40 WORDS TO CUT FROM YOUR NOVEL ✂️ writing tips to improve your story

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  • Опубліковано 4 січ 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 270

  • @NataliaLeigh
    @NataliaLeigh  4 роки тому +30

    If you enjoyed this video, then you might find the other videos in my Writing Tips playlist helpful as well 💙
    ua-cam.com/play/PLUQYq7Qzlq22FhUs3opM6msxEWydW4DcD.html

    • @Saswat20
      @Saswat20 4 роки тому

      I had finished my debut novel as a draft
      "THE SUMMERY OF MY LOVER"
      NOW I started polishing to make it as a so called book
      But when I watched this video
      Everything got messed and I am in a great danger to overcome it

    • @Saswat20
      @Saswat20 4 роки тому

      BTW I forgot to say something
      .
      .
      .

      .
      .
      .
      .
      .
      .
      Your eyes were fascinating
      I love those

    • @Reggie2000
      @Reggie2000 Рік тому

      Show me your tiiiits!
      Nay, I'm just kidding. Can you imagine if I was THAT guy? 🤔
      You know.... funny!!! 😂
      But seriously though, people literally talk using these words. I like my characters to sound authentic and relatable. So I always write them like human beings talk. Because otherwise, I feel it takes the reader out of the moment.
      Remember, you're telling a story. Not writing a term paper for English class. Thoughts?

  • @jessicachipps2159
    @jessicachipps2159 4 роки тому +156

    "I wanna cry, there goes half of my book!" She whimpered.

    • @MrWarrenjc
      @MrWarrenjc 3 роки тому +12

      I love this. I physically laughed. I don't do that often. Sorry for the word "that." Lol. Hang in there.

    • @embracing_self
      @embracing_self 2 роки тому +1

      🤣 she’s awesome

    • @juliarussellkautt4748
      @juliarussellkautt4748 Рік тому +3

      I read a book on how to write children’s books. The advice was, “Cut it in half, leaving nothing out.”

    • @leslieferguson
      @leslieferguson 8 місяців тому +2

      But here, you haven’t used “whimpered” as a dialog tag! You’ve used it as a character action or beat, and this is great. You merely showed us that she whimpered after speaking. Totally okay!

    • @rex6788
      @rex6788 6 місяців тому

      No tag needed.

  • @Northflowo
    @Northflowo 3 роки тому +63

    "40 words to cut from your novel"
    "yeah totes," I say, as I open the word document containing my reader insert fanfiction

    • @coraliacries
      @coraliacries 3 роки тому +1

      lmao same but I'm an editor for like 6 reader insert fanfics :sob:

    • @abbiepancakeeater52
      @abbiepancakeeater52 3 роки тому +6

      I unironically love reader inserts. Such a happy escape from this world, and even the poorly written ones have this sense of... nostalgia and wholesomeness haha

    • @coraliacries
      @coraliacries 3 роки тому

      @@abbiepancakeeater52 I'm so glad to find someone else who likes them!! if you're into persona or bnha or none you don't really need to know much about either except maybe bnha and it's characters? but google can help with that- you should read this fanfic on wattpad and quotev called "Your Heart" . I'm the editor so I don't start editing til chapter 31 but it's super good! the fightscen on chapter 37 is my favorite edited pievce so far

    • @JalapenoCat1933
      @JalapenoCat1933 9 місяців тому +1

      Northflowo what a surprise seeing you here

    • @hammywoods
      @hammywoods 8 місяців тому

      ​@JalapenoCat1933 no frr, but it warms my heart to see theyre also here to edit their reader insert fanfiction 😳😭

  • @quartkneek3670
    @quartkneek3670 4 роки тому +30

    Around the 5-minute mark is a super important part. I think people write this way because we tend to speak this way. It's common in a colloquial sense and sounds natural to the ear, so when you go to write or you're trying to collect your thoughts to type them out, these things slip in. Because of this process, editing is important but I think it's crucial to leave a lot of this stuff into dialog to make it sound more natural and distinctive from the tone of the narration. Even with a first-person POV, the contrast will be subtle but I think it helps the reader differentiate the shifts without having to consciously consider them.

