Vanessa Macfarlane | Proofreader | Proof-editor
@myproofreadinglife.bsky.social
Zurich🇨🇭 | London 🇬🇧 | Polishing words globally 🌍
Freelance Proof-editor and Proofreader. CIEP member.
Often found in the #writingcommunity.
vanessatheproofreader.com
https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/vanessatheproofreader
Freelance Proof-editor and Proofreader. CIEP member.
Often found in the #writingcommunity.
vanessatheproofreader.com
https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/vanessatheproofreader
Well, that's it from me… your reminder that English is a beautiful disaster and we're all just doing our best!
Keep a cheat sheet, embrace the chaos, and remember that spell-check is your frenemy… it'll catch "you're" vs "your" but miss when you use "martial" instead of "marital"!
Keep a cheat sheet, embrace the chaos, and remember that spell-check is your frenemy… it'll catch "you're" vs "your" but miss when you use "martial" instead of "marital"!
June 26, 2025 at 2:39 PM
Well, that's it from me… your reminder that English is a beautiful disaster and we're all just doing our best!
Keep a cheat sheet, embrace the chaos, and remember that spell-check is your frenemy… it'll catch "you're" vs "your" but miss when you use "martial" instead of "marital"!
Keep a cheat sheet, embrace the chaos, and remember that spell-check is your frenemy… it'll catch "you're" vs "your" but miss when you use "martial" instead of "marital"!
🔟 Crevice vs. Crevasse
Small crack vs. massive glacier split. Size matters (and so does your survival).
Memory trick:
CrevaSSe = Super Sized crack
Example:
The coin fell through a crevice, unlike the climber who fell into a crevasse.
Small crack vs. massive glacier split. Size matters (and so does your survival).
Memory trick:
CrevaSSe = Super Sized crack
Example:
The coin fell through a crevice, unlike the climber who fell into a crevasse.
June 26, 2025 at 2:39 PM
🔟 Crevice vs. Crevasse
Small crack vs. massive glacier split. Size matters (and so does your survival).
Memory trick:
CrevaSSe = Super Sized crack
Example:
The coin fell through a crevice, unlike the climber who fell into a crevasse.
Small crack vs. massive glacier split. Size matters (and so does your survival).
Memory trick:
CrevaSSe = Super Sized crack
Example:
The coin fell through a crevice, unlike the climber who fell into a crevasse.
9️⃣ Tortuous vs. Torturous
Winding/complex vs. causing torture. Both could describe IKEA… shop vs building furniture.
Memory trick:
Torturous = torture + us = causes extreme pain
Example:
The tortuous mountain road was torturous to drive.
Winding/complex vs. causing torture. Both could describe IKEA… shop vs building furniture.
Memory trick:
Torturous = torture + us = causes extreme pain
Example:
The tortuous mountain road was torturous to drive.
June 26, 2025 at 2:39 PM
9️⃣ Tortuous vs. Torturous
Winding/complex vs. causing torture. Both could describe IKEA… shop vs building furniture.
Memory trick:
Torturous = torture + us = causes extreme pain
Example:
The tortuous mountain road was torturous to drive.
Winding/complex vs. causing torture. Both could describe IKEA… shop vs building furniture.
Memory trick:
Torturous = torture + us = causes extreme pain
Example:
The tortuous mountain road was torturous to drive.
8️⃣ Marshal vs. Martial
The lawman vs. relating to war. Both involve people who could kick your butt.
Memory trick:
Martial = is partial to combat
Example:
The marshal declared martial law.
The lawman vs. relating to war. Both involve people who could kick your butt.
Memory trick:
Martial = is partial to combat
Example:
The marshal declared martial law.
June 26, 2025 at 2:39 PM
8️⃣ Marshal vs. Martial
The lawman vs. relating to war. Both involve people who could kick your butt.
Memory trick:
Martial = is partial to combat
Example:
The marshal declared martial law.
The lawman vs. relating to war. Both involve people who could kick your butt.
Memory trick:
Martial = is partial to combat
Example:
The marshal declared martial law.
7️⃣ Faze vs. Phase
To disturb vs. a stage/period. One messes with your head, the other messes with your calendar.
Memory trick:
Faze rhymes with "daze" – both involve your brain going "???"
Example:
The lunar phase didn't faze the werewolf.
To disturb vs. a stage/period. One messes with your head, the other messes with your calendar.
