Welcome back!
It has been a while since I have blogged, but I've been on crunch time, wrapping up my third and final book in the Witch In The Woods trilogy: Blood Moon Ritual. Now I that I have a bit of free time, I thought I would talk about common problems I found while editing!
While reading books by other authors, and editing my own book, I have realized how common these mistakes are, and came up with new tips to share! Every writer can always use tips! Even if you already know them, it's always good to be refreshed! These are based off things I am still working on, and things I have noticed in other published books, most of which are homophones. I call them
common typos.
When you're in the writing zone, fingers typing at full speed, it is easy to over look these common mistakes, not realizing you have made them. When you are self editing your work, here are some things to look for.
Then means: after that, afterward, next...
Than is a word that expresses or introduces an exception or contrast.
I accidentally swap these two words on a weekly basis! Then and than are the most common typos I have noticed in published works.
Where is a place or position.
Were is a past word for be.
Yet I still manage to confuse the two. I find that sometimes I'll either add an unnecessary h to were, or forget it in where. We all get crazy fingers when typing.
Their is possessive, meaning; belonging to, or associated with.
They're is short for: they are.
There has a few meanings: In, at, or to a place or position. To attract someone's attention, or to draw attention to something. To express annoyance, or to comfort someone.
No wonder these words are commonly used wrong! Too many homophones make it confusing! When I first started writing, I was terribly confused with these words. It was hard for me to remember which one meant what. Other published authors also appear to have this problem, so it's pretty common, I would say. I used to keep a note with the words' and their correct definitions.
Know means: to be aware of.
Now means; at this present moment, and is used to draw attention to a particular statement.
No is a negative answer or decision.
I also get these two words below mixed with each other.
Knew is the past tense of know.
New means: Not existing before, recently made or discovered, just experienced, etc...
I especially had issues with know and now in my latest book. Mostly because I kept adding an unnecessary k. I made sure to pay close attention to these words while editing!
Which is a word that asks for information, or refers to something previously mentioned.
Witch is a woman believed to have evil magical powers, thought to wear black, rides a broom, and has a pointed hat.
It is no secret that I love witch's, so some might think I would be offended if someone mixed up the spelling. That is not how I roll, in fact, I often write witch when I mean to write which.
All of these words are heavily used, and can be easily looked over by the author while editing. Homophones can be tricky, but if you know what to look for, you can catch those errors and be more conscious of them in future writing projects!
Thank you for reading, and keep on writing!
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