  • @sovietta133
    @sovietta133 4 роки тому +59

    If you have to use ‘very’ or ‘really’ before a verb than that verb probably isn’t strong enough to use. That’s strangely good advice lol thx 🙏🏻. Edit* 40 likes on this video lmao

    • @platinumpatience5307
      @platinumpatience5307 3 роки тому +1

      You could've applied this by saying "great" or "amazing" instead of "strangely good".

    • @shanezane4171
      @shanezane4171 3 роки тому +2

      @@platinumpatience5307 no amazing or great don't convey strangeness. Maybe say unique or strangely amazing. At the same time saying great or amazing may be too intense for some advice and perhaps good is the best version here

  • @cathyl3526
    @cathyl3526 4 роки тому +29

    There is a lot of fluff and woo on authortube. This is smart, accurate and actionable. Thanks!

  • @DaleLRoberts
    @DaleLRoberts 4 роки тому +9

    Excellent tips. I’m guilty of most and find it in my first manuscript cleanup. Rather than get slowed down by my inner editor, I pump out content in my first run and worry about it in my first edit. After that, it’s in my editor’s hands. 🖐 🤚

    • @NataliaLeigh
      @NataliaLeigh  4 роки тому +2

      Hey, it's Dale! (Love your channel!) I agree--I like to push through the first draft and then spend my edits cleaning everything up. Otherwise it's easy to get slowed down while I'm trying to get words on the page. :)

    • @DaleLRoberts
      @DaleLRoberts 4 роки тому +1

      Natalia Leigh Thanks so much for the kind words. I stumbled on your channel during your live write along session. So, I checked out your videos. Instant subscriber!
      Now, we gotta get with Michael La Ronn (Author Level Up) and convince him to stop editing while writing. Haha jk he’s hardcore about editing while he goes through his first draft. But, he does produce great content. 🤷‍♂️

    • @NataliaLeigh
      @NataliaLeigh  4 роки тому +1

      @@DaleLRoberts Hahaha, I love Michael's videos! I guess everyone has their own way of doing things, I just know I would NEVER finish a book if I constantly edited while writing 😅

    • @DaleLRoberts
      @DaleLRoberts 4 роки тому

      Natalia Leigh me too! It took me a couple years to break myself of the habit.

  • @alanandersen7716
    @alanandersen7716 2 роки тому +17

    Be careful when taking out these words. Context matters. Make sure to watch the video to understand.
    1. That 2. Just 3. Almost 4. Hardly 5. Nearly
    6. At first 7. Simply 8. Only 9. Actually 10. Basically
    11. Clearly 12. Certainly 13. Literally 14. Absolutely 15. Really
    16. So 17. Very 18. Quietly 19. Slowly 20. Quickly
    21. Carefully 22. Extremely 23. Suddenly 24. All of a Sudden 25. See
    26. Feel 27. Hear 28. Look 29. Think 30. Touch
    31. Wonder 32. Realize 33. Watch 34. Seem 35. Notice
    36. Whispered 37. Growled 38. Yelled 39. Snapped 40. Said

  • @bgchaz
    @bgchaz 4 роки тому +32

    i only started deleting these words on the first edit of my novel Kenzie Adrift. I grudgingly admit it made it better. I resisted it for far longer than I should have. Natalia, I've seen videos made about this topic from many others, but I've never seen it explained so well. If you read any of the two Finding the Sky novels I sent you then you know I'm guilty of every sin mentioned in the video. I'm especially embarrassed by the dialogue tags. I'm debating if I should go back and re-edit the entire trilogy, or leave them as they are so readers can see my progress as an author. Thanks for the great tips. Happy writing.

