NaNoWriMo Series: Writing Tip #17

Before we even dive into it, I firmly believe that every writer should have an editor. Not because I don't believe in self-editing, but because it helps to have a second pair of eyes to provide feedback. But, putting that idea aside, it is very helpful to have an error-free final draft. This advice is for those who have already Word Vomitted out their first draft. If you have decided to skip this step and go straight to writing the perfect first and final draft, I wish you all the luck in the world. For the rest of us imperfectly wonderful folk, let's get into modern-day editing techniques, shall we?

Microsoft Word vs Google Docs

I'm a Microsoft Word girl through and through. I've been around since the paperclip and there's nothing more that I can really say about that. That doesn't mean I do not use Google Docs to write down an idea (or whole chapter) on my phone so I can plop it into Word later. Both tools are fantastic, especially Google Docs if you can't access Word. I like Word better because I'm familiar with their grammar/spell checker features. But there is one thing that Google Docs is working with that almost trumps Word. Enter Gramarly.

Grammarly

If you haven't heard of this, you are missing out. This free, downloadable widget links up with your browser and helps you correct any mistakes that you might have missed. While this is fantastic for blog writers and those writing in Google Docs, it may not work for those of us who write in Microsoft Word. What I like to do is write my projects in Word, clean it up as best as humanly possible, and then throw the entire document into Grammarly to pick apart. This doesn't replace an editor by any means, but it is a great way to make sure you don't have dumb mistakes in your final draft. It also teaches you about grammar after you've made the same mistake over and over (and over) again. I'm very well aware that as I write this, Grammarly will NOT leave my "really" in the last paragraph alone because it's an "unnecessary word" BUT I don't care. I say all that, but then I'm grateful that it caught a misspelling literally in the sentence above. It's all about how the tool works best for you and your story.

Use the Tools, BUT Still Do The Work

Even though we live in the era of AI and Grammarly, we still have a job as writers to comb through our own work with a fine-toothed comb. Why? Because throwing your work blindly at AI or Grammarly isn't going to make it a best seller. Writing and editing are still a human job. Not to say that AI can't be used to get those inspiration wheels turning or pump out a decent storyline. But after you are through using your fancy gadgets, ask yourself some of these questions before reading over your work one more time:

1. Does the story flow from the last chapter/scene?

2. Are all the characters necessary for the scene/chapter?

3. Are there enough details to keep the reader's vivid imagination alive and engaged?

4. Can you see the events of the chapter/scene as you read it?

If you want to learn more NaNoWriMo tips, check out the 30 Days of Tips that will unfold this month. Can't wait? Then check out my mini-course on The Basics of Storytelling that's available for $1. I look forward to seeing you in whatever form I appear. Until next time.

About the Author

Crystal Cabrae is a storyteller who specializes in writing dystopian, romantic, and adventurous worlds for animation and fantastical fiction. She is a proud graduate of Full Sail University, AMDA, and New World School of the Arts. Her six years of acting training in New York and Miami gives her a unique perspective when approaching her characters. She has a passion for sharing how to create stories with the world and inspiring the storyteller that lives within all of us. Follow her on IG or Pinterest to know the latest.