L.J. Writes

Thank you! I'm glad it was helpful. :)

I beta-read a lot, too, and it can be nerve-racking. Line-level edits are angst-free for the most part, but I think long and hard when I suggest plot and character-level stuff. But it's also where I create the most value, and also where I learn the most. The considerations in this essay are always on my mind when I make those kinds of comments.

That's a very good tip about changing sentences to start with "I." I find myself getting personal sometimes, too, and starting with "I" is a good way to remind myself that this is my opinion and reaction.

Yup, by reality I meant concrete examples, such as a line of dialogue. By reasons I meant principles that apply across situations, e.g. minimize dialogue tags to let the dialogue flow with its own rhythm. In fact I probably should have said "principles," I was getting too alliteration-happy in there.

Livejournal was acting up for a while. The link works now. Thank you again for commenting!