    • @NataliaLeigh
      @NataliaLeigh  4 роки тому +4

      Hey Charles! I completely understand feeling hesitant to cut these words. I used to be guilty of these as well, and it took me years to finally get brave enough to start cutting. But once I did, my work became much cleaner! And no need to be embarrassed! It's nice, I think, to look back at your work and see how far you've come 💙

  • @elliegale1845
    @elliegale1845 3 місяці тому

    This is such good advice! I had never thought about how "suddenly" does the opposite effect for a reader

  • @celestialwolfess1796
    @celestialwolfess1796 Рік тому +3

    One that I keyed in on during my first round of edits was "felt". I got rid of almost every single one in my manuscript and it made the sentences much more engaging, relying on different senses instead of just telling exactly how the character felt: scared, happy, nervous, etc. It made things so much better just with that one change, so I look forward to using this list to tighten things up even more!

  • @qausainasra3601
    @qausainasra3601 4 роки тому +20

    Incase you want to save your time:
    That
    Just
    Almost
    Hardly
    Nearly
    At first
    Simply
    Only
    Really
    So
    Very
    Adverbs
    Suddenly
    All of a sudden
    See
    Feel
    Hear
    Look
    Think
    Touch
    Wonder
    realize
    Watch
    Seem
    Notice
    Whispered
    Growled
    Yelled
    Snapped
    Said
    Hope it helps! 😇

    • @cyril8084
      @cyril8084 6 місяців тому

      Might as well just write it in Japanese

  • @mjbelko9443
    @mjbelko9443 4 роки тому +32

    I'm "madly" scribbling notes! Definitely signing up for the newsletter. What a great video!

  • @AndreaHecklerWriter
    @AndreaHecklerWriter 4 роки тому +42

    “Suddenly” used to be SUCH a struggle for me 🙈 Also filler words, those I still have to watch out for! I’m looking forward to getting to revisions soon with my current WIP, to see if I’ve improved these habits as much as I think (and hope 😂)

    • @NataliaLeigh
      @NataliaLeigh  4 роки тому +5

      Andrea Heckler - Writer Oh yes, I agree! I really struggled with “Suddenly!” I kept thinking it would surprise my readers, but sadly I don’t think it worked 😂

    • @BellaOfTheBrawl
      @BellaOfTheBrawl 4 роки тому +7

      If I see "Suddenly, Rex's foot caught on a rock and he tripped, sending his books flying through the air and scraping his palms on the rough gravel," I feel like the "suddenly" actually spoils the surprise of watching Rex trip and fall lol. So it's interesting, because we THINK it'll be surprising, but it has the opposite effect.

    • @NataliaLeigh
      @NataliaLeigh  4 роки тому +1

      @@BellaOfTheBrawl Yes exactly! I thought the same thing until I finally broke the habit.

    • @edwardjames6023
      @edwardjames6023 2 роки тому

      I hate "suddenly" and "as"

  • @chelseawritesbooks8763
    @chelseawritesbooks8763 4 роки тому +12

    Your editing videos are fantastic. There are so many out on UA-cam with bad advice, or you can just tell they're reading from a quick Google search and don't really understand what they're saying, but yours are just spot on. I'm finishing up my first draft, and have been saving all these videos to re watch when I go to edit this thing later.

    • @NataliaLeigh
      @NataliaLeigh  4 роки тому +3

      Hi Chelsea! Thank you so much for the positive comment. I love sharing my knowledge and feel inspired to share more when I hear it's been helpful. Please let me know if you have any requests, especially once you're finished with that draft and ready to edit! 💙

  • @latishaaustin3740
    @latishaaustin3740 4 роки тому +7

    This was so helpful. I have been catching a lot of this in my own work and recently in a few beta chapters I am reading. Problem was, I didn’t know why I was deleting these words. So thanks. My writing has strengthened.

  • @kmg365a
    @kmg365a 4 роки тому +9

    Thanks for another great video. Let me just say right here and now, I am the (THAT) queen. lol, I was doing the first edit of my 120,000-word book and I found 2,103 times where I used the word = that. Thanks for the list of words. I will be checking my manuscript for them. I will share this video with my fellow writers. Thanks again.

