Attached Link: http://www.holtuncensored.com/ten_mistakes.html

2. REPEATS
   Just about every writer unconsciously leans on a "crutch" word....Crutch words are usually unremarkable. That's why they slip under editorial radar - they're not even worth repeating, but there you have it, pop, pop, pop, up they come. Readers, however, notice them, get irked by them and are eventually distracted by them, and down goes your book, never to be opened again....
3. FLAT WRITING
   ...Flat writing is a sign that you've lost interest or are intimidated by your own narrative. It shows that you're veering toward mediocrity, that your brain is fatigued, that you've lost your inspiration. So use it as a lesson. When you see flat writing on the page, it's time to rethink, refuel and rewrite.
4. EMPTY ADVERBS
   Actually, totally, absolutely, completely, continually, constantly, continuously, literally, really, unfortunately, ironically, incredibly, hopefully, finally - these and others are words that promise emphasis, but too often they do the reverse. They suck the meaning out of every sentence....
5. PHONY DIALOGUE
   Be careful of using dialogue to advance the plot. Readers can tell when characters talk about things they already know, or when the speakers appear to be having a conversation for our benefit....
6. NO-GOOD SUFFIXES
   Don't take a perfectly good word and give it a new backside so it functions as something else....
7. THE 'TO BE' WORDS:
   Once your eye is attuned to the frequent use of the "to be" words - "am," "is," "are," "was," "were," "be," "being," "been" and others - you'll be appalled at how quickly they flatten prose and slow your pace to a crawl....
8. LISTS
   "She was entranced by the roses, hyacinths, impatiens, mums, carnations, pansies, irises, peonies, hollyhocks, daylillies, morning glories, larkspur..." Well, she may be entranced, but our eyes are glazing over. If you're going to describe a number of items, jack up the visuals....
9. SHOW, DON'T TELL
   If you say, "she was stunning and powerful," you're telling us. But if you say, "I was stunned by her elegant carriage as she strode past the jury - shoulders erect, elbows back, her eyes wide and watchful," you're showing us. The moment we can visualize the picture you're trying to paint, you're showing us, not telling us what we should see....
10. AWKWARD PHRASING
    ...Awkward phrasing makes the reader stop in the midst of reading and ponder the meaning of a word or phrase. This you never want as an author. A rule of thumb - always give your work a little percolatin' time before you come back to it. Never write right up to deadline. Return to it with fresh eyes. You'll spot those overworked tangles of prose and know exactly how to fix them.
11. COMMAS
    Compound sentences, most modifying clauses and many phrases require commas. You may find it necessary to break the rules from time to time, but you can't delete commas just because you don't like the pause they bring to a sentence or just because you want to add tension....

The point to the List above is that even the best writers make these mistakes, but you can't afford to. The way manuscripts are thrown into the Rejection pile on the basis of early mistakes is a crime. Don't be a victim.

My editorial comment. Don't try to fix anything until you are finished writing. Editing while your write is one good way to create a writer's block (ask me how I know). Set your finished work aside, then come back and look for the items on this list. I think you will find that rewriting with this list in mind will make your stories stronger. Message edited on: 04/10/2005 13:30

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This is not a new suggestion: it is one I have often heard before and one I take to heart, but I thought this might be a good time to repeat it. The little man on the bus is someone I only see a few times during the month, but he always provides me entertainment and good advice. This is an excellent suggest from someone who copy edits attorney's briefs. Read your work out loud. What will this accomplish? You'll discover whether or not you need more (or fewer) commas by paying attention to natural pauses. You'll be able to hear if your words are flowing smoothly. If you find it difficult to read what you have written, imagine what it will be like for a reader who comes upon it for the first time.

Oh man these are awesome.. Thank you SOOO much, I need all the help with this stuff I can get :)

Me too. :)

Thanks Dialyn again for 'strong meat'. :) Much appreciated.