Editorial Notes = clarifying information, additional insight, annotations

Hiya Reader,

My elderly parents have lately become fans of jigsaw puzzles. It's an old-timey pastime in a way, but if you haven't attempted a puzzle lately (or ever) and you have the space, I highly recommend it as a great way to keep your brain engaged yet relaxed when you're doing the hard work of writing.

We've started keeping a satisfying puzzle on one side of the dining table, and when I need to walk away from my mental tasks for a bit, working the puzzle is a perfect distraction. My favorite brand for sheer quality alone is Ravensburger and no, I'm not an affiliate! The pieces give that satisfying click when they fit, and the "puzzle dust" is definitely less than others have.

Tell me about your favorite jigsaw puzzle brand, or your favorite go-to for a similar type of activity!

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Example of the Week

Sometimes this is a good example—or a great one. Sometimes this is a bad example—or just a funny blooper. Sometimes a combination. You never know.

I was recently asked for my favorite first sentence. I gave this one, from Pat Conroy's The Prince of Tides:

"My wound is geography."

It transforms abstract concept into the visceral personal, where physical space is not just a specific external location. The metaphor compresses a complex experience into four precise words that immediately make us reconsider the intersection of place and identity. Indeed, the South Carolina setting of the novel is so powerful it's very much like a distinct character.

Spending time analyzing and reflecting on good writing is as helpful to self-editing as "fixing" mistakes or weak phrasing.

What's your favorite first sentence? Please send it to me and tell me why it resonates for you! I might put together a list to share in the future and would love your input.

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Actionable Tip of the Week

A trick to add to your self-editing toolbox right now!

Your marketing copy has to sell, but... [continue reading the article]

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Reader Question of the Week

Patricia wrote: Can you start a novel with a flashback?

Patricia! Short answer right away: yes, of course you can start your novel with a flashback. But that said, when you’re looking at the structure more closely, one idea you might consider is using a prologue instead of jumping right into chapter one with a flashback. A prologue signals to the reader that there's a shift — a different time, a different voice, a different context — and it can help orient them from the very beginning.

I’m doing something similar in the book I’m currently writing. My prologue tells the story in a broad, all-at-once way before diving into the narrative proper. It’s kind of like what used to happen in live theatre: sometimes actors would pantomime the whole play in the first few minutes before starting the story. That’s what gave me the idea.

In your case, if you're starting with a flashback, positioning it as a prologue might help set expectations — especially if you’re also planning a longer flashback later in the book. Extended flashbacks can be tricky for pacing and clarity, so being intentional with structure helps.

If you're unsure whether it works, this is where a professional beta reader can be incredibly valuable. It’s much less expensive than developmental editing and gives you reader-focused feedback on your specific questions. They can tell you whether something like a mid-book flashback works or throws off the rhythm. What matters most is whether it serves the story and the reader.

That’s a big one. Sometimes, when we're deep in our own writing, we get wrapped up in what we’re doing — I know I do. I’ll read a line and think, “Wow, look at that transition, Helene. So good.” But am I thinking about whether the reader can follow it? Is it clear? Is it making their experience better? Not always. And that’s something I have to check myself on.

Here's a practical tip: before hiring anyone or diving into revisions, try creating a structural outline of your manuscript. Use post-it notes, index cards, a spreadsheet — whatever works. The idea is to lay out what happens when: this happens first, this next, then that. You can do outlines by plot, character, or scene — just get the whole thing in front of you visually. Then ask: Is this working? Am I attached to this idea because I had it early on, or is it really serving the book?

Structural outlines are excellent tools for all sorts of writing concerns, not just flashbacks.

At the end of the day, there’s no gospel about how stories “should” be written. But readers do bring expectations, so if you’re doing something outside the norm, you want to make it as easy as possible for them to follow and engage.

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Link of the Week

Remember my newsletter about the wonderful Little Free Libraries a few weeks back? Here's one for your furry friends. Talk about knowing your target audience!

​At the Sanctuary Beach Resort in Marina, dogs can borrow from a stick library.​
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I ❤️ Hearing from You!

Comments? Just reply to this email or click this link. I respond to every email—that's a promise.

Thanks for reading!

~Helene, your writing sherpa

P.S.

Need someone to "just take a look" at your draft?​

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