    • @NataliaLeigh
      @NataliaLeigh  4 роки тому +2

      Hahaha, I love it! It's SO easy for "that" to slip past when you least expect it. Gotta stay vigilant 😉

  • @Karan-hg8gk
    @Karan-hg8gk 4 роки тому +19

    Bummer, I use all those words and my favorite is "THAT" Back to editing

    • @NataliaLeigh
      @NataliaLeigh  4 роки тому +1

      Karan Girard Yup, I enjoy “that” as well 😉 It has a tendency to sneak right by me.

  • @melodid5023
    @melodid5023 4 роки тому +5

    I knew all of this and still watched the whole video because it is always nice to be reminded :)

    • @NataliaLeigh
      @NataliaLeigh  4 роки тому +1

      I even catch myself slipping extra words into my writing every now and then. We'll (or at least I'll) never be perfect, but getting a refresher every now and then really helps 😀

    • @melodid5023
      @melodid5023 4 роки тому +1

      @@NataliaLeigh it's super relaxing to know that a professional editor and a real author does this too. I need to learn to be a little bit more gentle to myself. I beat myself up sometimes because I miss so many things when I'm fast drafting. XD

  • @JoleCannon
    @JoleCannon Рік тому +1

    I love this advice. I'm going to through after my initial edit when I do line edits. Thank you.

  • @Avionne_Parris
    @Avionne_Parris 4 роки тому +17

    Your collegiate English background came through during that "strong verb vs. weaker verb" rant (cant wait for that video btw). Also, can we all appreciate Natalia's new editing style in her video? The sound effects and graphics (salt shaker for "salty", I see you!). I'm also thankful for this list. I'm learning so much!

  • @lordgreenmusicofficial
    @lordgreenmusicofficial 4 роки тому

    It's crazy what a word can do to a sentence! A minute in and I trimmed a few 'that's from my sentences and my eyes breezed across otherwise clunky wording. Great video!

  • @leslieferguson
    @leslieferguson 8 місяців тому +1

    Great video with practical reminders for all writers!

  • @diegooland1261
    @diegooland1261 Рік тому

    I did this and wow, it makes a difference. A big difference. I suggest folks search and consider these words.

  • @phyllisdicks9830
    @phyllisdicks9830 2 роки тому +2

    Good video. Very informative. A filter word I was guilty of using when I first started writing was, "finally." I used it to death. Then, one day, I realized what I was doing, and how much damage I was doing to my narrative. It makes a huge difference in the strength of your narrative when you eliminate overuse of these words. Thank you for the info.

  • @EmbraceTerror
    @EmbraceTerror 3 роки тому +3

    Shewt!!! There's nothing left to my book ....

  • @jinks908
    @jinks908 4 роки тому +1

    Wow. I am SO glad I discovered you. You have the most clear, concise, and consistent videos I've seen on UA-cam. A lot of these other channels are gimmicky and honestly sort of pie-in-the-sky and cliche. Every statement you make about the crafts of writing and storytelling is backed up by a thoughtful, effective argument with excellent examples and convincing reasoning. I am binging your videos right now. In this one especially, the comment about needing the reader to be completely immersed in the story spoke to me. I have a first-person character who I think has a really unique and witty voice, but man, you just elevated my game by noticing lines like "I SAW the horses galloping." That looks so ridiculously harmless and originally I thought well yeah it's the first-person that is writing! But innocent looking lines like those remove your reader at least one layer out if not completely.
    I like to think that you are helping fill the world with better, more effective books! Keep on!

  • @susanbuckminster282
    @susanbuckminster282 4 роки тому +6

    Great video! Thank you!

  • @АсяНиколова-з6и
    @АсяНиколова-з6и 2 роки тому +1

    Awesome tips, I definitely didn't realize how most of these pollute the narrative. Thank you!

  • @tryingtoputitintowords
    @tryingtoputitintowords 4 роки тому +6

    I am loving all of your editing/proofing videos. Extremely helpful!!

    • @NataliaLeigh
      @NataliaLeigh  4 роки тому

      Hey Amanda, thanks for letting me know! I'll be sure to make more 💙 Please let me know if you have any specific requests!

