How Not To Write Like An Idiot

The title of this post is what I would love to see for a how-to-write book title.  Seriously.  And the reason is hubris, or the keeping down of. 

In lieu of that non-existant book, however, I do have "Self-Editing for Fiction Writers," by Renni Browne & Dave King.  I like to pick it up and browse through occasionally.  There's always something pithy and appropriate that catches my eye.

Today's example follows.  It is some advice on what to look for in the set up of your novel.  Having just read my trunk novel, I am glad to say that I was reading with most of this list in the back of my mind.  I like to delude myself into thinking it shows I am developing a decent sense of plot, and the setting up thereof.

• Take a look at your descriptions.  Are the details you give the ones your viewpoint character would notice?
• Reread your first fifty pages, paying attention to what you spend your time on.  Are the characters you develop most fully important to the ending?  Do you use the locations you develop in detail later in the story?  Do any of the characters play a surprising role in the ending?  Could readers guess this from the amount of time you spend on them?
• Do you have tangents--little subplots or descriptions that don't advance the plot?  If so, are all of them effective?  If you don't have any, should you add some?
• Are you writing about your favorite topics or hobbies?  If so, give careful consideration to how much time you spend on them.

That was from page 80 of the book.  Sound advice.

And now, for my next trick, I shall go write something.  You should too.  Happy writing!