This episode’s self-editing tip is closely related to the tip from the previous episode, Rue the Day.

Fixing filter phrases will help you toward “resisting the urge to explain,” or, as the more well-worn writing advice says, “Show, don’t tell.”

I’ll share a before and after example of how filter phrases unintentionally remove your reader from your story, as well as a number of words and phrases to look out for so you can know when you might be filtering. I’ll also discuss the simple way you can fix filter phrases.

Referenced

• “Filter Words and Phrases to Avoid in Writing Fiction” by Kathy Steinemann

• “Denis Johnson’s Perfect Short Story” by by Jeffrey Eugenides

Upcoming Events

• April 26: Selling Your Book without Selling Your Soul, with Trad Pub Author JR. Forasteros (Dallas Nonfiction Authors Association monthly meeting)
• May 20: Should I Self-Publish or Seek Traditional Publishing? (Writing Workshops Dallas seminar)
• May 30–July 25: The Business of Being a Writer (Writing Workshops Dallas eight-week class)