editing
Looking for Logic
There is some debate about whether any unpublished writer is qualified to critique the work of another. When it comes to genre-specific conventions or highly technical aspects, maybe not. But other areas are fair game.
I know not every writer is also a math teacher. (Okay, hardly any are.) Still, any literate person should be able to identify where logic fails — things that make you go, “Huh?”
If these show up in my writing, I hope someone would point them out for me. All examples have been made up by me, though I’ve seen similar in my own writing and others’.
Continuity Errors
With an effort, Grandpappy lowered his aching bones to sit in the comfort of his rocking chair.
[5 lines later, during which Grandpappy does not stand up]
The doting granddaughter supported him by the arm so he could sit in the chair his father had lovingly crafted so many years ago.
Being unemployed was doing a number on Stella’s self-esteem.
[a chapter later, during which Stella does not get a new job]
Stella supposed being kidnapped by aliens was a satisfactory reason for missing work.
Contradictory Language
Before he even began considering alternate transportation, Trent developed a variety of jetpacks, maglev skis, and hovercars.
[Pretty sure Trent was considering alternate transportation when he came up with those Jetsons-style contraptions.]
“If you want this done right, I’m your man,” Freddie said humbly.
[Do I have a different definition of “humble” lying around?]
Any other examples of things that make you go, “Huh?”