Strong vs Weak Word ~ Part 24 ~ Then

Tags

editing, editing tips, Overused Words, Self-editing, Strong vs Weak Words, Strong Words, Weak Words, writers, writing, Writing Advice, writing tips

“Then” was brought to my attention by SubtleKate. Best wishes to Kate as she is having surgery on Friday.

My characters did this. Then my characters did that. I reduced 69 “then-s” to 28. I should give the remaining 28 a second look. If you describe what happens next in the story, the “then” is implied. Let’s take a look.

I joined Sir Paul’s fan club, wire tapped his phone, and then stalked his dog-walker.

Why the dog-walker, not Paul?

I joined Sir Paul’s fan club and wire tapped his phone. The police arrested me when I stalked his dog-walker.

~~~~~

Paul hired me as a housekeeper and then I devised a plan to steal his gold records.

Dastardly of you.

Paul hired me as a housekeeper, which gave me the opportunity to steal his gold albums.

 ~~~~~

I gushed over Paul during the interview and then censored myself for sounding like a groupie.

 I would gush too.

I gushed over Paul during the interview until he rang for his army of bodyguards.

 ~~~~~ 

I planned my escape route from the mansion, ran it by James Bond, and then made off with Paul’s gold records.

You know James Bond?

I planned my escape route from the mansion, ran it by James Bond over martinis, and was arrested for stealing Paul’s gold records.

~~~~~ 

Until then, I wasn’t afraid of Paul’s bodyguards.

 You should have been. I’ve seen ’em.

Until I saw their guns, I thought I could sweet-talk Paul’s bodyguards into letting me keep the records.

Strong vs Weak Words ~ Part 23 ~ Wasn’t and Isn’t

Tags

Strong Verbs, Strong vs Weak Words, Strong Words, Weak Verbs, Weak Words, writers, writing, Writing Advice, writing tips

We learned about telling our readers what happened instead of what “didn’t” happen here. Related to “didn’t” is “wasn’t” and ”isn’t.” Again, when I read the words “wasn’t” and “isn’t” in my WIP, I asked myself if it “wasn’t” something, then what the heck WAS it? Let’s explore this idea.

My day isn’t complete until I read Robin’s blog.

Do you have a life? 

My day was incomplete after reading Robin’s blog.

 ~~~~~

I wasn’t happy when Robin didn’t follow my blog.

 She didn’t follow mine either.

My blood pressure rose to dangerous heights when Robin failed to follow my blog even after I liked, commented, liked, commented, liked, and endlessly commented on her asinine blog.

 ~~~~~

She isn’t my favorite blogger but I read a few of Robin’s posts placate her need for attention.

Gosh, Robin is annoying.

 My favorite blogger was Robin Coyle until she went on ad nausuem about strong vs weak words. Geez Louise, give it a rest Robin.

 

Strong vs Weak Words ~ Part 22 ~ Would Have

Tags

Overused Words, Self-editing, Strong vs Weak Words, Strong Words, Weak Verbs, Weak Words, writers, Writers Resources, writing, Writing Advice, writing tips

Would have. Geez Louise. That is all I will say as an intro. Read on.

Robin would suggest ways to improve my writing and I hung on her every word.

 Why? Gosh . . .  get a grip.

Robin suggested ways to improve my writing but I ignored her.

~~~~~

He would bring Robin flowers to weasel more writing tips out of her.

The letch.

He brought Robin flowers and she threw her blog posts into his awaiting arms.

~~~~~

Robin would blush when her readers sent her flowers.

Dead black roses?

