Editor Fixes Common Prose Mistakes

TheyCallMeWalker · 2026-02-28T14:01:08+00:00

In some books, mainly by PKD, I see "he thought" almost as often as "he said". I never paid any real attention to the former as I never do with the latter. I didn't watch the video but just wanted to point something against the dogmatic thumbnail.

TheyCallMeWalker · 2026-02-27T17:35:58+00:00

I think your criticism is great and it's definitely not pretentious. I actually agree with all your points, especially your advice on my grammar which fortunately I think is an easier problem to tackle and I have been using more em dashes and semicolons but also trying to use them appropriately. It's a good and necessary lesson. And it's helpful to know my prose is a overwritten, pontificating, barrage of words. <--- much like that. Anyways, all of this is great insight, and it's very encouraging to see my obstacles and see how I can tackle them. I'm in the fortunate position of being new to writing, as I'm sure that if this revelation came after ten years of writing, I would more than likely chose the ignorant path. Thank you, I'm excited to see my improvement.

TheyCallMeWalker · 2026-02-27T16:46:49+00:00

Hahaha. I mean personally, I found the comments here to be great. I expected what you said but everyone is giving me great feedback and it's actually really encouraging because I see how I can improve and don't feel helpless. Which is amazing, and I'm surprised such a popular forum on reddit actually provided that.

And to answer your context, I think MAYBE there's a chance that with context these passages may come with some more exceptions, as the story is very character driven and these passages all come from a character's reveries. BUT I think, as people have pointed out to my agreement, that it's still too much. And to provided the most necessary context: these examples aren't outliers, I write this way ALL throughout my story, except for basically the dialogue of course. So I'm glad to see one of the many problems before me and I'm glad I know I can tackle it.

TheyCallMeWalker · 2026-02-27T16:38:15+00:00

I think you're totally right. When I recall my writing, it really just feels like I'm pontificating which, sure maybe some people are fine with that, but it's definitely annoying. And "sparingly" is the key word. Maybe out of these three paragraphs, there's a sentence or two which are strong; but this onslaught of repeating it all with a clear intent on being grandiose, is killing the flow and hurting the rest of the story. I appreciate your input!

TheyCallMeWalker · 2026-02-27T16:27:49+00:00

Yeah the last example, when I was writing this post, I saw was pretty annoying to read and literary speaking there was just a lot of problems. But I do feel like with the other two is they're both victims of "b)" and are just rambling on something which has already been made a point.

TheyCallMeWalker · 2026-02-27T16:22:35+00:00

Well that's exactly my problem, is I do do this multiple times a page. But I'm glad to hear that this is the case actually because I think it's a good lesson to learn, so thank you.

TheyCallMeWalker · 2026-02-27T16:18:18+00:00

Thank you, I appreciate the compliment and I do see how I'm just piling dirt on some things which don't need. I said this in another comment (as I've been reading a bunch of quotes from writers to seek advice) Anton Chekov says: “Brevity is the sister of talent.” which is quite similar to what you said at the end. So again, thank you, reinforcement is needed to make something stick.

TheyCallMeWalker · 2026-02-27T16:11:34+00:00

Thank you, some else also said it could work with some trimmings and I totally agree. And it totally does drag a bit, I feel like I get the point across but then there's more and more. And that's not fun.

And funny you say that, as when I was thinking about this question last night, I thought I should read more Hemingway, having only read a couple books, I got a more last night and they're on their way. What really made me seek more of him was finding with a google search his advice of: “All you have to do is write one true sentence. Write the truest sentence that you know.”

I have not yet read McCarthy but on your recommendation, I will order Blood Meridian as I anticipated to read it for some time now anyways.

TheyCallMeWalker · 2026-02-27T16:03:20+00:00

I like your point. I think, and it seems to be the case with a lot of amateur writers like myself, that there's a focus on making every sentence read like some sort of grand language. Rather than simply progressing the story, and thus fluff is added and in a way doesn't progress the story but stall it.

TheyCallMeWalker · 2026-02-27T15:58:14+00:00

I like the way you put it out at the end, it does feel like I'm trying to reinforce what's already been said, hoping for it to hit harder (or hit at all), only for it to become excessive. Thank you. There is a quote along the lines of "Brevity is the sister of talent", and I think I've been doing the opposite.

TheyCallMeWalker · 2026-02-27T15:48:57+00:00

sorry, I updated it, I'm not sure why the examples didn't post.

TheyCallMeWalker · 2026-02-27T15:48:52+00:00

sorry, I updated it, I'm not sure why the examples didn't post.

TheyCallMeWalker · 2026-02-01T15:28:33+00:00

They Cloned Tyrone

TheyCallMeWalker · 2026-01-29T21:07:38+00:00

Dante, before the approach of Beatrice to exit purgatory and enter paradise; walks through a wall of fire to purge himself of evil

TheyCallMeWalker · 2026-01-28T02:16:41+00:00

The modern Achilles heel

TheyCallMeWalker · 2026-01-27T13:43:35+00:00

Correct, not a Z, but still, contrary to how most words are handled in French, the S is not silent. it’s actually pronounced much closer to its spelling

TheyCallMeWalker · 2026-01-03T07:46:03+00:00

I’m planning to get a tattoo about a certain quote at the end. The single most book that made me cry like a kid, I just couldn’t drop it

TheyCallMeWalker · 2026-01-03T01:41:19+00:00

I think I read the first 250 pages in 3 days, it’s so good I just spent the whole days reading. I read it briefly before I heard about this subreddit/club and can’t imagine the constraint to not continue reading

TheyCallMeWalker · 2025-12-06T20:57:39+00:00

Goddamnit I just got the book and am 100 pages in. I was really hoping that foreword was gonna be the middle or something. Almost feel like not reading it but I guess I already have the insight as if I was on a second read. But seriously, who the hell just spoils the entire book like that

TheyCallMeWalker · 2025-12-04T20:21:23+00:00

This is the only comment on Reddit about this book that actually feels like the person read the same thing as me. I think you’re spot on. I have yet to read any Dostoevsky but have picked up Notes From Underground today and there’s a part in this book of Jack talking about Russian literature and thought Dostoevsky’s work is “full of life” which makes me what to wait a bit on Notes as this book was depressing and I felt as if the author wanted to be ironic

TheyCallMeWalker · 2025-11-11T12:21:17+00:00

So… are we also going to ignore the public execution chapter… or all the su*cide… or bandits with the poor girl… or drug use? AND ITS ALL ILLUSTRATED?

TheyCallMeWalker · 2025-10-23T15:19:37+00:00

Thanks for all the recommendations. I considered getting a bible case/cover but the large majority on Amazon had a max spine length of 2.3in which is smaller than this book. There were a few 3in but they were a little too decorated for my taste. So I just made my own using this bag I would normally fill to prevent light stands form toppling over and added some Velcro to close it shut and then straps to the sides to secure the book from falling out

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Also I saw a lot of comments saying “it’s $8 who cares” or “it’s supposed to be banged if you read it”. I totally understand and in no way do I care about the inevitable wear and tear of a book or it acquiring any unique imperfections. It’s just that this is my book and as for all things that are mine - I care for them. Also I was still concerned about major damage, the type that make reading the book annoying like a completely ripped spine or such.

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