Tag #freelanceeditor

Nyssa’s Nuggets

aimeredleaf, The Narrative Gardener Leave a comment

“Stay hydrated.”

I remember clearly the morning I picked Nyssa up. She was the most adorable gray and black bear cub ever seen. Somewhere along in the conversation the breeder told me that he uses five gallon pails as water bowls because Akitas drink so much.

Really? I thought to myself. I had had a male Akita some years past and I had never noticed his intake to be more than average. But I nodded politely and said I remembered to continue the discourse.

It did become apparent that she drinks a lot of water. When she stands at the bowl drinking for five minutes or so, I usually remark that she is “tanking up.”

And then I fill the bowl again.

Nowadays, with four dogs, I’m constantly filling water bowls. I should probably get one of those dog water cooler things, but cleaning those can be a pain, like my chicken waterers.

Nevertheless, Nyssa reminds me daily how important it is to stay properly hydrated, even though I’m at my desk working most of the day. And with the change of seasons here once again, I am never more aware of this fact.

A winter spent in dry heat has been rough. I have humidifiers going constantly, but the only thing that really relieves the sinus pressure and dry, cracking, peeling fingers is keeping my internal hydration at well over full. And being able to turn the heat down and eventually, off.

We all know how much better we feel when we eat right, but staying hydrated produces dramatic results much quicker. I notice better attention, I’m more alert and energetic, and can often stay awake longer in the evenings. Digestion is improved, I don’t eat quite as much, and every struck key doesn’t elicit a jab or a sting from my split fingers.

It’s just so much more pleasant all the way around!

I do fall into patterns of days where I forget to hydrate. Then it’s usually a time that I fill a water bowl for the furry ones which reminds me to do the same myself.

In the cooler months I find it easier to drink more water if I have seltzer. But in the summer, I have a hard time with seltzer and I default back to chilled water. I haven’t the faintest idea why that is, but it’s what I’ve noticed. Do you have any similar quirks?

Dogs are professionals at hydration and they can’t sweat, except through the pads of their feet. You would think humans would be better at it considering the water conducting capacity of our skin. I’ve always wondered about that—why my thirst point isn’t higher or something to prevent the deficit I fall into.

Nah, it’s more like I just don’t listen until it’s too late.

If the seasons are changing in your area too, this could be an auspicious time to pay attention to your hydration habits. The results are well worth it, and quick to arrive, so why not?

Dogs do, Nyssa does. We’d all love to have our dogs’ lives, right? Drink up, friends!

How’s your hydration routine? Do you drink enough water or do you need to drink more? Drop a comment below and we can talk about it.

Have a great week! Woof woof roooooo! 🐕‍🦺

Red Leaf Word Services has a new editing package!

A First 100 pages critique!

  • Perfect if you want to get a feel for editing—what it looks like, what suggestions could be made, even how you feel about having your work edited.
  • A great idea if you are starting to self-edit and want a bit of guidance where some of your pitfalls and strengths are concerned.
  • Excellent for trying out a new level of editing for you.

Head over to www.redleafwords.com for more about this new service or other levels of editing.

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You can find the checklist popup on the website, or use this link here to sign up and get your copy!

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Nyssa’s Nuggets

aimeredleaf, The Narrative Gardener 2 Comments

“Take the opportunity when it presents itself.”

Nyssa reveling in the one patch of snow on our walk

Akitas are snow dogs. They wait not-so patiently all year for the white stuff to fly and they revel in it. Unfortunately for Nyssa, our backyard is one of the first places that melts off, even more so with all of the traffic of four dogs. At that point, she has to content herself with rolling in a few patches that remain in the shady areas along our walks. Like in the shot above, she rolls around and creates her own doggy snow angel, savoring every moment she can.

She takes advantage of the snow when it is there.

Which only serves to remind me that I should do the same.

Several times recently I have missed an opportunity that I was interested in, purely because I didn’t act then and there. Of course, there is no way to know whether I would have been selected, but if I don’t apply, then there is no chance, right?

So what holds me back?

