This monthly post for Insecure Writer’s Support Group Day nearly never happened with great grandkids around as well as a workload that is driving me crazy. There’s too much to do in too little time. Anyway, on to this month’s optional question:
August 2 question – What are your pet peeves when reading/writing/editing?
My pet peeve is reading a poorly edited book, not so much in the sense of odd typos and similar errors. No, the structural glitches that halt my reading with a screech of brakes.
When I have written my first draft, I struggle to get the writing to an acceptable place for my beta readers – it takes me a lot of effort and stress. However, I know that even after multiple passes that a few ‘misteaks’ slip through.
But my peeves are writing that ignores logical storytelling or character motivation, and disjointed actions – except when this is clearly intentional. [Beta readers, please point out my glaring glitches as I can make them in early drafts.]
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Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer – aim for a dozen new people each time – and return comments. This group is all about connecting! Be sure to link to this page and display the badge in your post.
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Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say.
The awesome co-hosts for the August 2 posting of the IWSG are Christine Rains, Dolarah @ Book Lover, Ellen @ The Cynical Sailor, Yvonne Ventresca, and LG Keltner!
Writing Wings 
I agree with you about poorly edited books. What’s worse for me is when the author has paid an editor, and either doesn’t heed their advice OR the editor isn’t a professional and it shows. I have a fantastic editor who’s been a godsend and she’s worth every penny.
P.S. I like your page – it’s eye-catching and well laid out.
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Thanks for the comment and compliment, Paula. Yes, an ignored editor or a poor one are two paths to avoid. I also have a couple of good editors to turn to -and great beta-readers.
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Manipulating the character’s actions never works for me either.
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Thanks, Alex. I suspect writers notice more errors than casual readers.
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Having the great grandkids around must have been a blast. I’m impressed you were able to post with the distraction of them visiting.
If the story isn’t logical, then I stop reading.
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A blast that is a new experience for me, Ellen. I never had any kids so all of them are step-kids’ children.
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Its the glaring/obvious ones that bother me. I like a story to flow, and when mine doesn’t, i know its back to the editing phase, not time to publish.
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Same, Sonna. But then sometimes I hesitate and wonder if I need an apostrophe or not, or whether the ‘i’ comes first or second.
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I agree about poor editing and there’s lots of it. I also get frustrated with repetition or when the story is spelled out as if the reader was too thick to catch on…
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Thanks for visiting, Luccia. Sadly, I’m reading a fantasy novel at the moment that suffers from all the faults you mention – and yet it would be great if not for those failings.
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It’s hard to see your own weaknesses and have the ckarity if mind and ibjectivity to deal with them on your own. Honest and brutal editors are needed by all writers, they can really make a difference…
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