Writing can be so much fun. We have the thrill of creating something out of nothing, and when our muse is friendly the words just flow. After that, comes the tedium of editing and line editing. In the first edit, we look for major writing issues: characterization, plot, pacing, and structure. In line editing we focus more on details of the prose. Here are some things to look for: Repetition of words - in a scene with a car, how many times did you use the word car? Circle the word every time you see it, then go back and change some, take others out. Circle the character's name. Can you substitute a pronoun for some of them, a noun for others? Circle the word "said" - can the dialogue stand without it? Can a character action take the place of an attributive? "Sit down," Mary said, motioning to a chair. "Sit down." Mary motioned to a chair. Clauses used in the wrong place – WRONG: He saw a vase of flowers on the counter that was right in the center. RIGHT...