Imposter syndrome, mostly, which translates simply to FEAR.

Imposter syndrome is brutal. Once it has insinuated itself into your mind, it is content to hang out and just comment when you think you’ve built up enough confidence to resist it.

All it takes is one little mental sneer, and I’m scrolling onto something else. The demon wins again.

I want nothing more than to beat the bugger into submission once and for all because giving in is not like me. I have enough confidence in every other area of my life, but not this one, not yet. The struggles of new freelancers are real and tough, but everyone has to start somewhere. Why am I having so much trouble kicking this?

Nyssa takes the opportunity to apply herself to what she loves every time she gets it. So in that way, she continually boosts her confidence.

Then she makes snow angels on the ice and wishes for a snowstorm. (Trust me, I know this).

And guess what happens?

It snows. More confidence fills her well.

I need to be more like Nyssa and take the opportunities when they are there. Even if it doesn’t pan out, I still have learned, I have more experience than before, and even a bit more confidence in my well.

So that’s my mission—be more like my dog. Which is definitely not a bad way to be.😄

Do you take advantage of opportunity when it presents itself? Let me know in the comments 👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼

Have a great week! Woof woof roooooo! 🐕‍🦺

Nyssa is an integral part of Quill & Orb Press editing, where she supervises from the couch. If you are curious about my editing services and the genres I work in, please follow the link to the webpage or you can contact me at aime@redleafwords.com.

My editing is, first and foremost, a collaboration with you that cultivates drafts and ideas into books of gold. 🔮✨✏📚

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Nyssa’s Nuggets

aimeredleaf, The Narrative Gardener Leave a comment

“We howl together as a pack.”

Sound on!

Nyssa and her pack howling together, well, except for Wicket.

As they have gotten more comfortable with each other, the dogs have started howling together. It tends to happen when they are all playing and excited in close proximity to one another. Usually Cedar and Wicket are trying to get Dash to run so they can chase him, and Nyssa takes over, as you see and hear above.

They seem to enjoy it, and honestly, I do too. Most times I participate as well. 😄

This communication has brought them closer as a pack and they seem happy to have me in on the event. Good communication often has that effect.

The editor-author relationship is built on communication, in addition to respect and trust. Communication is also the vehicle by which the other two elements are fostered.

Sending your work off to an editor is a huge step. Hopefully it is also one that will contribute to your growth as an author and writer. Most writers have ideas of where their work may be a bit weak, or need some tweaking or building-up. Letting your editor know these areas ahead of time can help them focus on where to direct their attention.

It also lets them know what you perceive as some of your strengths or weaknesses as an author. And how they can best assist you in making your manuscript the best it can be.

Of course there is always the moment when the editorial letter and edited manuscript arrive back in your inbox. Remember your editor is likely nervous too, sending their carefully crafted letter back to you.

When the objective of all parties involved is the same, we have a better chance of understanding each other and having meaningful discussions. We speak the same language about the manuscript in the interest of improving it. We work together, and in the process, strengthen our editor-author relationship.

Just like Nyssa’s pack. Howling together for a stronger bond.

Have a great week! Woof woof roooooo! 🐕‍🦺

If you would like more information about Quill & Orb Press’s editing services, please visit the website.

“At Quill & Orb Press, collaboration cultivates drafts and ideas into gold.”🔮✨✏📚

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Nyssa’s Nuggets

aimeredleaf, The Narrative Gardener Leave a comment

“If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em.”

Four-way play 😍

Two and a half months have passed since Cedar and Wicket came into our lives. From watching all of their interactions, I would say that collectively they are all now a family pack. Both puppies have fit into the routines and daily flow of the household.

It did take Nyssa and Dash some time to accept the two young ones, though. And I expected that. However, her manner for accepting them was very different. Cedar kind of forced his way down her throat by throwing himself in front of her constantly and kissing her whenever he could. She gets annoyed and he flops in front of her submissively and they play.

It took Nyssa a long time, until last week or so, to give any individual attention to Wicket, though. I was starting to get nervous even, but then she gave him her “nibble treatment” for a while and they played tug and all has been well since. I guess she figured Wicket isn’t going anywhere, and he is sweet and fun, so why not. Dash already plays with him, she may as well, too.

