Tags
editing, Overused Words, Self-editing, Strong vs Weak Words, Strong Words, Weak Words, writers, writing, Writing Advice, writing tips
A signpost for us all.
Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Related (sort of) to “told” is “tell.”
We want to write so that we “show, not tell,” right? One easy step in following that sage writing advice is, in small part, to rid our manuscripts of the word “tell.” Not using the word “tell” doesn’t make the writing Pulitzer-worthy and paint pictures in the reader’s mind, but it takes it up a notch.
Do these examples “tell” you what I mean?
I could tell Robin blushed when I complimented her writing style.
Are you talking about Robin Coyle?
Robin face turned an unbecoming shade of purple when I suggested she take a writing class.
~~~~~
I wanted to tell Robin about a great blog post idea.
Please, no! Don’t give her more material!
I shared a blog post idea with Robin. She pooh-poohed the suggestion and wrote about strong vs weak words. Gawd. Not again.
~~~~~
The urge to tell her more blog post ideas came over me.
Really. I mean it. Don’t feed her blogging obsession.
The urge to give her more blog post ideas was squashed when my fellow bloggers threatened my life.
~~~~~
Robin wouldn’t tell us what she planned to blog about next.
Isn’t that cheeky of her.
Robin wouldn’t divulge her plans for torturing us further.
Robin Coyle 