Hey, everyone! I’m Julie, and I’m a writer. In case you’re wondering why I’m introducing myself like I’m at an AA meeting, to me, writing is an addiction. Even when I’m not sitting-with-my-butt-in-the-chair writing, I’m thinking about writing, or about my characters, or how to finish a scene I’ve been struggling with…or which craft tips I can share with other writers.

That’s right, folks! Today, I’m here to share some tips with you on inline editing. I’ve been creative writing since around 2002, shortly after I discovered the TV show Gilmore Girls and felt compelled to write. I started by dabbling in fanfiction, which helped me to find my voice as a writer, but, more importantly, it gave me a crash course in editing-as-you-go.

Inline editing is THE thing, you guys! And while many writers prefer to write the story first and edit later, I am of the edit-as-you-go school of thought. Here’s why:
1.      It saves time later.
2.      You have a cleaner manuscript to work with.
3.      You’ll have more word awareness.

1 – The more inline editing you do while writing the first draft, the less you have to do when you finally type those blessed two words: The End. #winning

2 – Some writers will make notes like ‘insert sex scene here’ and move on with the intention of addressing (or undressing) it later. Some will leave scenes half-finished so they can advance to a more action-packed section. As a writer who edits as I go, maintaining the flow of my story is crucial. By skipping a large chunk in favour of doing the work later, you risk losing the momentum you used to get to that point in the first place.

Having a clean first draft allows me to concentrate on more important things like plot holes, characterization, dialogue, voice, and consistency. I’m able to polish, refine, and strengthen these critical story elements without getting distracted by ‘finish this laters’ or ‘insert heres.’

3 – I just learned the other day (thank you, trivia calendar!) that the average person’s vocabulary contains 20,000 to 35,000 words. And YET…books are FULL of repetition. We all have these words, our go-to words, that spill out of our brains, and we keep subconsciously typing them, over and over again. Words like that, was, and, because, before, when, as, so…and the list goes on.

I recommend making a list of words you tend to overuse so you can find-and-replace them later. I don’t worry about the repetition as much until the end, but if I’m at least conscious of my go-to words, I can try to actively avoid using them while writing. I’m always adding to my list, too, because different words become crutch words with every new book you write.

I’m not a fast writer, but if the words I do write are grammatically correct, typo-free, and achieve what I set out to do, then I’ve really done two jobs in one. Of course, there will be rewrites later to tighten things up, but I don’t need to worry so much about any glaring mistakes or awkward bits a reader might pick up on.

Lastly, when you’re ready, if you’re an indie author, be sure to hire an editor. Though I edit my own work religiously, it’s too near and dear to my heart to release into the wild without another pair or two of eyes reviewing it. Get yourself a critique partner who isn’t afraid to show you some tough love, one who is wise, has a wonderful way with words, and an equal affection for alliteration. No, you can’t have mine. Maggie Wells is my preciousssss. A professional editor is worth their weight in chocolate. Ask your friends or writing group(s) for recommendations. Or ask me!

Well, that’s all from me for now. Hope you found that helpful! If you’d like to follow me on social media, you can find me…

Thanks, and happy writing! 😊


Julie Evelyn Joyce

Julie is a loud and proud Canuck. When she’s not writing quirky and witty romances, she spends her time molding young minds, playing sports, singing karaoke, juggling, and dancing like there’s no tomorrow. Sometimes simultaneously. She’s also in hot pursuit of her own happily ever after, and anxiously awaits the day serial dating becomes an Olympic event. Last but not least, she worships peanut butter and wants to have its delicious babies. And that’s Julie in a nutshell!

Very excited to share that my debut contemporary romantic comedy, STEEPED IN LOVE, is a finalist in the Kobo Emerging Writer Prize! I’ll find out at the end of the month if I’m the big winner! Cross your fingers for me!

My website: http://julieevelynjoyce.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJEJ

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JulieDoner

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quirkyjewels12

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18472646.Julie_Evelyn_Joyce

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/3548574129