I’m often asked for writing “tips.” I’ve given a few, but here’s an unusual one. There is a program available online which is called, My Word Count. I use it when I’m close to completing a text. What it does is tell me about my use of specific words in the manuscript. Take the word “Terrified.” It’s a good strong word, but if you use it to excess, (even more than once) you radically diminish its power. If you catch yourself and edit accordingly, that’s all to the good. That said, it’s easy to miss, especially in a long work. My Word Count, in a matter of moments, tells you which words you have used too often. Obviously words like and, the, they, said, are used with great frequency, as well they might be. You want to watch your adjectives, adverbs, and a whole range of modifiers. Having this program is like having a set of extra eyes, your own copy editor. It is not the whole editing process by any means, but it’s a wonderful aid.