Her decision to accept and integrate, and this time of year when many association memberships come due put me in mind of the benefits of these organizations.

I’ve seen several queries on social media channels about whether the professional editors associations are worth joining. What are the benefits? Is the cost justifiable?

In my opinion, yes, they are.

I am a member of the Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA) and several others. Last year I took a full complement of editing courses from the EFA at discounted rates, which balanced the membership fee. Not to mention those courses were all taught by EFA members who are highly respected editors themselves. I enjoyed every one of them and was grateful for the connections I made with experienced editors. Their feedback was insightful, instructive, and helped me be more confident in my work. I highly recommend the EFA courses if you want editing instruction.

The communities these associations give you the opportunity to be a part of is also a huge resource. Most of them have Facebook groups, both public and private, and the amount of information shared in these forums is astounding. Peer-driven support can be so important for this industry, given that so many of us are working from home, much of the time in solitude. Having a group at the ready to answer questions and bounce sticky bits off of is invaluable. I’ve learned a metric ton just by lurking and following along!

For new editors like myself, it also gives us the space to integrate slowly, to get up to speed at a pace we are comfortable with. Introverts, (like me), certainly appreciate this.

Once again, Nyssa is right. Might as well join and have fun (and learn), than resist and be left without support when it may highly benefit you. If you can join some associations, I say do it. Be part of the community. #editorsjustwannahelp

Have a great week! Woof woof roooooo! 🐕‍🦺

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Reblog— What to Expect from an Editor — Writer Unboxed

aimeredleaf, The Narrative Gardener Leave a comment

I see this topic come up in conversation in online writing groups constantly. This Writer Unboxed episode provides a solid idea of what to expect from an editor and why we aren’t to be feared. Editors have a genuine desire to help authors improve their craft and see their creativity shine. Many of us are writers too, we understand the discomfort involved, and trust me, we don’t want to perpetuate it in someone else! ~

Letting other people—even those close to you—read your novel for the first time can be stressful. You’ll wonder if they’re going to judge you, if they’ll recognize themselves in there, or if you really want your mother to know that you know about these things. But after the first few times, you get used to…

What to Expect from an Editor — Writer Unboxed

One difference I would note is that where Mr. Dempsey talks about the notations and comments made in “…copy editing and proof reading” stages, at Quill & Orb Press those notations would be part of my line editing and copy editing services.

If you would like to learn more about Quill & Orb Press editing, please visit me here. Enjoy your day!~

Nyssa’s Nuggets

aimeredleaf, The Narrative Gardener Leave a comment

“Wake up to the promise of a brand new day wagging your tail and smiling.”

Nyssa’s happy grin

In light of #HappyNew Year2021, today’s nugget is more of a reminder, or a bit of positivity to start 2021 off right. 😉🎆🎇

I’ve mentioned before that Nyssa has impeccable timing in the morning. She is the best kind of alarm clock—a gentle nudge with a cool nose, followed by a big Akita kiss. When I turn to look at her, I can’t miss her wildly wagging curled tail. It is the ultimate show of happiness and enthusiasm.

Nyssa is never happier than when she has my undivided attention. Her iconic Akita tail and contented smile speak volumes. I know how lucky I am to see this display of happiness every morning.

Dogs have the ability to forget and start over at any point, which is not to say they don’t remember or hold grudges (because Nyssa certainly does). But 98% of the time, they choose not to take that path. Spend enough time with dogs and you learn that each moment is an opportunity to start over and be better. I think it goes hand-in-hand with their unconditional love; the root of it even.

If her human is having a “wrong side of the bed” morning, Nyssa rarely indulges me. Instead she trots on ahead on our early morning walk, leaving me in my own mess. Often it is her easy joviality and curly tail bouncing on her back that jolts me back to reason.

This is a brand new day, all of it is ahead of me. Why am I cross? Anything could happen today and I have the ability to make it the best day I can!

There is so much power in that thought.

