“When I was a teenager, there was a period of half a dozen years in the early ‘70s when kids cut off jeans and made them into jean shorts — pulling threads out of the cut-off portion until there was a fuzzy ring around each leg about an inch long. It was tacky and rather unkempt. In a way, that’s how I see the initial efforts of most writers: fuzzy, uneven, unkempt. What you have done for me is help cut off the frays and seam the product with neat, tight stitches. You have a gracious way to help the writer ‘kill his little darlings’ — the fuzzy thoughts, phrases and words hanging around that need to go.” — Tim Nelson, executive pastor and writer
“Some editors have altered my words so extremely that I’m embarrassed to have my name associated with the article. I value that you allow your writers to participate in the editing process. When my byline is distributed, I feel that people who read my stories gain insights to who I am based on my words, tones, etc. I always love working with you and appreciate your friendship!” — Roxanne Robbins, director, Tukutana, East Africa nonprofit
“I think of editing as something similar to good friends who help you figure out/articulate something you may have known all along; you just haven’t necessarily been able to get it out ‘on your own.’ Writers, no matter who they are, can get too close to a subject and not be able to see it clearly. You’ve helped me learn how to ‘step back’ and consider things from a different point of view.” — Hope Mills Voelkel, freelance writer, entrepreneur
“I was a math major in college, and I am reminded of something Einstein said about equations: ‘Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler.’ The same could be said about writing. I think you nailed it.” — Dr. Charles Rasmussen, pastor
“Awesome seminar. It helped me a lot as an editor and gave me some new tools to freshen up my editing/writing. Diane was personable and I liked the mix of presentation and group work. A lot of good input to take back to my team. Many great take-aways!” — Shelly Esser, editor, Just Between Us
“Excellent! Everything about this workshop. I would definitely attend any workshop that Diane leads in the future.” — Lori McFall, One Mission Society