  • @eegoal
    @eegoal 4 роки тому +9

    Great video! I "basically" use "each and every one" of these 40 words in my writing lol.

  • @MaryMcKeown-it4kn
    @MaryMcKeown-it4kn 11 місяців тому

    Yes!!! "That!" Preach!! I think I love you!

  • @ThomasJBellezza
    @ThomasJBellezza 2 роки тому +2

    What great videos you have on your channel. I've watched several already. I loved your "suddenly" section in this particular video. I want to add a perspective that my fellow writers and I tell one another: Things are happening. The mindset of "things are happening" gives a writer a chance to look over the pace of a scene or moment. Like you said, "suddenly" gives away what is going to happen and slows the scene down for both the reader and the narrative. Writers might take a look at their character's moments as something that is either happening or not happening. Nothing really starts to happen, begins to happen, or suddenly happens. Write as if the character is in action, not as if they were going to act. One does not begin to leave. If they begin to leave, it usually indicates the action is interrupted. Leaving is the same as suddenly leaving. I hope that adds an alternate perspective.
    Oh, and for those reading this comment, Natalia has a great video on "first chapter mistakes new writers make" right here: ua-cam.com/video/xeADNnlJC80/v-deo.html

  • @leahstanger1171
    @leahstanger1171 4 роки тому +5

    I love the way you broke this down 🙂

    • @NataliaLeigh
      @NataliaLeigh  4 роки тому

      Hi Leah, I'm glad you enjoyed it! I wanted to be able to explain each of these words within a larger category, and I'm glad that method worked! 💙

  • @Comfycozyup
    @Comfycozyup 4 роки тому +6

    Thanks for sharing! This video was informative.

  • @reneebarrette4514
    @reneebarrette4514 4 роки тому +7

    Love love love!!!!!!

    • @NataliaLeigh
      @NataliaLeigh  4 роки тому

      Happy to hear it Renee! I hope you find these tips helpful!

  • @janetswan16
    @janetswan16 4 роки тому +9

    Great video. This helped so much. Thank you for taking the time to help us be better writers.

    • @NataliaLeigh
      @NataliaLeigh  4 роки тому

      Hey Janet! You're very welcome! I love sharing tips and hope I can help someone out along the way 💙 I felt so alone when I was learning how to write, but thanks to this community, we can learn from one another and feel like there's someone there to help out when we get stuck :)

  • @EmbraceTerror
    @EmbraceTerror 2 роки тому +1

    So, you very clearly showed me that my manuscript could be greatly reduced by really going through and taking out these words! I was overjoyed with your information!! LOL

  • @grayh.8905
    @grayh.8905 4 роки тому +6

    I have a problem using a lot of these words too much in my writing, haha. I took notes this time so I can remember this when I get to editing!

    • @NataliaLeigh
      @NataliaLeigh  4 роки тому

      Hi Gray! I used to use most (if not all) of these words as well. It's just about learning how to spot them during edits 😉

  • @mischarowe
    @mischarowe 4 роки тому +7

    This is such a great help. I'm always blown away by how great your videos are. Thanks. :)
    (Signed up for the newsletter. :))

  • @joevaldez6457
    @joevaldez6457 10 місяців тому

    Fantastic video, Natalia. I’m in the final revision/ editing phase of a 75,000 word crime thriller and while it was not fun reviewing every use of these 40 words (it took me three days) writing or editing shouldn’t be if it’s transforming the condition of the manuscript. I cut around 750 words. Thank you. I’ll continue through your terrific content before querying agents.

  • @umanamicheal8089
    @umanamicheal8089 Місяць тому

    Thank you most graciously, Ma'am.🙏🏾🙏🏾

  • @sharkisshark3476
    @sharkisshark3476 Рік тому

    thanks i need this, i want my storys to be to the point, makes the reading smoother and easy to get immersed

  • @camerynekayne6288
    @camerynekayne6288 4 роки тому +4

    I bought every book you talked about! I can’t thank you enough! 👊🏻😎

    • @NataliaLeigh
      @NataliaLeigh  4 роки тому +2

      Hey Cameryne! You are so welcome! I'd love to know what you think about the books!

