FINAL LESSON:

EDITING &
REFLECTION
Refining Your Writing and Embracing the Writer’s Journey
 WHY REVISION MATTERS

• Improves clarity and

coherence
• Strengthens storytelling
• Polishes grammar and style
 LEVELS OF EDITING
Structural Editing – Organization and flow
• Focuses on the overall structure of the piece, ensuring ideas are
logically arranged, transitions are smooth, and the content flows
well.

Stylistic Editing – Tone and voice

• Enhances the readability and engagement of the writing by
refining word choice, sentence variety, and maintaining a
consistent voice and tone.

Grammatical Editing – Sentence-level corrections

• Fixes grammar, punctuation, and syntax errors to ensure clarity,
accuracy, and correctness in individual sentences.
 COMMON WRITING
WEAKNESSES
1. Over-explanation – This happens when a writer
provides too much unnecessary detail or explains things
that the reader can infer on their own. It can slow down the
narrative and make the writing feel tedious.
- Example: She was feeling sad because her dog had
run away, and she didn’t know if he would come back. The
thought of losing him forever made her cry.
- Improved: Tears welled up as she stared at the empty
yard. Max was gone.
 COMMON WRITING
WEAKNESSES
2. Repetitive language – Using the same
words, phrases, or ideas too often can make
writing feel redundant and unpolished.
- Example: He walked to the door and opened
the door. Then, he stepped through the door.
- Improved: He walked to the door and
stepped inside.
 COMMON WRITING
WEAKNESSES
3. Weak verbs and passive voice – Weak verbs lack
energy and fail to engage the reader, while passive voice
makes sentences feel detached or unclear.
- Example (weak verbs): She was going to make a
decision soon.
- Improved: She would decide soon.
- Example (passive voice): The book was read by many
students.
- Improved: Many students read the book.
 COMMON WRITING
WEAKNESSES
4. Inconsistent perspectives – Switching
between first-person, second-person, or third-
person unintentionally can confuse the reader.
- Example: I walked into the room. You could feel
the tension in the air. She looked nervous.
- Improved: I walked into the room. The tension in
the air was thick. Maria looked nervous.
 EDITING TECHNIQUES

1. Cut unnecessary words – Extra words can

clutter writing and slow down the reader. Be
concise.
- Example (wordy): In order to be able to
succeed, you must first try your best to put in
effort.
- Improved: To succeed, you must try your
best.
 EDITING TECHNIQUES

2. Replace weak verbs with strong ones

– Weak verbs make writing feel dull, while
strong verbs add clarity and energy.
- Example (weak verb): She was walking
slowly across the street.
- Improved: She strolled across the street.
 EDITING TECHNIQUES

3. Show, don’t tell – Instead of telling the reader

how a character feels, show it through actions and
sensory details.
- Example (telling): He was nervous before his
speech.
- Improved (showing): His hands trembled as he
gripped the paper, his breath coming in short
gasps.
 EDITING TECHNIQUES

• 4. Read aloud for flow – Reading

your work out loud helps catch
awkward phrasing, unnatural
dialogue, and pacing issues. If it
doesn’t sound right, revise it.
 STRENGTHENING NARRATIVE
FLOW
1. Ensure logical sequencing – Ideas, events, and
reflections should flow smoothly. A clear beginning, middle,
and end help guide the reader.
- Example (illogical sequence): She cried as she read the
letter. The letter arrived that morning. She opened the
mailbox and found it.
- Improved: That morning, she opened the mailbox and
found the letter. Hours later, as she read it, tears welled in
her eyes.
 STRENGTHENING NARRATIVE
FLOW
2. Use transitions effectively – Transitions help connect
ideas, making the story feel cohesive. They can be words,
phrases, or even structural shifts.
- Examples:
- Time shifts: Later that evening, after a moment of
silence, in the following weeks
- Contrasts: However, on the other hand, despite this
- Cause and effect: As a result, therefore, because of
this
 STRENGTHENING NARRATIVE
FLOW
3. Keep a balance between scenes and reflection –
Good creative nonfiction blends storytelling (scenes) with
personal insights (reflection).
- Example (all scene, no reflection): She packed her bags,
hailed a taxi, and left for the airport. The plane took off,
disappearing into the horizon.
- Example (balanced): She packed her bags, hailed a taxi,
and left for the airport. As the plane took off, she realized
this was more than a journey—it was a fresh start.
 ENHANCING DIALOGUE &
CHARACTERS
1. Check for natural-sounding dialogue –
Dialogue should reflect how people actually speak
while maintaining clarity and purpose.
- Example (unnatural): "I am feeling very angry
with you because you did not arrive at the
designated time."
- Improved: "Where were you? I’ve been waiting
forever!"
 ENHANCING DIALOGUE &
CHARACTERS
2. Ensure character consistency – Each
character should have a distinct voice that remains
consistent throughout the story.
- Example (inconsistent voice): A tough, no-
nonsense detective suddenly starts speaking in
poetic, flowery language.
- Fix: Keep the character’s tone and word choice
aligned with their personality and background.
 ENHANCING DIALOGUE &
CHARACTERS
3. Avoid info-dumping in dialogue – Characters
shouldn’t deliver long, unnatural explanations just to
inform the reader.
- Example (info-dumping): "As you know, I have
been a doctor for 20 years, and I have treated many
patients who suffered from the same disease that
you have."
- Improved: "I’ve seen this before. We’ll get through
it."
 PEER REVIEW STRATEGIES

• Give constructive feedback

• Focus on structure, clarity, and
engagement
• Be specific with suggestions
 FINAL SELF-EDITING CHECKLIST

✅ Are sentences clear and concise?

✅ Is the dialogue natural and purposeful?
✅ Does the story flow smoothly?
✅ Are grammar and spelling correct?
 THE ART OF REFLECTION

• Writing is a lifelong journey

• Growth comes from practice and
self-awareness
• Reflection helps improve future
writing
 ASSESSING PERSONAL GROWTH

• What have I learned about my

writing?
• How has my style changed?
• What are my strengths and areas
for improvement?
 WRITING AS SELF-DISCOVERY

• Writing helps clarify thoughts

• Stories shape personal and
collective identity
• Creative nonfiction captures real
human experiences
 CREATIVE NONFICTION IN THE
REAL WORLD
• Personal blogging
• Memoir writing
• Journalism
• Academic and research writing
 CONCLUSION & MOTIVATION

• Keep writing, keep refining!

• Every writer grows through practice
• Your voice matters—use it!
 FINAL REFLECTION ACTIVITY

• Write a short reflection on how your

writing has evolved. What
challenges did you overcome? What
learnings will you take with you?