Do you "get" me?

I have to laugh. I admit it. There a few things I do that are trademarks to my writing. And not good trademarks, mind you. Today, I burst out laughing when Kristine, my editor, wrote, "Please, no more mouths hanging open!"

I have noticed (because she marks them all) that everyone in my story has a jaw dropping moment at one time or another. Once would probably be fine, but I'm seeing how I use it too often. I never noticed it before. I try not to feel embarrassed.

Isn't that how life is? We get comfortable doing something and want to continue on, not realizing how irritating it is to others. I'm not just talking about writing here, but life in general. It makes me wonder what else I do repetitively that just isn't working in my life.

I also love how often she marks whole paragraphs as "wordy and awkward." I really do think it's funny. I laugh out loud. This one makes total sense though. So often I say something that someone else takes wrong because I assume they "get" me. I don't think I'm that different from other people, so it's no wonder there's so much confusion in the world.

Anyway, it has been a pleasure working with Kristine. She's honest, witty and forthright. I love her ideas and suggestions. I use most of them. At least 95% of the time.

On with another week. On with more revisions and more laughing as I sit here. What a fun job.