Robin blushed when her readers called the grammar police.

~~~~~ 

He would leave me love notes in the comment section of my blog.

Such a romantic fool.

 He left me hate mail in the comment section so I changed my identity.

I am now Paris Hilton.

How awful is this?

Strong vs Weak Words ~ Part 21 ~ Try and Attempt

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.

Strong vs Weak Words ~ Part 20 ~ They

Tags

editing, editing tips, Self-editing, Strong vs Weak Words, Strong Words, Weak Words, writers, writing, Writing Advice, writing tips

You knew it was coming. The dreaded word “they” is related to “it” and “them.” If you missed those posts click here and here.

“Them” is a nice enough word, and because it is so nice, I invited “them” to over-stay their welcome in my WIP. “They” blend into the wallpaper, but when you give them a name badge and a cocktail, “they” become the life of the party.

Here we go . . .

She writes lovely comments on my blog but under the surface I can tell they are pandering. 

She just wants you to follow her back.

She makes innocuous comments on my blog, but under the surface her words are judgmental and mean-spirited.

~~~~~ 

I hired a team to make nice comments on my blog and they did an excellent job.

You can hire someone to do that? What is their number?

 The team I hired to make comments on my blog turned into an angry mob so I contacted my lawyer about a restraining order.

~~~~~ 

My readers were polite in their comments, but they covertly envied my success as a blogger.

 I have comment-envy too.

My readers made nasty comments on my blog, but my feelings were not hurt because bloggers are a jealous lot.

Wow! Can you believe we are on Part 20 of the Strong vs Weak Word Series? I can’t.

Strong vs Weak Words ~ Part 19 ~ Them

Tags

editing, editing tips, Overused Words, Self-editing, Strong vs Weak Words, Strong Words, Weak Words, writers, writing, Writing Advice, writing tips

I wrote about my discovery of my overuse/reliance on the word “it” here. I shed bitter tears while editing out about a million “its.” A new revelation was my overuse-run-it-into-the ground reliance on “its” evil twin “them.”

As with “it,” every time I read a “them,” I asked myself, “who/what is the them?”

I own 462 purses and my husband loves me because I store them on his side of the closet. 

He is more understanding than my husband.

 I own 462 purses and my husband is ready to divorce me because I store my collection on his side of the house.

~~~~~

I hide my jagged cuticles and chipped nail polish from my mother-in-law because she makes fun of them.

Do we have the same mother-in-law?

I hide my nails from my mother-in-law because she makes fun of my obsession with daily manicures.

 ~~~~~

 I have many followers and I keep them engaged by writing insightful blog posts.

 We must have the same followers!

I had many followers but I lose 20 readers every day because I write nothing but drivel.

Strong vs Weak Words ~ Part 18 ~ Take and Took

Tags

Self-editing, Strong vs Weak Words, Strong Words, Weak Verbs, Weak Words, writers, writing, Writing Advice, writing tips

“Took” and “take” are two more innocuous words that pop-up while we aren’t looking.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/arts/film/story/2008/05/29/f-sex-and-the-city-review.html

Sentences with “took” and “take” are fine, grammatically correct, and readable, but look what happens when you reword the sentences.

Robin took the time to show me how to use strong words.

 Isn’t she generous with her wisdom?

Robin showed me she knows what she is talking about.

 ~~~~~

I took one look at Robin’s post about strong words and knew I found a winner.

Have you been drinking?

I looked at Robin’s post about strong words and un-followed her.

~~~~~

She took editing tips and wove them into interesting posts.

Scotch at ten in the morning?

She wove editing tips into tedious posts.

~~~~~

Robin’s talent takes me by surprise.

 Or is it gin? Gin makes you crazy, you know.

Robin’s ineptitude surprises me.

 ~~~~~ 

Don’t take the blame for weak writing.

Aw, come now . . . your writing isn’t weak.

 Don’t blame yourself for weak writing. Blame Robin’s advice.

 ~~~~~ 

I decided to take on the job of writing Robin’s Strong vs Weak

Word series.

Phew.

 I decided to write Robin’s entire blog.

http://crazedairflow.tumblr.com/

Ahem . . . Shouldn’t that be, “Run like you stole something?”

P. S. A huge thank you for your kind wishes on yesterday’s post for my daughter’s safety in the Army. Your comments are making today much easier. 