Have you ever tried thinking about it that way? It automatically brings a smile to my face when I do. Try it sometime.

I believe Nyssa knows this in her own way. It’s part of her open-mouthed grin every morning as my furry alarm clock. She can’t wait to share another day with her people and dog-siblings, take walks, eat the best food, lounge in the grass or play in the snow, and nap on the couch. And along the way, she does her best to make me smile and appreciate the moment.

There’s always a choice how to spend your energy, and Nyssa and my other dogs constantly remind me that the next minute, or this new day can be the best yet.

So welcome 2021, I greet you with a smile and a tail wag. Let’s make you the best possible. Good Morning 🌄🤩.

Have a great week! Woof woof roooooo! 🐕‍🦺

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Nyssa’s Nuggets

aimeredleaf, The Narrative Gardener Leave a comment

“Let everyone know where they stand upfront.”

Nyssa and her mentor/buddy Pebbles, a red Siberian husky

At the moment I have two dogs, (Nyssa and Dash), but several times a month we have Pebbles also when she is staying upstairs with my brother and nephew. Pebbles is two years older than Nyssa and helped to raise her, but you wouldn’t be able to tell that now.

As the photo indicates, Nyssa is the boss here. And she makes sure Pebbles knows it from the very first moment she comes through the door. There is no aggression, Nyssa just mutters at Pebbles for a second, wags her tail, and then guides Pebbles quickly past the bone pile while I pick them up. Then they are off to the yard to hang out and chase Dash around.

Nyssa and Pebbles have a long relationship, yet Nyssa communicates her position to Pebbles upfront, every time.

In editing terms, communication from the start of the author-editor relationship is crucial. The more open the dialogue, the smoother the process can proceed.

Good, open communication can often mean the results are better as well. Working together toward the common goal promises an improved manuscript as the outcome.

That said, the success begins during the interview process with honesty on both sides.

Sure, the editor may really want the job, but that shouldn’t cloud their assessment of whether they are a good fit for the manuscript.

Conversely, an editor may have come highly recommended by a friend who writes thrillers, but that does not mean their editing style will mesh with your fantasy novel.

We are often told to play to our strengths—that can be obvious. However, the real magic may happen when we are familiar with our weaknesses and we partner with someone who understands them.

And that is all about communication. From minute one.

Once it is established, though, that communication is easy to return to whenever necessary, and often deepens over time. Like Nyssa and Pebbles, they renew the respect in a few seconds and then its just like they were never apart.

Why bicker over a silly bone pile when there’s a Dash to chase? Come on, Pebbles says. Whatever, let’s just go. 😉

Have a great week! Woof woof rooooooo!🐕‍🦺

Like this post, I value communication and collaboration during the editing process. Want to know if I can help you on your publishing journey? Visit the Quill & Orb Press website for more information.

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The Great Collection of the Elemental Families of Huphaea, anid 1830 #16

aimeredleaf, The Narrative Gardener Leave a comment

Hello Everyone! Does it seem to you that the months go faster as we approach the end of the year? October has vanished, which means I’ve been too busy to notice it. We have had some odd weather for New England, but also some perfect fall days, which I am thankful for. The foliage colors have been vibrant and long-lasting, as long as there is no wind. But here we are on the week leading up to a full moon on a Halloween Saturday!

*Photo by form PxHere

I wonder how many people still have that candy that appeared in the stores in July…

This is another audio only episode, a continuation of the last and lots of dialogue with not much to illustrate, so audio is the better format. I enjoy making the audio episodes, I hope you find them fun too. Enjoy your week, and Happy Halloween and Samhain. Trick or treat!~

The last audio episode had Elahna returning from a day in Cragbend to meet a Sentient horse, Arlen and become embroiled in a horse-horsemaster disagreement. Arlen won; no surprise, really, she knows her business. Elahna had returned to her room afterward to freshen up for dinner, so we will pick it up there….~

Click the orange arrow to play episode 16…

That was quite a dinner, right? The food in Huphaea was always incredible, it is one of the things I miss most. Do you think Elahna and Ivy will gel on the ride to Irillo, or will it be awkward? At least the horses seem to have things sorted out, thanks to Arlen. I never did find out how young Thorn made out, but I would wager his days got a whole lot more regimented. I have to say part of me wanted to stick around to see his mother, Larix, just because of how Daphne made her sound. But I had bigger things to tackle. It will be on toward Irillo next time!~

Quill & Orb Press, (the fiction part of my word services business), is open to do developmental edits, copyediting, and proofreading for YOU! Fantasy, paranormal, YA, historical fiction, steampunk, and other genres welcome.

