Reading It Out Loud

Here’s a little tip I got from the writing conference last week. Reading your novel out loud helps you find errors.

I’ve heard this one before (like a million times), but I never did it. I didn’t need to read my novels out loud. I thought it was a waste of air. Plus, I read pretty fast in my head. Speaking the words takes so long.

But that’s sort of the point. Yes, most people can zip through page after page in their head, but an interesting thing happens when we do. Silent reading means the words go straight from our eyes to our brain. And our brain does some handy little subconscious editing.

For example, when reading silently, we automatically understand words that are missing lettrs. Or our brains will adjust if words up end backwards. We even add words that have been out. While these samples are silly, in works you are familiar with (such as your novel) you will end up doing at least one of these things.

Reading out loud, that’s different. Now it must go from your eyes to your brain and to your mouth. If what you are seeing and what you are saying doesn’t match up, you will catch yourself.

           Also, in reading out loud, you will catch little rhymes and alliterations that you didn’t mean to say. These unintended phrases can be a mouthful (or a brainful) and your epic fantasy novel will end up sounding like Dr. Seuss.

On a side note, now that I’ve started reading my novel out loud, my cat is completely convinced I’ve lost my mind. He meows and tilts his head as if to ask, “Why are you talking?” And of course, he automatically assumes I’m talking to him. Poor kitty. What am I trying to say to him? Why am I talking and not giving him love or food (which is pretty much the same thing in his eyes)?

Do you read your novel out loud? Does your cat think you are crazy?

Happy writing!

W: Writer's Conferences

Next month is an awesome writer’s conference. I’ve been going to this particular conference since I was nineteen. Almost every good thing I’ve ever learned in writing connects back to this conference and the people I’ve met there. It changed my writing life.

Ironically, I almost didn’t go that first year. I saw the website for the conference and thought it sounded awesome, but I was scared. I didn’t know enough about writing. I was too young. I was a science major and science majors attending a writer’s conference would be like an author attending a conference on genetics.

Wrong wrong wrong!

Writer’s conferences are awesome and very helpful.

First, they help you on whatever level you are at. If you are completely new, they have classes to help you grow. If you have been writing for years and are in the queries and pitches phase of your novel’s life, they have classes to help you grow.

Second, you can establish connections. It is awesome to just talk to other people who know about rebellious characters and ideas that happen at two am. The people you meet at writer’s conferences adore the written word as much as you do. Plus, having connections and friends, whether they are fellow writers or agents, is important in this business. All of my current critiquers are people I’ve met through conferences.

Writer’s conferences are great experiences. If you have the chance to attend one, don’t hesitate.

Happy writing.

I, J, and K

I’ve missed the A-Z challenge for three days now, so today is catch-up day.

I: Isolation

Writing can be a solitary form of art. Authors can spend hours in their own heads, getting to know characters and structuring plots. Creating novels takes quiet time.

Today’s I post is about isolation and why it’s bad.

Don’t hole yourself up and forget the world for your words.

Spend time with your loved ones. They may provide inspiration. Spend time with friends and family that don’t write or particular understand. It will help you gain perspective. And most importantly, spend time with other writers. Attend writer’s conferences. Sometimes local libraries will host free writing classes. Join an on-line forum. Attend book signings of local authors. You will get advice and make friends.

What are some ways you connect to others in the writing world? Any favorite on-line forums?

J:Jessica

Jessica. Isn’t it a great name?

Not only is it my name, but also my roommate’s name. (Yes, it does sometimes get confusing, but it makes it easy for guest because they really only have one name to memorize).

According to a wild rumor (supported by google), the origin of the name Jessica goes back to Shakespeare. Yeah, that Shakespeare. A pretty good little writer or so I’ve heard. The first time the ica was added to the Jess was in The Merchant of Venice.

My mother let my older sister name me. So that’s where my name comes from. She is four years older than me, so I guess I’m lucky I didn’t end up with a name like Sparkle Princess Barbie. My name suits me, so I guess it worked out in the end.

Do you know the history of your name? How did your parents choose it?

K: Kinda cool news

I’ve been delayed in my blogging for two reasons. First, I’ve been having a fabulous time with my family. Second, I’ve been querying my latest novel and received my first ever full request. First time is always exciting.

When my nephew heard I was sending my story to agents, he got very excited and announced that he had a great idea. He knew exactly who I should send it to.

Agent P!

So if things don’t work out, I’m sending a query to Perry the Platypus.