Strong vs Weak Words ~ Part 17 ~ Past Tense of the Verb To Be

Tags

Avoid the verb To Be, editing, Overused Words, Self-editing, Strong Verbs, Strong vs Weak Words, Strong Words, Weak Verbs, Weak Words, writers, writing, Writing Advice, writing tips

http://frans3xy.tumblr.com

Yesterday we looked at ways to avoid using the present tense of the verb “to be.” Today, let’s reflect on the past. The past tense of “to be,” that is.

I know, I know . . . you all know the forms of the past tense of “to be,” but here you go anyway:

I was

We were

You were

He was

She was

It was

They were

Who was

I was sitting at my computer waiting for inspiration to hit. 

Same thing happens to me.

 While I stared at my blank computer screen, my fickle mistress Madame Inspiration, was on a date with someone else.

 ~~~~~

When we were finished reading Robin’s manuscript, our book group banned her for life.

Aw . . . how sad.

We read Robin’s manuscript and sent it to Mr. Pulitzer for consideration for next year’s prize.

 ~~~~~

 She was surprised when she received a rejection notice from Mr. Pulitzer

 Really? Is she delusional?

Robin framed the rejection notice from Mr. Pulitzer because he was kind enough to add a handwritten note at the bottom that said, “Your novel would make good kindling.” 

~~~~~ 

It was a shock to Robin when she realized he meant her novel would make good kindling to start a fire, not that the book is Kindle-worthy.

No need for lighter fluid!

Robin smashed the framed rejection letter when she realized he dissed her, not complimented her.

  Sorry!

Strong vs Weak Words ~ Part 16 ~ Present Tense of To Be

Tags

books, Overused Words, Strong vs Weak Words, Strong Words, Weak Verbs, Weak Words, writers, writing, Writing Advice, writing tips

“One of the most common stylistic mistakes aspiring writers make is to rely too much on the verb “to be.” ~ EssayForum.com

I wonder what Mr. Shakespeare would say. Isn’t his oft quote soliloquy, “To be, or not to be?”

When I read EssayForum.com’s page on avoiding the verb “to be,” I thought uh-oh. I dashed to my computer to do a quick search, and GUILTY AS CHARGED YOUR HONOR!

But how to fix this “common stylist mistake” was a puzzle. I couldn’t put my hands on concrete ways to avoid the verb “to be,” but found many sites and books with admonitions to keep away from the verb like it is an outbreak of e coli.

You will be getting some tips on the present tense of “to be” today, and the past tense form in the near future. I know you know this, but as a refresher on our new enemy “to be” in the present tense:

I am and I’m

He is and He’s

She is and She’s

It is and It’s

We are and We’re

They are and They’re

You are and You’re

~~~~~

I am making every effort to write well. 

Good for you!

I make every effort to write just like Robin.

~~~~~

He feels Robin’s presence when he is writing.

Like a poltergeist? 

Robin’s annoying voice rings in his head when he writes.

~~~~~

It is odd how often Robin edits her manuscript

Maybe the book is really bad.

Robin edits her manuscript freakishly often.

~~~~~

We are hoping Robin shares more tips on how to use strong vs. weak words.

 Ask, and ye shall receive!

We hope Robin changes the theme of her posts to underwater basket weaving.

Strong vs Weak Words ~ Part 15 ~ Starting To and Beginning To

Tags

Strong Verbs, Strong vs Weak Words, Strong Words, Weak Verbs, Weak Words, writers, writing, Writing Advice, writing tips

Disney Start Line

Carrie Rubin over at The Write Transition gave me the idea for this post. Her comment on my post about the word “didn’t” was (in part),

“I have a lot of “started to”s as well. “Her hands started to shake;” “he started to wonder;” that kind of thing. So I’m eliminating many of those, making it “Her hands shook,” etc.

An evil cousin of “started/ing to” is “began/beginning to.”

Let’s look at some examples:

I am starting to be a strong writer.

Yeah, right.

Robin’s wise advice guides me as I make my writing stronger. 

