I know something is up with my pieces being passive. My editor agrees, he told me to figure it out. So that's why I am here today!  I could use a list of examples of what is passive and what is active. Maybe even a guide!

That is mostly correct. Passive voice is when the object of the action is the grammatical subject of the sentence. This is whether the subject of the action is present or not. James's examples are all good, but also consider:

The wall was painted by the graffiti artist.
We know who painted the wall, but the sentence is still passive.
The subject of the sentence is the wall, but the wall isn't acting, it's being acted upon.

It's a somewhat convoluted distinction to make or explain, however, it is very easy to spot when it is used:

Passive voice = "to be verb" + past participle.

Using James's examples:
1) The coffee machine "is" broken.

2) The 25$ million jackpot "has been" won.

3) A new stadium "is being" built downtown.

You have been agreed with.  The passive voice should be sought out whenever possible.  Things can seem complacent when it is used.  A passive voice sounds boring and droll. (all passive voice)

The active voice is much better though.  All of your nouns are busy doing something, moving the action forward.  An active sentence brings motion to a story. (all active voice)

There is something to be said for appropriate use of the passive voice, however.  Sometimes, you want to move your subject to the end of the sentence in order to have a greater impact on the reader.  I think that's where much of your passive voice comes from.  It's fine when used lightly, but repetitive or constant use is generally discouraged. 

(last sentence: passive voice)