Hi. I am currently editing my novel. It's in the first person and I was told from a previous writing competition that I should remove the filter words as they create distance between you and the reader. (e.g. I saw, I heard, I realised etc...) However, I wonder if there are situations where it is okay to leave them in and I wanted to check if anyone has any general rules with removing filter words or knows of any good books or online articles about them. e.g. 1) If it is in speech and one of the characters says 'I saw something in the dark'- okay to leave in as it's in speech?. 2) She heard me call her name and ignored me- okay as not the main character in the filter? (e.g. she heard and not I heard?) 3) I saw him on the overhead TV screen. (Okay as the main character is watching a TV screen?) as opposed to 'I saw him come towards me' (which could have the filter removed with 'He came towards me'. ) 4) 'I couldn’t believe no one else heard it.' okay as hearing is the central focus? 5) 'I saw no sign of him'. Okay as a common expression? I'd been really keen to hear other people's experiences and expertise at editing out filter words and if there is a general technique for it. I'm just looking for a general quick set of rules if possible. If anyone knows of any that would be really helpful. Thanks so much.

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Quick question for everyone here Which part of the writing process challenges you the most right now? A) Starting the manuscript B) Finishing it C) Editing & polishing D) Formatting & publishing E) Marketing & getting reviews I’m curious to see where most writers struggle.

When editing a novel (say a document of 75,000 words ) do you prefer to edit on the screen or print out the entire thing and get busy with pencils and red pens?