Tags
editing, editing tips, Overused Words, Self-editing, Strong vs Weak Words, Strong Words, Weak Verbs, Weak Words, writers, writing, Writing Advice
Do your characters “try” to do things? Do they make an “attempt?
If your romantic lead “tries” to win the girl’s heart and fails, that is one thing. But if he “tries” to impress her by wearing after-shave laced with pheromones and she swoons into his arms, he succeeded. Let’s see if some examples help me out here.
I tried following Robin’s point in her blog post but she lost me by sentence two.
There you failed.
I tried following Robin’s blog and loved it.
Gosh, me too!
I followed Robin’s blog and hated it.
~~~~~
I try to learn something from Robin, but she has nothing to offer.
You failed again.
I try to learn from Robin’s posts and because of her wisdom, I am stronger writer.
Gosh, me too again! We have so much in common.
I learn how to use strong words from Robin. She is so wise!
~~~~~
I was trying to make sense of Robin’s blog post, but she writes drivel.
Failed again my friend.
I was trying to follow the editing advice Robin gives and it works beautifully.
Are you sure we are reading the same Robin Coyle? (P.S. The “was” in the above sentence is awkward.)
Following Robin’s advice made my WIP Pulitzer-worthy.
~~~~~
I attempted to un-follow Robin, but darn WordPress wouldn’t let me.
Boy, you must feel like a failure by now.
I attempted to follow Robin and I am glad I did! She is a smart cookie!
Robincoyle.com, right? You sure?
I unfollowed robincoyle.com as soon as I read her last post. As my mom would say, good riddance to bad rubbish.
Robin Coyle 
Reblogged this on Vernon West Blogs.
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I have been more mindful of how I compose sentences since Robin began posting Strong vs Weak words. Why? My mind isn’t full of words anymore and I’m scrambling to fill in the blanks. Ha ha.
We are ridding the world of weak words . . . one weak word at a time!
Just when I think I have gleaned a modicum of knowledge, I am always reassured that is not the case – good stuff as always Robin
Thanks Susan! Oh, and I love the word “modicum.” I need to work the word into my manuscript!
I try to make a witty comment here but…
I shall attempt again…
I’d say your comment was indeed witty Elliot!
Then I both succeeded and failed!
Try, try, try again . . .
Where are you coming up with these terrific lessons — I love them all!
I learn these lessons from editing my manuscript. When I run across a flat word, I poke at the word to see if it is littered throughout. If the offending word is, I see if I can fix the problem. Then, I write about it!
So glad you are enjoying this series!
I would suppose that endeavour is no better than try!!
But endeavor sounds more noble, doesn’t it?
Another word to add to the giant whiteboard of shame.
Let me know what you find Kate.
If at first you don’t succeed, do it like Robin told you…
Ha ha! Or try to ignore her!
I failed to make sense of what Robin is trying to say. I tried. Oh, how I tried. In turn her drivel only tried my patience. 🙂
Hehe. I jest. Good advice. I’ll try to remember. 🙂
You had me worried for a minute! I hate to think I “try” anyone’s patience. You are so funny.
How could good, helpful advice try anyone’s patience. My manuscript on the other hand not only tests my patience, but tears it to shreds and feasts upon the tattered remains.
If we were talking about patients, those I have none.
I had a vision of a shred of your manuscript lying in a hospital bed with you hovering over the life-support system. The patient will live thanks to your devotion to putting the pieces back together again.
most definitely, Robin is wise and does not just “try” to be
No, no, no . . . I really have to “try” to be wise.
you are trying to be too modest my dear
Can I be humble instead?
humble is good
I’ll try to get through Robin’s 21st weak word, but the outlook is iffy. 😉
Ah gee . . . won’t you please try?
I’ll try to remember all this… If I can.
Good luck “trying.”
I don’t even dare look up that one in my manuscript, but I suppose I should “try.”
“Try” isn’t a badie. I had 41 forms of “try” and easily reduced the “trys” down to 21. Let me know what you find.
Okay, since you weren’t letting me off the hook, I just checked. Only eleven! Wow, can you believe it? Something I don’t have to agonize over. Yeah!!
Fantastic! Maybe I need to look at my remaining 21 again. I’ll report back on that.
I love these posts about making your writing stronger by removing weaker words. I’ve been more mindful of that when I’m editing my blog posts and you’ve made me a stronger writer. Thanks for that. *hands beautiful bouquet of flowers to Robin*
What a lovely compliment from an Eagle-Eyed Editor! Thank you. Oh, and thank you for the flowers. You are too kind.
I just edited out a couple of tries this afternoon. 🙂 There will be more.
I forgot to mention this in the post. I started out with 41 forms of “try” and edited them down to 21. The “trys” that stayed were because there was ensuing failure.
Do, or do not. There is no try! Yoda knew this.
Do you have a light saber and a Jedi Star Fighter?
I don’t, but Mr. Weebles does.
Yes, Master Yoda. I will do. There is no try. *hangs head and returns to editing table*
That made me laugh out loud. Ha!
My characters try a lot of things. Just like me, there are lots of attempts; maybe lots of failures, too.
But if they succeed, the “try” can go!