EPISODE 108: The Art of Line Editing: Elevating Character and Plot with Author Jennifer Gennari
Way-Word Writers Podcast · Way-Word Writers
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Show Notes
In this episode of Wayward Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer welcome author Jennifer Gennari to discuss the intricacies of line editing and its importance in the writing process. Jennifer talks about her journey as a writer and editor, shares her approach to character-driven dialogue, and offers practical advice for strengthening sentences. The conversation also delves into common issues faced by writers and teaching strategies to improve one’s manuscript. Guest recommendations for craft books and personal anecdotes round out this educational and inspirational episode.
If you’d like to read Heather’s deep dive article on this episode, you can find it here:
EPISODE 104 DEEP DIVE: The Art of Line Editing, A Guide to Polishing Your Prose
00:00 Introduction to Wayward Writers
00:32 Meet Jennifer Gennari
01:33 Jennifer’s Writing Journey
02:48 Books Jennifer Recommends
04:23 The Importance of Line Editing
06:27 Line Editing Techniques
08:18 Character Development Through Line Editing
12:35 Character-Driven Analogies
17:17 Avoiding Over-Polishing in Writing
18:06 The Power of Reading Aloud
19:31 Using Beta Readers Effectively
21:20 Common Issues in Student Manuscripts
23:04 Recognizing Generic Sentences
25:11 Polishing Dialogue for Emotional Resonance
27:23 Advice for Middle Grade Authors
28:54 Recommended Craft Books
30:20 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Find Out MORE:
Jennifer Gennari’s Website and Links to Muffled and Stifled.
The Art of Description: World Into Word by Mark Doty
The Last Mapmaker by Christina Soontornvat
Refuse to Be Done: How to Write and Rewrite a Novel in Three Drafts by Matt Bell
Self-Editing for Fiction Writers, Second Edition: How to Edit Yourself Into Print by Renni Browne & Dave King
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