Memory trick:
Faze rhymes with "daze" – both involve your brain going "???"
Example:
The lunar phase didn't faze the werewolf.
June 26, 2025 at 2:39 PM
7️⃣ Faze vs. Phase
To disturb vs. a stage/period. One messes with your head, the other messes with your calendar.
Memory trick:
Faze rhymes with "daze" – both involve your brain going "???"
Example:
The lunar phase didn't faze the werewolf.
To disturb vs. a stage/period. One messes with your head, the other messes with your calendar.
Memory trick:
Faze rhymes with "daze" – both involve your brain going "???"
Example:
The lunar phase didn't faze the werewolf.
6️⃣ Chord vs. Cord
Musical harmony vs. rope/wire. Both can get tangled.
Memory trick:
Musical cHord has an "h" for harmony
Example:
He struck a chord while tripping over the extension cord.
Musical harmony vs. rope/wire. Both can get tangled.
Memory trick:
Musical cHord has an "h" for harmony
Example:
He struck a chord while tripping over the extension cord.
June 26, 2025 at 2:39 PM
6️⃣ Chord vs. Cord
Musical harmony vs. rope/wire. Both can get tangled.
Memory trick:
Musical cHord has an "h" for harmony
Example:
He struck a chord while tripping over the extension cord.
Musical harmony vs. rope/wire. Both can get tangled.
Memory trick:
Musical cHord has an "h" for harmony
Example:
He struck a chord while tripping over the extension cord.
5️⃣ Baited vs. Bated
One involves worms, the other involves barely breathing. Both involve waiting uncomfortably.
Memory trick:
Bated breath = abated breath (held back)
Example:
She baited the hook with bated breath.
One involves worms, the other involves barely breathing. Both involve waiting uncomfortably.
Memory trick:
Bated breath = abated breath (held back)
Example:
She baited the hook with bated breath.
June 26, 2025 at 2:39 PM
5️⃣ Baited vs. Bated
One involves worms, the other involves barely breathing. Both involve waiting uncomfortably.
Memory trick:
Bated breath = abated breath (held back)
Example:
She baited the hook with bated breath.
One involves worms, the other involves barely breathing. Both involve waiting uncomfortably.
Memory trick:
Bated breath = abated breath (held back)
Example:
She baited the hook with bated breath.
4️⃣ Populace vs. Populous
The people vs. describing lots of people. Both involve crowds you'd rather avoid.
Memory trick:
PopuLACE = the people in this pLACE
Example:
The populous city had an angry populace.
The people vs. describing lots of people. Both involve crowds you'd rather avoid.
Memory trick:
PopuLACE = the people in this pLACE
Example:
The populous city had an angry populace.
June 26, 2025 at 2:39 PM
4️⃣ Populace vs. Populous
The people vs. describing lots of people. Both involve crowds you'd rather avoid.
Memory trick:
PopuLACE = the people in this pLACE
Example:
The populous city had an angry populace.
The people vs. describing lots of people. Both involve crowds you'd rather avoid.
Memory trick:
PopuLACE = the people in this pLACE
Example:
The populous city had an angry populace.
3️⃣ Canvas vs. Canvass
One's for painting, the other's for pestering people about their political opinions.
Memory trick:
CanvaSS = Stupid Survey (or an extra s for super annoying)
Example:
She painted on canvas while volunteers canvassed the neighbourhood.
One's for painting, the other's for pestering people about their political opinions.
Memory trick:
CanvaSS = Stupid Survey (or an extra s for super annoying)
Example:
She painted on canvas while volunteers canvassed the neighbourhood.
June 26, 2025 at 2:39 PM
3️⃣ Canvas vs. Canvass
One's for painting, the other's for pestering people about their political opinions.
Memory trick:
CanvaSS = Stupid Survey (or an extra s for super annoying)
Example:
She painted on canvas while volunteers canvassed the neighbourhood.
One's for painting, the other's for pestering people about their political opinions.
Memory trick:
CanvaSS = Stupid Survey (or an extra s for super annoying)
Example:
She painted on canvas while volunteers canvassed the neighbourhood.
2️⃣ Palate vs. Palette vs. Pallet
Your taste buds, your paint colors, or your shipping platform.
Memory trick:
PalaTe = one T for Taste
Palette = ETTE is an artist flair
Pallet = needs ll to slide the fork lift in
Example:
The artist's palette pleased my palate while I sat on a pallet.