~~~~~

I started writing every word Robin utters. 

Why don’t you read her blog instead?

I write Robin’s advice in my journal and refer to the tips when I edit my manuscript. 

~~~~~

I began to stalk Robin in the hopes she would follow my blog.

There are laws against that Mr. Creepo.

I stalked Robin until she feared for her safety and finally agreed to follow my blog.

 ~~~~~

 Robin is beginning to think I am crazy.

 Ya think?

Robin thinks I am crazy and she reported me the Grammar Police.

 Thanks for idea Carrie!

Strong vs Weak Words ~ Part 14 ~ Didn’t

Tags

editing, editing tips, Self-editing, Strong Verbs, Strong vs Weak Words, Strong Words, Weak Words, writers, writing, Writing Advice

Why tell your readers about something that “didn’t” happen? They want to know DID happen. It is a subtle difference, but it makes a difference,

Here are three examples:

My attempt at learning how to cook didn’t pan out.

Remind me to turn down your invitation to dinner.

My attempt at learning how to cook was disastrous. 

~~~~~

They didn’t accept my invitations to dinner after that ill-fated night.

No small wonder.

They turned down every invitation to dinner after that ill-fated night. 

~~~~~

I didn’t try my hand at cooking again.

Phew.

From then on, I ate take-out Chinese or delivery pizza for dinner. 

Of course “didn’t” has its place. You need to use didn’t at times. If you “don’t know” something, you just don’t know it. Saying anything else would sound convoluted.

BUT, while editing my manuscript, when I read the word “didn’t,” I asked myself “Well, what “did” happen?”

Four examples of asking yourself, “What DID happen?”

I didn’t land the job.

Who did?

They gave the job to a bloke named Paul McCartney.

 ~~~~~

I didn’t hear the on-coming train.

  What did you hear?

“Hey Jude” turned up full-blast on my car radio drowned out the roar of the on-coming train. 

~~~~~

I didn’t get Paul McCartney’s autograph.

 Why not? 

