Efficient Writing

When I was at my first-ever writing conference last month, an editor and agent asked me if my novel New Pangaea had "sharp dialogue". I wasn't exactly sure what she meant, but I assumed it had to do with being efficient with the dialogue; avoiding unnecessary dialogue and using it to carry the story, in other words.
This idea of efficiency had me thinking about the way that I speak and act and how I am as a (real life) character. Overall, I am a fairly efficient person in many aspects of my life. Whether that's a good thing or a bad thing, I'm not entirely certain, but it does make shopping a lot quicker and easier. Take, for example, my mission to find Mother's Day cards for my mother and grandmother last week. A quick scan of the pink and flowery Mother's Day section let me eliminate all of the ones that played music, allowed personal voice recording, were 3D, covered in 20 pounds of glitter, waterproof, glow-in-the-dark or edible. (If I had the money, I would spend $1,000 on my mother, but a card for $5.99? That's just ridiculous, and she would agree.) Another glance and I eliminated all of the ones with cartoon characters, kittens, and overly mushy sentiment. Within 20 seconds, I had efficiently narrowed down my selection to about 5 choices. Then, I merely had to pick the one I liked best for the best price. It took all of 1 minute. That's usually how my shopping trips go. Unless I have to try on things like jeans or shoes...there's a reason I don't like shopping for those...
While looking back through my completed novel this weekend, making final edits per recommendation of the professionals at the conference, I kept this idea of efficiency in mind. With that word pounding in my brain, I hope my characters' voices are unique, to-the-point, and entertaining, as I've had fun getting to know all of my characters, including Claire in the latest work, Hometown Girl. If you haven't already, feel free to check it out on the Latest Work page. You're welcome to provide feedback, as well.

Just updated with a full chapter on my "Latest Work" page! It's been more spring-like lately, which feels very motivating for writing :)

In the "Latest work" page, you can check out my latest story, Hometown Girl. This manuscript is currently in the works, but I will be posting updates to the novel at least once a week. I will just add on to the bottom of the existing content. Feel free to comment with ideas, suggestions or questions. Thank you!

Welcome to Words & Coffee, a blog about writing and life. I'm Sarah, a high school English teacher and writer who loves to explore the outdoors and to inspire others. I'm an avid reader and thinker, and I write young adult novels mainly (though I love to write a little of everything) because I enjoy the energy and versatility of minds at that age. I am always listening for new ideas by observing the life around me and searching for inspiration. I have a lot of faith and I love being around people, most of the time. My greatest passions include cuddling up with coffee and a good book, canoeing down a lazy river on an autumn afternoon, writing in a busy coffee shop, and sitting around a bonfire with friends on a summer evening, to name a few. I strongly believe in the strength and power of the underdog as well as believing in yourself, even in the darkest of circumstances.  Feel free to explore my blog, where I will post my latest stories and ideas. Thank you for visiting.