Penny Carroll

Writer & Editor

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  • Editing

    What is an author-sensitive editorial approach?

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    My editing values are all about making sure your work is valued and you feel comfortable throughout the editing process.

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  • Author interviews

    Samantha L. Valentine is writing it like it is

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    This romance author is passionate about real diversity in fiction.

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  • How-to

    Who’s talking? Finding the right point-of-view character for your scene

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    If you’re writing a dual or multi-POV novel, read this for tips on choosing the right character to lead pivotal scenes.

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  • Author interviews

    “I really want readers to fall in love with every character” – Emma Mugglestone on writing a small-town romance series

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    Meet the author of the gorgeous new small-town romance novel The Reality of Us.

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  • Editing, How-to, Writing

    How to format text messages in fiction

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    A woman standing in front of a window looks at her phone screen as though reading a text message.

    An easy guide to depicting dialogue as text messages in a contemporary fiction novel. Text messages are a part of everyday life so if you’re writing contemporary fiction there’s a good chance you’ll want to include a few in your story. But how do you format them? Should you use quote marks? Do you need […]

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  • Editing, How-to

    Introducing the vocative comma

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    This tiny piece of punctuation saves lives. One of the best things about punctuation is that when it’s used correctly it’s invisible in plain sight. It’s like driving a road you know so well that you get home without recalling the journey. But when it’s misused? Those misplaced commas, semicolons and dashes can be jarring! […]

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Hi there!
Hi there!

I'm Penny, a writer and editor. On this blog I share writing tips, editing advice and interviews with authors to get you inspired. Read more

 
Recent Posts
  • How to make your dialogue shine
  • Trust issues: Why trusting your reader is vital for strong storytelling
  • Tips for using expletives in fiction
  • When is the best time to work with beta readers?
  • Everything you need to know about semicolons
Categories
  • Author interviews
  • Editing
  • How-to
  • Proofreading
  • Writing

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If you’re a writer you’re probably pretty okay wit If you’re a writer you’re probably pretty okay with listening to the voices in your head. But if you’re not sure how to deepen your story or figure out your character’s motivations I’m going to suggest taking it a step further and having a conversation with your cast. You’ll play both interviewer and interviewee, writing your character’s responses in their voice, and yes it’s a bit weird. But if you’re open to it, I think it’s a great way to unlock deeper themes and layers in your story and characters. Keen? Head to my website for a freebie designed to help you get a bit woo-woo with your work ✨ And if you’ve tried it, let me know below! Did it work for you?
Given the recent spate of disappointing headlines Given the recent spate of disappointing headlines about AI-written books and plagiarised reviews and A-list actors with massive book clubs encouraging women to ‘learn AI’ 😑, it seems timely/necessary to let you know that I’m not using generative AI in my business.  Rest assured, authors, I won’t compromise your copyright or confidentiality while working on your manuscript. I’m all about human creativity!  For the full rundown, head to my website to read my AI and Digital Tools Policy.
Welcome to the editorial therapy room! 📚✏️✨ If yo Welcome to the editorial therapy room! 📚✏️✨  If you’re stuck with your story, lost your plot or your characters are driving you up the wall, I can help.  I’m introducing a new service called Storyboard Sessions, designed to help authors get unstuck, fast. Think of it as an Ask me Anything tailored to you and your writing roadblocks, designed to give you an injection of inspiration and enthusiasm.  Why now?  Honestly, publishing is a tough gig. It can feel like every time you turn around, someone’s changed the game.  I want to help more authors reach their dream of writing and publishing a book, but there’s only one of me and I can only edit so many manuscripts in the hours I have. Plus, given world events right now, I’m well aware that a full edit isn’t always financially feasible for authors.  These sessions are not a replacement for a full edit, but they might just be the support you need to break through your blocks and keep going on this marathon writing journey.  If you’re keen to find out more, head to the link in my bio or shoot me a DM with your questions!  Hope to storyboard with you soon 🤗
English is endlessly confusing, isn’t it? Swipe fo English is endlessly confusing, isn’t it? Swipe for a ‘rule’ that your teachers at school were totally wrong about 😏 And let me know in the comments any more writing rules you want explained👇#editingtips

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