Paul refused to come out of his dressing room even though I politely pummeled the door with my fists.

~~~~~

 Paul didn’t say anything while I scolded him.

Did he call his bodyguard?

Paul scanned the room for an escape route while I scolded him.

See what I mean?

Yum! Er . . . I mean, ugh!

Strong vs Weak Words – Part 13 ~ It

Tags

Overuse of the word it, Overused Words, Self-editing, Strong vs Weak Words, Strong Words, Weak Words, writers, writing, Writing Advice, writing tips

Thanks to Jennifer Eaton’s blog, I discovered the most vile word in the English language.  In my comment on her post, I said, “I hate you, in the nicest possible way,” for pointing out the word.

You thought you hated me before, but wait until you get a load of this.

How could a two-letter word destroy a writer in one afternoon? Here’s how. I found 539 of the cheeky buggers in my manuscript. 539!!! I kid you not. So far, I edited out 64 of the offending words and I’m only on page 52. The result? The writing is stronger.

I know you are all dancing on your toes and asking, “What is it? What is it?”

You answered the question yourself. The bloody word it “IT.”

How could “IT” be so bad? Let me explain. When we reference something in our writing, say a purse, we are loath to use the word again in the same sentence, or one following closely behind. For example:

I put my purse on my shoulder and IT made my neck hurt.

We avoid writing the word purse twice so we use the word “it.” But the “it” can be referred to in other ways.

When I put my heavy purse on my shoulder, the strap dug into my neck.”

Or,

I put my purse on my shoulder and the weight sent a sharp pang up my neck.

Or,

When I walked out of the pub, the weight of my purse caused me to hold my neck at a weird angle. My husband said I looked tipsy.

Get “it?”  I mean ~ Do you understand what I mean? When you read the word “IT,” ask yourself, “What is the “IT?”

Here is an example from my manuscript:

Original copy:

The funeral ended with “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” To this day, the song gives me chills. If you listen intently to the words you will know what I mean. IT is sad and soothing at the same time.

Revised copy:

The funeral ended with “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” To this day, the song gives me chills. If you listen intently to the words you will know what I mean. The lyrics are sad, but soothing.

Of course you can’t, nor shouldn’t, get rid of every “it.” It serves a purpose. And, you don’t want to go overboard and sound silly:

I put my purse on my shoulder. I carry my wallet and lipstick in a device with a history dates back to biblical times.

When you do “Seek and Destroy” to look for “it,” don’t forget that “it” can hide as “it,” it.” and “it’s”

~Our former friend Cousin Itt

For advice on other words that sneak into your writing, clink on the links below:

▪    I Have a Problem with “That”

▪    Sneaky Little Words for the word GOT

▪    Strong vs Weak Words for the word WENT

▪    Strong vs Weak Words – Part 2 for the word PEOPLE

▪    Strong vs Weak Words – Part 3 for the words THING and STUFF

▪    Strong vs Weak Words – Part 4 for the words GO and GOING

▪    Strong vs Weak Words – Part 5 for the words ALWAYS and NEVER

▪    Strong vs Weak Words – Part 6 for the words PRETTY, SURE, and CERTAIN

▪    Strong vs Weak Words – Part 7 for the word HAD and HAVE

▪    Strong vs Weak Words – Part 8 for the word JUST

▪    Strong vs Weak Words – Part 9 for the word ALL

▪    Strong vs Weak Words – Part 10 for INDEFINITE NUMBERS

▪    Strong vs Weak Words – Part 11 for the word USE

• Strong vs Weak Words – Part 12 for the word CAN

Moldy Verbs, Adverbs, and Intensifiers

Strong vs Weak Words – Part 12 ~ Can

Tags

editing, Overuse of the Word Can, Strong Verbs, Strong Words, Weak Verbs, Weak Words, writers, writing, Writing Advice, writing tips

I can do the Can-Can, can you do the Can-Can . . .

“Can” is another one of those words that creeps its way into my writing when my back is turned. It is hard to type when one’s back is turned, but you know what I mean.

“Can” hides as “can’t” too, so be careful.

This time, instead of silly made-up sentences as examples, I give you sentences torn from my manuscript before I edited out the “can.”

I can express myself in every dish I create. 

Can you really? Then why don’t you?

I express myself in every dish I create. 

~~~~~

A delicious meal has magical powers that can make a bad day into a good one.

Ooh. What’s for dinner?

A delicious meal’s magical power transforms a bad day into a good one.

 ~~~~~

 French women can throw on a simple black dress and string of pearls and look as though they are Coco Chanel’s best friend.

That is how I look too.

When I throw on a simple black dress and string of pearls, I look as though I am Coco Chanel’s best friend.

 ~~~~~

Mushrooms can give sauces an earthy flavor.

You do know what mushrooms are grown in, don’t you?