    • @camerynekayne6288
      @camerynekayne6288 4 роки тому

      Natalia Leigh absolutely!! Still waiting on the cat book! But what a huge help!! Thank you again, btw I’ve submitted my submission form on your website. 👍🏻

  • @anaerobinson
    @anaerobinson 4 роки тому +8

    Love these videos because it's these simple tips that help in writing. Thank you for helping us become better writers. ❤

    • @NataliaLeigh
      @NataliaLeigh  4 роки тому

      anaerobinson I agree! Learning one small thing at a time can really help your stories shine ✨

  • @jwoodswce
    @jwoodswce Місяць тому

    I use a Word macro to highlight words like these so as I edit I get a visual prompt to consider cutting or substituting words.

  • @Writing4Jesus247
    @Writing4Jesus247 4 роки тому +3

    Finally, a video that doesn't hate on adverbs! Great video, girl! I like how you speak with confidence but also with humility and reassurance! :) Keep it up!

  • @soummyadipchakraborty1380
    @soummyadipchakraborty1380 2 роки тому +1

    Damn I am going to publish my first novel in two weeks and this one helped. Thank You

  • @liveinwonder8626
    @liveinwonder8626 4 роки тому +7

    I was waiting for “really” and “so”... those are my worst! I’m always trying to cut back on filler words in my writing and emails. As for my speaking style... eek! 😅

    • @liveinwonder8626
      @liveinwonder8626 4 роки тому

      Thanks for taking the time to make this video. It’s really helpful ☺️ (I can’t not say really. It really is.)

  • @bellybuster01
    @bellybuster01 2 роки тому

    All of a sudden, I clearly see that I really am as great of writer as I thought!

  • @douglashazelrigg4377
    @douglashazelrigg4377 2 роки тому

    Great tutorial -- thank you. These would apply not just to creative writing, but any writing. I laughed at how many of these I rely on. I use "quietly, slowly, and quickly" WAY too frequently!

  • @SteveBottoms
    @SteveBottoms 3 роки тому +2

    "Dialogue is different from narrative." I was actually about to pop off about that. ;-) Thanks!

  • @lorijane2
    @lorijane2 4 роки тому +1

    That was very helpful. I am currently doing a read aloud edit of my novel. It amazes me how many unnecessary words I’ve been able to cut out by doing this.

    • @wismeiry31
      @wismeiry31 3 роки тому

      You used the word “that” 🥺

  • @tracy238
    @tracy238 4 роки тому +4

    This was helpful, thanks

  • @darkdaughter5966
    @darkdaughter5966 2 роки тому

    Very true point being made. Extremely helpful Natalia.
    However, it's also true that these words can be portrayed skillfully.
    Like how simple is simple for a reason.
    Or tell is just tell instead of show for a reason.

  • @librafrills2815
    @librafrills2815 4 роки тому +6

    Thank you for such a helpful video! Filtering is especially the hardest habit to break, at least for me 😅

    • @NataliaLeigh
      @NataliaLeigh  4 роки тому

      Libra Frills Hey Libra! I feel you. It took my three novels before I even knew what filtering was 😅

  • @seanaidan4577
    @seanaidan4577 4 роки тому +1

    Basically I literally enjoyed your video, all of the sudden it made sense, absolutely :-)

  • @DonnaRaePhotography
    @DonnaRaePhotography 6 місяців тому

    Very helpful information. Thank you Natalia.

  • @christinabriggs1782
    @christinabriggs1782 11 місяців тому

    Thank you so much for this. I'm self editing, and this is awesome. Today will be line by line day.

  • @BreezyArts256
    @BreezyArts256 2 роки тому

    Oh my gosh!!!! I think is the first time I’ve really comprehended what filter words really are thank you so much this made things sooo much clearer😆😆🥳🎉😊

  • @themysteriousunknownrevealed
    @themysteriousunknownrevealed Рік тому +1

    Suddenly, I quickly realized, "This is advice for high school creative writing class!"

