While editing a client’s book proposal today, I remembered how often writers make the rookie-move error of adding filler words throughout their text. 😳🫣 Yikes! It’s so common, yet so easy to avoid!

If you’re like most writers, you overuse these words all the time. They’re subtle to a point, but then insidious–and the infection on your page could be raging while you’re none the wiser. 😎

Making graphics like these is a fun, quick way to give you a heads-up reminder. But if you want to dive deeper and get my best tutorial on this and other common errors that turn off agents and publishers, download the free hour audio of my favorite publishing tips. It’s a fun listen and a gift for signing up for my newsletter at BookMama(.com). You’ll find the link in my bio. 🔗🎁 Write on! xo

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Reminder: Dreams come true. Thank you, Carmel (and nearly 500 #Carmelies over the past 16 years), for giving me the most meaningful work in the world. I am eternally grateful. Here’s a quick shout-out to one of those gals who made/makes this work so special—Dina—a TV & print journalist I’d long admired from afar, who then wrote the most beautiful story of me ever for @carmelmagazine, before becoming a #carmelwritingretreat participant and a dear friend.

I know it looks easy, y’all—the highlight reel. But like everyone else, I dream big dreams and then doubt them. I mean, me? Really? How? A million things get in the way and make things HARD. But I’m grateful I kept moving forward despite my fears, interruptions, and sleep deprivation. Despite countless “Are you kidding me, Universe?” life moments (horses, dogs, family, career, world events...), I did my best to keep my sense of humor and gratitude at the forefront. The @laplayaca, @ilfornaiocarmel, and @dinamruiz made that infinitely easier. As long as whatever I want feels more exciting than terrible, I’m in. I may need naps, downtime, and caffeine, but I`m ON IT. I like that about myself. I bet you like that about yourself, too, ya?

Thank you for taking this journey with me if you’re still reading. You`re so lovely. Write on! xo

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