WriteScouts: Self-editing . . . or, Did I seriously write that?

As you know if you follow me at all, I’ve got a new book coming out this summer. Finding Clarity is available exclusively in the Tales from Big Country box set which releases next month. In getting ready for that release, I have been doing some writerly “housekeeping.” I updated my website and began switching my email provider from MailChimp to Mailerlite, which meant I also had to update links in all my books that are already out there.

That’s when I read reviews. I try not to do that very often because, well, frankly, it can be frustrating and depressing. But when I saw the reviews of Diamond in the Rough, a couple of comments got me to thinking. They said I “must’ve run out of words.” Essentially, they thought the story ended too abruptly. So, even though I clearly remember writing that last scene with a goofy smile on my face, thinking I’d nailed a happy ending, my readers didn’t feel the same way.

So, what do you do when you see several reviews saying the same thing? You go back and fix it. That’s what I’ve been doing. Going back through the manuscript and fixing things. One of the things I noticed is something I’m astounded my critique group and beta readers missed. I use the word “just” a LOT. I figure as long as I’m fixing the ending and fleshing it out, I’m also going to fix that “just” problem.

I hope you like the newly freshened up Diamond in the Rough (I’ll give you a heads up when it’s available). In the meantime, make sure you preorder your copy of Tales from Big Country (seriously – 99 cents for this collection of books is a steal!).

Oh! Mark your calendars for Wednesday, June 19 and plan to join me and the other authors on Facebook. There’ll be all sorts of fun and prizes – including a Kindle Fire and gift cards!