I READ AN EXTRACT OF MY FORTHCOMING BOOK TO MY EDITOR.

How long does it take to read a short extract?
   Fucking ages.
   I am on the phone, talking to someone. That person listens to my story. I spot two problem areas in the story as I read. Except that I don't.
   No. I read. Stop. Almost sneeze. We veer off into talk of literature and trashy books. Then there was that other thing. Hang on, I need a coffee.
   Now I must empty my bladder. It's coffee-related.
   This goes on for a long time.

$%!&!

Later. I know I have to think about those two problem areas. And I blog about them here to remind myself yet again.
   Reading your work aloud is a good thing. You discover the following important points...
   Flow. Your writing dribbles pish.
   Structure. You stumble over the structure and chin yourself.
   Style. There isn't any. Rent some quickly, for fuck's sake.
   Consistency. It's doughy.
   Tone. Mostly of the swearing.
   Pace. Er...yes. How to...pace this. Er...
   Plot. This is an optional requirement.
   Overuse of overuse. I think I overdid it there.
   The sounds of words. Perhaps this is the most important revelation. Your simply stunning alliterative allegory sounds like an agitated alligator when you say the words at the right speed. Clearly, these are the wrong words.

$%!&!

There's a simple message to this post. Read your stuff aloud. Alone or in company. You'll learn from the sobering experience.