Mushrooms infuse sauces with an earthy flavor.

 ~~~~~

I can’t tell you the difference between portobello and a chanterelle mushrooms.

Me either.

The difference between portobello and chanterelle mushrooms mystifies me.

A word of caution ~ Don’t be tempted to change “can” to the wordy “is able to,” “has the ability to,” or “is capable of.”

Sometimes you don’t need the word “can” at all. Other times, the simple solution is to find a rigorous verb to put in its place.

For advice on other words that sneak into your writing, clink on the links below:

• I Have a Problem with “That”
• Sneaky Little Words for the word GOT
• Strong vs Weak Words for the word WENT
• Strong vs Weak Words – Part 2 for the word PEOPLE
• Strong vs Weak Words – Part 3 for the words THING and STUFF
• Strong vs Weak Words – Part 4 for the words GO and GOING
• Strong vs Weak Words – Part 5 for the words ALWAYS and NEVER
• Strong vs Weak Words – Part 6 for the words PRETTY, SURE, and CERTAIN
• Strong vs Weak Words – Part 7 for the word HAD and HAVE
• Strong vs Weak Words – Part 8 for the word JUST
• Strong vs Weak Words – Part 9 for the word ALL
• Strong vs Weak Words – Part 10 for INDEFINITE NUMBERS
• Strong vs Weak Words – Part 11 for the word USE
• Moldy Verbs, Adverbs, and Intensifiers

Strong vs Weak Words – Part 11 ~ Use

Tags

Strong vs Weak Words, Strong Words, Weak Words, writers, writing, Writing Advice, writing tips

I feel so used.

Today’s weak word is “use” and its cousins “used” and “using.”

I use big words when I write blog posts.

And you make my head spin.

My blog readers need a dictionary by their side when they read my posts.

~~~~~

I used big words in my blog posts until my followers un-followed me.

Really? All two of them?

My intellect scared off my followers.

 ~~~~~

By using big words in my blog posts, I sound smart.

 He he he.

Big words in your blog posts makes you sound like a jerk.

“Use,” “used,” and “using” were not serial offenders in my manuscript, but when I didn’t “use” them . . . I mean, when I edited them out, the sentences packed more punch.

For advice on other words that sneak into your writing, clink on the links below:

• I Have a Problem with “That”
• Sneaky Little Words for the word GOT
• Strong vs Weak Words for the word WENT
• Strong vs Weak Words – Part 2 for the word PEOPLE
• Strong vs Weak Words – Part 3 for the words THING and STUFF
• Strong vs Weak Words – Part 4 for the words GO and GOING
• Strong vs Weak Words – Part 5 for the words ALWAYS and NEVER
• Strong vs Weak Words – Part 6 for the words PRETTY, SURE, and CERTAIN
• Strong vs Weak Words – Part 7 for the word HAD and HAVE
• Strong vs Weak Words – Part 8 for the word JUST
• Strong vs Weak Words – Part 9 for the word ALL
• Strong vs Weak Words – Part 10 for INDEFINITE NUMBERS
• Moldy Verbs, Adverbs, and Intensifiers

Strong vs Weak Words – Part 7 Revisited ~ Have and Had

Tags

Overuse of the word had, Overuse of the word have, Overused Words, Self-editing, Strong vs Weak Words, Strong Words, Weak Words, writers, writing, Writing Advice, writing tips

The Honorable Supreme Court Justice Ima Writer sequestered me over the weekend and ordered the bailiff to unplug my Internet. Hence, you haven’t heard from me in three days.

You see, while giving advice on eliminating needless words in your writing to create robust sentences, I am guilty of not following my own orders. (See here if you don’t know what the heck I am talking about.)

When I ran across a problem word, I would fix a bunch in my manuscript and say, “Yup, that is a problem.”  I would set aside my editing because I was excited to tell YOU about it. As a result, “justs,” “gots,” “wents,” and the like, continued to sit in my manuscript like the ugly stepsisters snubbed by the prince and forced to stayed home instead of attending the writing party.

The half-taken advice was haunting me. I closed myself off to the world at our cabin and snuggled with the sneaky little words “had” and “have.” The romance faded when I realized it would take me all weekend to do the edits on those two words alone. The argument that ensued wasn’t pretty.

Why am I bringing this up? Because I learned an important lesson while editing out dead-weight “hads” and “haves.” I became better at it the more I did it. It started out slow and painful, but two-thirds of the way through the process, I was flinging the words out with ease. I learned how to spot the easy “just hit delete” “hads” and “haves.” For the trickier ones, I became adept at seeing how the sentence could be reworked. In many cases, the entire offending sentence was dumped because it did nothing to advance the story. Yeah! More dead-weight eliminated.

At first, I was afraid I was over-editing and making my writing sound stilted. Was I erasing my “voice?” However, when I removed the excess baggage, my voice had room to come through the white noise.

Emboldened, I hit “seek and destroy” for a second round. I found sentences I thought were fine on the first round, but armed with the lessons learned while working my way through the manuscript, I knew how to dust, tidy, and freshen them.

My point? “Hads” and “haves are especially sneaky and they snarl when you first attempt to eliminate them. Sharpening your knife with practice eases the process.

Bonus tidbits I discovered. “Had” and “have” hide in the conjunctions “I’d” and “I’ve:”

I’d liked my manuscript until this weekend.

Clunky example, I know. Sorry.

I thought I liked my manuscript, but it became a masterpiece over the weekend after I edited out the “hads.”