Your taste buds, your paint colors, or your shipping platform.
Memory trick:
PalaTe = one T for Taste
Palette = ETTE is an artist flair
Pallet = needs ll to slide the fork lift in
Example:
The artist's palette pleased my palate while I sat on a pallet.
June 26, 2025 at 2:39 PM
2️⃣ Palate vs. Palette vs. Pallet
Your taste buds, your paint colors, or your shipping platform.
Memory trick:
PalaTe = one T for Taste
Palette = ETTE is an artist flair
Pallet = needs ll to slide the fork lift in
Example:
The artist's palette pleased my palate while I sat on a pallet.
Your taste buds, your paint colors, or your shipping platform.
Memory trick:
PalaTe = one T for Taste
Palette = ETTE is an artist flair
Pallet = needs ll to slide the fork lift in
Example:
The artist's palette pleased my palate while I sat on a pallet.
1️⃣ Hoard vs. Horde
One's a pile of treasure, the other's an army. Both involve questionable life choices.
Memory trick:
You hoard things in a pile (think "oa" = "oh, all my stuff")
Example:
The dragon's hoard attracted a horde of adventurers.
One's a pile of treasure, the other's an army. Both involve questionable life choices.
Memory trick:
You hoard things in a pile (think "oa" = "oh, all my stuff")
Example:
The dragon's hoard attracted a horde of adventurers.
June 26, 2025 at 2:39 PM
1️⃣ Hoard vs. Horde
One's a pile of treasure, the other's an army. Both involve questionable life choices.
Memory trick:
You hoard things in a pile (think "oa" = "oh, all my stuff")
Example:
The dragon's hoard attracted a horde of adventurers.
One's a pile of treasure, the other's an army. Both involve questionable life choices.
Memory trick:
You hoard things in a pile (think "oa" = "oh, all my stuff")
Example:
The dragon's hoard attracted a horde of adventurers.
If you’re one of my lovely followers and have a book listed on the UK site, drop it in the comments. I’d be delighted to add it to my storefront.
June 21, 2025 at 10:57 AM
If you’re one of my lovely followers and have a book listed on the UK site, drop it in the comments. I’d be delighted to add it to my storefront.
Well, that's it from me…
Good pacing isn't about constant action; it's about constant tension.
Every page should either answer a question (while raising new ones) or promise that answers are coming soon. When readers think “just one more chapter,” you've mastered the dark art of addictive pacing…
Good pacing isn't about constant action; it's about constant tension.
Every page should either answer a question (while raising new ones) or promise that answers are coming soon. When readers think “just one more chapter,” you've mastered the dark art of addictive pacing…
June 20, 2025 at 6:53 PM
Well, that's it from me…
Good pacing isn't about constant action; it's about constant tension.
Every page should either answer a question (while raising new ones) or promise that answers are coming soon. When readers think “just one more chapter,” you've mastered the dark art of addictive pacing…
Good pacing isn't about constant action; it's about constant tension.
Every page should either answer a question (while raising new ones) or promise that answers are coming soon. When readers think “just one more chapter,” you've mastered the dark art of addictive pacing…
🔟 End Scenes Mid-Action
Don't wait for natural stopping points. Stop in the middle of the good stuff.
Examples:
She lunged for the bat. Her fingers, so close—
[SCENE BREAK]
"Behind you!" he screamed. She spun around to see—
[SCENE BREAK]
Don't wait for natural stopping points. Stop in the middle of the good stuff.
Examples:
She lunged for the bat. Her fingers, so close—
[SCENE BREAK]
"Behind you!" he screamed. She spun around to see—
[SCENE BREAK]
June 20, 2025 at 6:53 PM
🔟 End Scenes Mid-Action
Don't wait for natural stopping points. Stop in the middle of the good stuff.
Examples:
She lunged for the bat. Her fingers, so close—
[SCENE BREAK]
"Behind you!" he screamed. She spun around to see—
[SCENE BREAK]
Don't wait for natural stopping points. Stop in the middle of the good stuff.
Examples:
She lunged for the bat. Her fingers, so close—
[SCENE BREAK]
"Behind you!" he screamed. She spun around to see—
[SCENE BREAK]
9️⃣ Raise New Questions While Answering Old Ones
Every answer should spawn three new mysteries. Keep them chasing.
