aphasia. Maybe it is our brains expectation of what the sentence is saying due to years of reading? An automatic and subconscious ‘correction’ so to speak.

This is a phenomenon I have come to notice since beginning my writing journey. I have become much more conscious of editing errors in my work, when reading novels and editing other peoples work. There is no guarantee we will find every single error even when we strive to. With the help of multiple beta readers and fellow writers reading through our manuscripts, there is the hope these errors will be minimal.

What tricks do you use to find errors?

These two authors have generously shared their experience – take a look at their editing advice.

http://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/2010/11/7-tips-for-editing-your-way-to-best.html

http://warriorwriters.wordpress.com/?s=editing+tips

I found this helpful link as well:

http://bubblecow.net/editing-your-own-book-the-top-ten-tips/

This weekend I will be immersed in editing my current WIP – Ockleberries to the Rescue as  was as plotting my NaNoWriMo romance novel. Three writing friends and I will be enjoying the long weekend in Canmore – a mini writing retreat. It will be my first visit to the town so i’m looking forward to a bit of sightseeing to refresh the muse and inspire.

Canmore

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