  • @Rise876
    @Rise876 4 роки тому +7

    Thank you for sharing your editor knowledge. Very very helpful. Great video!👌🏼

    • @NataliaLeigh
      @NataliaLeigh  4 роки тому +1

      Hey, I'm happy to share! Glad you found the video helpful 😀

  • @ExtrmBio
    @ExtrmBio 4 роки тому

    Im glad I found your videos. I've been working on my very first novel and everything you talked about I've done lol. I was literally laughing most of the time because it was like you were in my head.

  • @MrWarrenjc
    @MrWarrenjc 3 роки тому +1

    Thanks for this video. I'm guilty of all. However, I'm new to 1st person and your filtering horse story cleared up a lot for me. The reason I've gone to 1st person is to put reader closer to my character, and then I use, "I saw horses run across the meadow." If I had to explain it, I'd say I don't want the reader to be close to the character. I want the reader to become the character. It's this correct.

  • @mercurialthrills9011
    @mercurialthrills9011 4 роки тому +1

    This video taught me so much information I hadn't known before, thank you.

    • @NataliaLeigh
      @NataliaLeigh  4 роки тому

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Happy writing ✍🏻🥰

  • @annac9534
    @annac9534 3 роки тому +1

    This video is so important and such a life saver. I’m still a student in college getting my English degree but you break things down so well. Thank you.

  • @m.ali2008
    @m.ali2008 2 роки тому +1

    We are thankful for best information

  • @WriteHollyDavis
    @WriteHollyDavis 4 роки тому +6

    What a great video!! 👍

    • @NataliaLeigh
      @NataliaLeigh  4 роки тому +1

      Hey Holly, glad you enjoyed it! I also loved your Lower Body Workout for Writers video as well! I've been sitting so much lately, I feel like I'm becoming a noodle, lol!

  • @GoldenDIY
    @GoldenDIY Рік тому +1

    Thank you for this! I have a lot of editing to do now. This list will be very useful!

  • @AuthorJCCarpenter
    @AuthorJCCarpenter 4 роки тому +8

    This was such a good video Natalia! A good refresher and a good reminder for me of who to come to when I finish this book because while I edit other people's work I actually struggle to edit my own stuff. I think I'm just not objective enough to chop apart my baby (because our books are our babies lol). I so admire that you can edit your own work ❤
    *and I think I might have used too many fillers and unnecessary words in this comment lol

  • @Erikareadsbooks22
    @Erikareadsbooks22 2 роки тому +1

    You’re videos have been so helpful. I’m writing my first novel and have been binging your content. Thank you!

    • @NataliaLeigh
      @NataliaLeigh  2 роки тому

      I'm so glad you're enjoying my content! Happy writing! 😊

  • @luiscrespo9902
    @luiscrespo9902 7 місяців тому

    Excellent advice! Thanks!

  • @CosmicPen
    @CosmicPen 2 роки тому

    This is good advice for narration, but dialogue? Not every speaker is a writer so I’m glad you pointed that out. I’m checking to see if you have a vid on dialogue tips.

  • @karlsmith1469
    @karlsmith1469 4 роки тому +3

    Ohhhh maaaan, that's my whole first paragraph

  • @MrWarrenjc
    @MrWarrenjc 3 роки тому +1

    Just saw this Natalia. This is great. Thanks. I'm writing my first fiction book. Always wanted to do it for fun. I'm a nonfiction author. Oh, and sorry for the word "just." LOL

  • @writertaylorleecooper9357
    @writertaylorleecooper9357 4 роки тому +5

    awesome

  • @bazingaabazinggoo9664
    @bazingaabazinggoo9664 4 роки тому +7

    Useful

    • @NataliaLeigh
      @NataliaLeigh  4 роки тому

      Bonnie Phillips Glad to hear it Bonnie 😊

  • @melodyloomis4537
    @melodyloomis4537 4 роки тому +1

    I’m so bad about overusing the word “that”. THAT word keeps finding its way into my manuscript! Thanks for this! I’m working on edits now and this is a good reminder of what words to cut :-)

  • @teresamontgomery1235
    @teresamontgomery1235 2 роки тому +1

    About 10 seconds before she got to the first word, I thought, "#1 is going to be 'that'." I've been working on trimming 'that' from my writing as much as possible in my most recent drafts.
    A lot more to consider while I collect myself for writing again after years of hiatus.