 ~~~~~

I’ve got to spend more time editing.

 Yes, you do.

 I must dedicate more time to the fine art of editing.

 “Had” and “have” also skulk around disguised as “hadn’t” and “haven’t:”

He hadn’t realized Robin the “Had Cop” was after him.

Isn’t she about as effective as Barney Fife?

He realized Robin the “Had Cop” was after him when she slapped the usage-cuffs on his scrawny wrists.

~~~~~

I haven’t seen Robin the “Had Cop” so angry in years.

Ooh, scary.

 In anger, Robin the “Had Cop” fed his lousy manuscript to the grammar police.

For those of you scratching your head about “had” and “have,” take heart. It gets easier the more you exorcise them out of your writing. Trust me, I know.

Strong vs Weak Words – Part 10 ~ Indefinite Numbers

Tags

Indefinite Numbers, Overused Words, Strong vs Weak Words, Strong Words, Weak Words, writers, writing

Words indicating indefinite numbers are sneaky and vague.

Sure, we need to use these words when we say something like, “Some pizza-lovers like anchovies.” In this case, we don’t know exactly how many crazy people there are in the world.

However, if you can be specific, it adds pop to the sentence.

I had some ice cream last night.

Yum. What flavor?

 I ate a gallon of anchovy ice cream in one sitting.

~~~~~

Many people follow my wildly popular blog.

 That’s cool. How many?

Three fellow-bloggers follow my wildly popular blog.

~~~~~

 A few people hit “like” on my blog about anchovies.

Anchovies are fascinating, aren’t they?

 My blog about anchovies received zero “likes.”

~~~~~

I had a couple of drinks to numb the pain.

 Did you lace the drinks with anchovies?

After six shots of vodka I decided to change the theme of my blog from anchovies to the fine art of distilling vodka.

Other indefinite numbers are (can you think of more?):

A lot, a ton, a boatload, a truckload, a bunch, a bit, a tad

Gobs, heaps, oodles, scads, smidgeon

Gazillion, kabillion,

Several

Most

Any

However, I do like the word umpteen.

Happy three-day weekend everyone. I’ll be back next week.

For advice on other words that sneak into your writing, clink on the links below:

• I Have a Problem with “That”
• Sneaky Little Words for the word GOT
• Strong vs Weak Words for the word WENT
• Strong vs Weak Words – Part 2 for the word PEOPLE
• Strong vs Weak Words – Part 3 for the words THING and STUFF
• Strong vs Weak Words – Part 4 for the words GO and GOING
• Strong vs Weak Words – Part 5 for the words ALWAYS and NEVER
• Strong vs Weak Words – Part 6 for the words PRETTY, SURE, and CERTAIN
• Strong vs Weak Words – Part 7 for the word HAD and HAVE
• Strong vs Weak Words – Part 8 for the word JUST
• Strong vs Weak Words – Part 9 for the word ALL
• Moldy Verbs, Adverbs, and Intensifiers

Strong vs Weak Words – Part 9 ~ All

Tags

Overused Words, Overusing the Word Just, Strong vs Weak Words, Strong Words, Weak Words, writers, writing

“All the world’s a stage . . . “

 ~William Shakespeare

Really Bill? Isn’t it the same if you said, “The world’s a stage?”

