8 May 2011

I've finished

I've just finished checking the line edit in the final chapter of my book. Phew!  The following quote is for my editor, Jo Rosenberg, who has been a wonderful guide and friend to me all through this process.  Thank you Jo!  I am going to celebrate now by washing up the lunch dishes. ;- )

"Great Rules of Writing" ~ William Safire

Do not put statements in the negative form.
And don't start sentences with a conjunction.
If you reread your work, you will find on rereading that a
great deal of repetition can be avoided by rereading and editing.
Never use a long word when a diminutive one will do.
Unqualified superlatives are the worst of all.
De-accession euphemisms.
If any word is improper at the end of a sentence, a linking verb is.
Avoid trendy locutions that sound flaky.
Last, but not least, avoid cliches like the plague.


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23 comments

  1. congratulations, looking forward to reading the final product

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  2. Rhonda, Congratulations on finishing the book!
    Happy Mother's Day
    ~~HUGS~~

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  3. Fabulous news. What a huge relief. How appropriate for Mothers' Day seeing as your book has probably become your baby.
    Enjoy a well deserved rest, after the dishes of course.
    ; )

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  4. Congratulations! What an accomplishment!! I look forward to an autographed copy!

    Happy Mother's Day!

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  5. Congratulations Rhonda. When can we look forward to purchasing your book?

    Love the quote!

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  6. Early next year, Aurora, possibly March.

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  7. Looking forward to seeing it on the bookshelves!
    Congratulations on all your hard work. You must feel wonderful and free to do the dishes :-)

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  8. Congratulations on finishing the book! What an achievement! I hope washing up dishes was an apt way to celebrate ;)

    When I do professional writing, I just edit and edit and edit. I tend to be verbose but then I go back to it and scrap as much as I can. In fact, I try to be a little shorter than my given word limit, it is excellent practice! :)

    Good luck!

    Blessings,
    This Good Life

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  9. Love the poem. Very witty!

    Gav x

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  10. Congratulations for finishing.
    Happy Mother's Day!
    Thank you for sharing the rules for writing, very funny! :o)

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  11. We have a relative that speaks in cutesy phrases ALL the time and it drives us nuts! I'm glad to see it as a general rule in writing to NOT write that way either.

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  12. Yay for you!!! Happy Mother's Day!

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  13. Very clever quote...and very clever "you" on finishing your re-reading. It's not every person who could say that they will reward themselves by washing-up!

    It reminds me of when my kids were impressionable toddlers and seemed to love all food. I used to say in a dramatic voice "and for dessert we have...steamed broccoli in a cheese sauce" and they'd say a rousing cheer! (and heartily eat up the "dessert"!)

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  14. Hooray- you celebrate with your dishes, I'm having a glass of bubbly in your honour.

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  15. Congratulations Rhonda, That is such an amazing achievement. I just can't wait to read it!

    Happy Mother's Day!

    Katie x

    PS We visited Peppergreens today - SO wonderful!

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  16. Congratulations! Can't wait to get my copy!

    Happy Mother's Day, Rhonda. Thank you for sharing your life with all of us.

    Blessings, Patti

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  17. Happy Mother's day! I will be impatiently waiting until I can buy your book. Well Done! Darlene

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  18. Well done and Congratulations. I bet you are breathing a real sigh of relief now.

    I hope you will be able to find some "me-time" now - I reckon you deserve it.

    Oh - and I loved the Great Rules of Writing!!

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  19. Wow! What a GREAT accomplishment! And may your Mother's Day be blessed.

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  20. Well done Rhonda, such a lot has been going on lately in your life, it is indeed a rich and blessed one. Had to look up 'De-accession euphemisms'...still not much wiser!
    Have a great day,
    Vickixx

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  21. congratulations, what an achievement.
    Does it feel a little like watching your children leave the home and go out to make their way in the world?

    Love the quote, think I'll print it for my writer daughter.

    cheers Kate

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