  • @lynnettebosan3281
    @lynnettebosan3281 2 роки тому +1

    Thank you, Natalia, for a great video! I am finishing up my editing and these are great tips!

  • @BriantWebster
    @BriantWebster Рік тому

    words I struggle with: notice, seem, realize, and wonder
    And yeah, changing the verb or adjective can improve the sentence. I also like your idea of adding description or action in the dialogue to remind the reader who is talking.

  • @AlexiusDeTres
    @AlexiusDeTres 2 роки тому +1

    Just discovered you on UA-cam! I've found your videos very helpful, and look forward to using your tips while editing my novels. THANKS

  • @loginnlovelife4491
    @loginnlovelife4491 2 роки тому

    When I am about to write "really", it's very clear to me that I've run out of words. Clearly.

  • @terencemoss5854
    @terencemoss5854 3 роки тому

    Great video Natalie. I think using a Thesaurus helps clean up sentences and avoid repetition. Good advice about “said”

  • @davidronin1536
    @davidronin1536 10 місяців тому

    You are a very good teacher. I wish you'd bee n one of my English teachers in high school or college.

  • @traditionsHome
    @traditionsHome 4 роки тому

    "Just one look, that's all it took." Doris Troy, 1963. Found this video fantastic. Nicely done Natalia!

  • @aliatbega1099
    @aliatbega1099 2 місяці тому

    Thanks

  • @stormyhazarika8545
    @stormyhazarika8545 Рік тому

    This is really really good!

  • @cherylreynolds8148
    @cherylreynolds8148 2 роки тому

    This was awesome. Do you have book suggestions to help me write better?

  • @SaraLubratt
    @SaraLubratt 4 роки тому

    Great advice Natalia! Will defiantly keep this in mind as I'm editing my novel!

  • @jacklawrence2212
    @jacklawrence2212 2 роки тому

    Excellent video, with some fantastic tips. Thank you.

  • @craftypaton4195
    @craftypaton4195 Рік тому

    Thank you!

  • @Marci82
    @Marci82 8 місяців тому

    Excellent video ❤

  • @12thDecember
    @12thDecember 3 роки тому +1

    I want to say _thank you_ for mentioning "growling." I go through books on Kindle and mark things I like and things I don't like. In the most recent book I read, there are no less than 10 growling instances in the first half of the story. Maybe the author thinks it's sexy to have the aloof love interest constantly growling his responses, but it's such a distraction and eventually becomes comical.
    Thank you for this video. I like your communication style.

  • @TFrills
    @TFrills 3 роки тому

    The outro music sounded really cool!!!

  • @carlaa.springs1107
    @carlaa.springs1107 3 роки тому

    I am learning a lot from your video's! Thank you.

  • @tough_broomstick
    @tough_broomstick 2 роки тому

    awsome! very informative video.

  • @MK-fi6mh
    @MK-fi6mh Рік тому

    thank you

  • @rossyl.9887
    @rossyl.9887 4 роки тому +4

    I wonder what's recommended to do first between copy editing, proofreading, and manuscript critique. Thanks.

    • @NataliaLeigh
      @NataliaLeigh  4 роки тому +1

      Hi Rossy! A manuscript critique would be first, followed by copy editing and then proofreading. Of course there are other steps along the way, but that's the general order.

    • @rossyl.9887
      @rossyl.9887 4 роки тому

      @@NataliaLeigh Thanks a lot.

  • @Mike-ny6sf
    @Mike-ny6sf Рік тому

    I have over 800 "thats" in my first novel draft. I just eliminated 340 of them! haha. thank you. now on to verbs and all else you covered