Examples:
"Your father didn't die in the accident. He was murdered."
"By who?"
"That's... complicated."
The DNA test proved he wasn't the father. It also proved something much worse.
Every answer should spawn three new mysteries. Keep them chasing.
Examples:
"Your father didn't die in the accident. He was murdered."
"By who?"
"That's... complicated."
The DNA test proved he wasn't the father. It also proved something much worse.
June 20, 2025 at 6:53 PM
9️⃣ Raise New Questions While Answering Old Ones
Every answer should spawn three new mysteries. Keep them chasing.
Examples:
"Your father didn't die in the accident. He was murdered."
"By who?"
"That's... complicated."
The DNA test proved he wasn't the father. It also proved something much worse.
Every answer should spawn three new mysteries. Keep them chasing.
Examples:
"Your father didn't die in the accident. He was murdered."
"By who?"
"That's... complicated."
The DNA test proved he wasn't the father. It also proved something much worse.
8️⃣ The Almost Reveal
Get them 99% of the way to the truth, then make them wait for that final 1%.
Examples:
"I know who you really are," she whispered. "You're—"
"Not here. Too dangerous."
The file contained everything: names, dates, photos. Everything except the one page that mattered most.
Get them 99% of the way to the truth, then make them wait for that final 1%.
Examples:
"I know who you really are," she whispered. "You're—"
"Not here. Too dangerous."
The file contained everything: names, dates, photos. Everything except the one page that mattered most.
June 20, 2025 at 6:53 PM
8️⃣ The Almost Reveal
Get them 99% of the way to the truth, then make them wait for that final 1%.
Examples:
"I know who you really are," she whispered. "You're—"
"Not here. Too dangerous."
The file contained everything: names, dates, photos. Everything except the one page that mattered most.
Get them 99% of the way to the truth, then make them wait for that final 1%.
Examples:
"I know who you really are," she whispered. "You're—"
"Not here. Too dangerous."
The file contained everything: names, dates, photos. Everything except the one page that mattered most.
7️⃣ Switch POV at Peak Tension
Right when readers are dying to know what happens next, show them someone else's crisis.
Example:
The gun is raised, finger on trigger...
CUT TO: Three hours earlier, someone else was planning this exact moment.
Right when readers are dying to know what happens next, show them someone else's crisis.
Example:
The gun is raised, finger on trigger...
CUT TO: Three hours earlier, someone else was planning this exact moment.
June 20, 2025 at 6:53 PM
7️⃣ Switch POV at Peak Tension
Right when readers are dying to know what happens next, show them someone else's crisis.
Example:
The gun is raised, finger on trigger...
CUT TO: Three hours earlier, someone else was planning this exact moment.
Right when readers are dying to know what happens next, show them someone else's crisis.
Example:
The gun is raised, finger on trigger...
CUT TO: Three hours earlier, someone else was planning this exact moment.
6️⃣ The Ticking Clock
Nothing speeds up pacing like a deadline that seems impossible to meet.
Examples:
"You're getting married tomorrow. This is our last chance."
"You have until midnight." She glanced at her watch. 11:47 PM.
Nothing speeds up pacing like a deadline that seems impossible to meet.
Examples:
"You're getting married tomorrow. This is our last chance."
"You have until midnight." She glanced at her watch. 11:47 PM.
June 20, 2025 at 6:53 PM
6️⃣ The Ticking Clock
Nothing speeds up pacing like a deadline that seems impossible to meet.
Examples:
"You're getting married tomorrow. This is our last chance."
"You have until midnight." She glanced at her watch. 11:47 PM.
Nothing speeds up pacing like a deadline that seems impossible to meet.
Examples:
"You're getting married tomorrow. This is our last chance."
"You have until midnight." She glanced at her watch. 11:47 PM.
5️⃣ Micro-Cliffhangers Every Few Pages
Don't save the tension for chapter ends. Sprinkle it everywhere like addictive seasoning.
Examples:
She opened the envelope. Her blood ran cold.
"You recognise him, don't you?" The photo fell from her trembling fingers.
Don't save the tension for chapter ends. Sprinkle it everywhere like addictive seasoning.
Examples:
She opened the envelope. Her blood ran cold.
"You recognise him, don't you?" The photo fell from her trembling fingers.
