25 min

2.8 Rebecca Monterusso: Using Self-Editing Techniques A Story That Works

    • Books

This episode is all about self-editing: what is it, why do you need it, and what the heck does it encompass? What's the point of self-editing if you can just ask an editor for help? Rebecca talks about that on this episode (hint: it's critical to get another set of eyes on your writing, learning to self-edit can save you time later on because you're growing your skills, can save you money, and can help you be more intentional with your goals). Listen to Rebecca talk about all the things she'd change in this story from season 1.

If you don't already know, Rebecca is a writer and certified Story Grid editor who’s attended two McKee seminars, hosted workshops at Barnes and Noble, and self-published a nonfiction book on writing. She produces a podcast called A Story That Works and currently creates content for ROI Online. Her writing has been featured on Havok, Jane Friedman, The Creative Penn, and DIY MFA. She’s a pretty good crocheter, avid reader, amateur graphic designer, and loves traveling the world. Short story is currently her favorite medium for writing fiction. You can find out more at www.creativitythroughconstraints.com.

Things I mention on this episode:

Some of these links (marked with an *) are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission if you click on and make a purchase from them. Your price doesn't change either way.


The Story Grid* by Shawn Coyne
Story* by Robert McKee
Jane Friedman: What Does it Mean to Write a Scene that Works?
The Creative Penn: 6 Things to Consider Before Writing a Novel
DIYMFA: 5 Reasons it’s Time to Call in an Editor and 5 Essentials for Every Scene
Story Grid: Writing Scenes that Work; Our Writer’s vs Editor’s Brains; Analyzing a Masterwork: The Knife of Never Letting Go; How Reading Better Can Help You Write Better; What Does it Mean to Write, Read, and Live with Intention?; From Initial Idea to Publishable Draft; Practical Steps to Improve Your Craft
My fiction is on https://gohavok.com/ which requires a subscription to read
My book: The 30 Day Writing Challenge

This episode is all about self-editing: what is it, why do you need it, and what the heck does it encompass? What's the point of self-editing if you can just ask an editor for help? Rebecca talks about that on this episode (hint: it's critical to get another set of eyes on your writing, learning to self-edit can save you time later on because you're growing your skills, can save you money, and can help you be more intentional with your goals). Listen to Rebecca talk about all the things she'd change in this story from season 1.

If you don't already know, Rebecca is a writer and certified Story Grid editor who’s attended two McKee seminars, hosted workshops at Barnes and Noble, and self-published a nonfiction book on writing. She produces a podcast called A Story That Works and currently creates content for ROI Online. Her writing has been featured on Havok, Jane Friedman, The Creative Penn, and DIY MFA. She’s a pretty good crocheter, avid reader, amateur graphic designer, and loves traveling the world. Short story is currently her favorite medium for writing fiction. You can find out more at www.creativitythroughconstraints.com.

Things I mention on this episode:

Some of these links (marked with an *) are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission if you click on and make a purchase from them. Your price doesn't change either way.


The Story Grid* by Shawn Coyne
Story* by Robert McKee
Jane Friedman: What Does it Mean to Write a Scene that Works?
The Creative Penn: 6 Things to Consider Before Writing a Novel
DIYMFA: 5 Reasons it’s Time to Call in an Editor and 5 Essentials for Every Scene
Story Grid: Writing Scenes that Work; Our Writer’s vs Editor’s Brains; Analyzing a Masterwork: The Knife of Never Letting Go; How Reading Better Can Help You Write Better; What Does it Mean to Write, Read, and Live with Intention?; From Initial Idea to Publishable Draft; Practical Steps to Improve Your Craft
My fiction is on https://gohavok.com/ which requires a subscription to read
My book: The 30 Day Writing Challenge

25 min