editing

Wordy Wednesday

~ my word (s) ~ 4 Comments

I’m continuing with the process of editing my 2nd children’s book. It follows on from The Clocker but, this time, focuses on Samantha. Nev and his dad, Ed are very much part of the story, Ed continuing to embarrass Nev with his misuse of slang.

As I was editing the other day, I came across a line I’d written: Nev’s dad’s slanguage was legendary. It made me pause to consider when the word slanguage had become part of our vocabulary.

Finding that the word wasn’t listed in my physical Oxford English Dictionary, I headed to Google and the online OED. I was surprised to find that the first known usage of the word slanguage was the 1860s, when it appeared in the Daily Telegraph London. The word is a blend of slang and language, hence slanguage. If you’ve read my children’s book, The Clocker, My Books you’ll be familiar with Nev’s dad’s mixed up slang words.

It was a surprise to find that the word slanguage was first noted in 1860

Flaunt it Friday

~ my word (s) ~ 6 Comments

This week I have completed a second developmental edit of my next children’s book. I’ve made changes, added some bits and removed others. This book will focus on Samantha, who appeared in my first book, The Clocker. My Books

My next task is a line edit and to then send it off for feedback before getting it published. I’m getting closer and feeling pleased.

What are you pleased about this week? I’d like to hear from you.

Flaunt it Friday

~ my word (s) ~ 5 Comments

Having completed the first draft of my next children’s book, I felt a bit daunted at the thought of starting the editing process. I remembered I still had access to some online talks on editing and decided to listen to the one on developmental editing.

It occurred to me as I listened that I knew how to do this. There was nothing in the tutorial that I couldn’t do, or hadn’t done before. It felt reassuring to have a way forward.

I’m pleased to say I’ve made a start. I’ve been through the whole manuscript noting areas I’d identified in square brackets that needed research or clarification. I’m now halfway through reading the manuscript to check for inconsistencies. That feels like quite an achievement.

What are you pleased about this week?

Focussed on editing