June 20, 2025 at 6:53 PM
5️⃣ Micro-Cliffhangers Every Few Pages
Don't save the tension for chapter ends. Sprinkle it everywhere like addictive seasoning.
Examples:
She opened the envelope. Her blood ran cold.
"You recognise him, don't you?" The photo fell from her trembling fingers.
Don't save the tension for chapter ends. Sprinkle it everywhere like addictive seasoning.
Examples:
She opened the envelope. Her blood ran cold.
"You recognise him, don't you?" The photo fell from her trembling fingers.
4️⃣ The Interrupted Answer
Start to give them what they want, then snatch it away with perfect timing.
Examples:
"The killer is—" The phone line went dead.
"I love—"
The explosion cut off her words.
Start to give them what they want, then snatch it away with perfect timing.
Examples:
"The killer is—" The phone line went dead.
"I love—"
The explosion cut off her words.
June 20, 2025 at 6:53 PM
4️⃣ The Interrupted Answer
Start to give them what they want, then snatch it away with perfect timing.
Examples:
"The killer is—" The phone line went dead.
"I love—"
The explosion cut off her words.
Start to give them what they want, then snatch it away with perfect timing.
Examples:
"The killer is—" The phone line went dead.
"I love—"
The explosion cut off her words.
3️⃣ Drop Bombs in Quiet Moments
Hit them with revelations when they least expect it, not during action scenes.
Examples:
They were making pancakes when she casually mentioned, "Oh, by the way, I'm pregnant."
"Pass the salt," he said. "And I killed your brother."
Hit them with revelations when they least expect it, not during action scenes.
Examples:
They were making pancakes when she casually mentioned, "Oh, by the way, I'm pregnant."
"Pass the salt," he said. "And I killed your brother."
June 20, 2025 at 6:53 PM
3️⃣ Drop Bombs in Quiet Moments
Hit them with revelations when they least expect it, not during action scenes.
Examples:
They were making pancakes when she casually mentioned, "Oh, by the way, I'm pregnant."
"Pass the salt," he said. "And I killed your brother."
Hit them with revelations when they least expect it, not during action scenes.
Examples:
They were making pancakes when she casually mentioned, "Oh, by the way, I'm pregnant."
"Pass the salt," he said. "And I killed your brother."
2️⃣ The False Resolution
Let them think the problem's solved... then pull the rug out from under them.
Examples:
The bomb was defused. Finally, they could breathe. Then she noticed the second timer.
"We're safe now," he whispered, pulling her close. The footsteps in the hallway suggested otherwise.
Let them think the problem's solved... then pull the rug out from under them.
Examples:
The bomb was defused. Finally, they could breathe. Then she noticed the second timer.
"We're safe now," he whispered, pulling her close. The footsteps in the hallway suggested otherwise.
June 20, 2025 at 6:53 PM
2️⃣ The False Resolution
Let them think the problem's solved... then pull the rug out from under them.
Examples:
The bomb was defused. Finally, they could breathe. Then she noticed the second timer.
"We're safe now," he whispered, pulling her close. The footsteps in the hallway suggested otherwise.
Let them think the problem's solved... then pull the rug out from under them.
Examples:
The bomb was defused. Finally, they could breathe. Then she noticed the second timer.
"We're safe now," he whispered, pulling her close. The footsteps in the hallway suggested otherwise.
1️⃣ End Chapters Mid-Conversation
Nothing says "just one more page" like cutting off dialogue at the worst possible moment.
Examples:
"There's something I need to tell you about your father—"
[CHAPTER BREAK]
"The test results came back. You're going to want to sit down for this."
[CHAPTER BREAK]
Nothing says "just one more page" like cutting off dialogue at the worst possible moment.
Examples:
"There's something I need to tell you about your father—"
[CHAPTER BREAK]
"The test results came back. You're going to want to sit down for this."
[CHAPTER BREAK]
June 20, 2025 at 6:53 PM
1️⃣ End Chapters Mid-Conversation
Nothing says "just one more page" like cutting off dialogue at the worst possible moment.
Examples:
"There's something I need to tell you about your father—"
[CHAPTER BREAK]
"The test results came back. You're going to want to sit down for this."
[CHAPTER BREAK]
Nothing says "just one more page" like cutting off dialogue at the worst possible moment.
Examples:
"There's something I need to tell you about your father—"
[CHAPTER BREAK]
"The test results came back. You're going to want to sit down for this."
[CHAPTER BREAK]