“Collaboration cultivates drafts into bookish gold.” 🔮✨✏📚

-Quill & Orb Press

Are you an indie author? I’d love to work with you!

Line editing is on the way! Intermediate level classes start this week and I will be working on refining the special editing eye and ear line editing requires. This level of editing focuses on how an author’s sentences and words create their unique voice and the lyrical flow of the story. It is an intimate exploration that can take a manuscript to the next level. If you’d like more information about line editing or other editing services I offer, click here:

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Or you can contact me directly here:

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Remember to subscribe to Collata⚡, the Collection of Huphaea newsletter to get more from this land of amazing food and magic treehouses! This monthly newsletter has extras from Elahna’s story, stuff not seen in the episodes. Click the button and become a Nightingale today!

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Nyssa’s Nuggets

aimeredleaf, The Narrative Gardener Leave a comment

“Nap while you can.”

We all know dogs are great sleepers, and Nyssa is no exception. I marvel at her sense of time. She wakes me up faithfully every day at the same time and she has an “off” button in the evening. During the day, she keeps an eye on me and my movements and when I’m working, she sacks out. She is always well-rested and ready to go when the time is right. 

I know many freelancers and editors who would like to be that way—well-rested. But somewhere in the recesses of our minds, we know the importance of getting enough rest and taking care of ourselves, especially during times of change and uncertainty. 

I often want to burn the candle at both ends and stay up late reading for pleasure, or just finishing one more edit, but the price I pay in the morning is usually not worth it. Then I usually see Nyssa, passed out on the couch, and my eyelids begin to slowly close as if on cue. Pay attention to your body—it knows. 

Be good to yourself. Nap when you can. 😊

Have a great week! Woof woof rooooooo!🐕‍🦺

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Nyssa’s Nuggets

aimeredleaf, The Narrative Gardener Leave a comment

“Be aware of your surroundings.”

Nyssa is always aware of what is going on around her, even when she is sleeping. Akitas are excellent guard dogs and she is no exception. She is also maddeningly NOSY—I call her Nosy Nyssa when we have to pause in our walk for her to watch the neighbor wheel his trash barrel to the end of his drive, or watch someone else back out of their garage. She also loves to follow and bark at my nephew when he walks down to the barn, EVERY time.

Though her being nosy means she often gets sidetracked by details, it also indicates that she takes in all that is in her vicinity and she sees the big picture around her.

Nyssa’s attention can be likened to the mindset I slip into when I’m working on a developmental edit.

It can be easy to get involved with the small details in a manuscript, but my awareness has to be about the larger elements of the story—character, pace, story arc, continuity, to name a few. Punctuation doesn’t really matter if the protagonist is a flat Mary-Sue that readers can’t care about.

The focus becomes which of these larger parts can benefit from some improvement and how that affects the other pieces of the narrative. If I suggest changes to one element, what other parts will the author need to work on to make those changes work, and what does that do to the overall story?

A developmental edit could be compared to a ball of yarn, but I think pieces of a larger picture or the layers of an onion are more accurate portrayals. The smaller parts make up the whole, and the whole is made of smaller parts. Right?

Like Nyssa, I may see the details, but ultimately I concentrate on the environment they are in to ensure it is the best it can be. Then the details usually fall into place for the author on their own.

Just like the neighbor who walks back up his driveway is of no consequence to Nyssa anymore. She understood the big picture, and the detail took care of itself.

Have a great week! Woof woof rooooooo! 🐕‍🦺

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