He scoffed from deep in his grave and said, “It is lyrical with the “all” in situ.”

True, so true.  How Shakespearean of you. However . . .

 All the donuts are stale.

Is more visual when stated . . .

I chipped a tooth because I bit into Bill’s stale donut.

~~~~~

All the people adore Robin’s blog posts.

 And why wouldn’t they?

Bloggers from Istanbul to Bakersfield adore Robin’s witty blog about writing.

Did you notice I nuked the word PEOPLE too?

~~~~~

That was all the time I had to work on my novel today.

You must be writing a blog.

I had one minute to work on my novel today because I was reading hundreds of brilliant words written by Robin.

See what I mean? Sometimes “all” is okay, but please don’t ever say “alls,” as in “alls I’m gonna to do is fix me some ribs.” Hmmm . . . I’m hungry. How about you Bill?

Cover of William Shakespeare

For advice on other words that sneak into your writing, clink on the links below:

• I Have a Problem with “That”
• Sneaky Little Words for the word GOT
• Strong vs Weak Words for the word WENT
• Strong vs Weak Words – Part 2 for the word PEOPLE
• Strong vs Weak Words – Part 3 for the words THING and STUFF
• Strong vs Weak Words – Part 4 for the words GO and GOING
• Strong vs Weak Words – Part 5 for the words ALWAYS and NEVER
• Strong vs Weak Words – Part 6 for the words PRETTY, SURE, and CERTAIN
• Strong vs Weak Words – Part 7 for the word HAD and HAVE
• Strong vs Weak Words – Part 8 for the word JUST
• Moldy Verbs, Adverbs, and Intensifiers

Strong vs Weak Words – Part 8 ~ Just

Tags

editing, Strong vs Weak Words, Strong Words, Weak Words, writers, writing, Writing Advice, writing tips

I was just about to say that I just don’t overuse the word “just.” Just STOP using the word “just” Robin!

You guessed it ~ today’s overused word is “just”

When reviewing my manuscript, I thought, “Surely I don’t overuse the word “just,” and don’t call me Shirley. (Bonus point for the first commenter to name the movie this is from.)

I knew about the “just” thing without reading one word from one sage writing advisor. A quick “seek and destroy” uncovered 52 of the bloody things.

I couldn’t bear to part with a handful of “justs.” I imagine Lennon and McCartney felt the same way when they wrote “I’ve Just Seen A Face.”

Here are some poorly written examples to help you spot and nuke the problem in your writing (if you have a problem, that is):

I just stopped by for a spot of tea.

What? Not conversation, not bangers and mash, not a lovely back rub?

I stopped by for a spot of tea but couldn’t be bothered by her writing tip drivel.

~~~~~

 I just wanted to leave.

You didn’t put your coat on, grab your purse, or smack her?

She foisted her opinions on me so I smacked her, grabbed my coat and purse, and slammed the door behind me.

~~~~~ 

I had just one glass of wine when I arrived home.

You are a liar.

I consumed a bottle of wine to erase her annoying tips from my brain.

That is more like it!

 Cheers! The next round is on me! Let me know what you find.

For advice on other words that sneak into your writing, clink on the links below:

• I Have a Problem with “That”
• Sneaky Little Words for the word GOT
• Strong vs Weak Words for the word WENT
• Strong vs Weak Words – Part 2 for the word PEOPLE
• Strong vs Weak Words – Part 3 for the words THING and STUFF
• Strong vs Weak Words – Part 4 for the words GO and GOING
• Strong vs Weak Words – Part 5 for the words ALWAYS and NEVER
• Strong vs Weak Words – Part 6 for the words PRETTY, SURE, and CERTAIN
• Strong vs Weak Words – Part 7 for the word HAD and HAVE
• Moldy Verbs, Adverbs, and Intensifiers

Strong vs Weak Words – Part 7 ~ Had

Tags

Overused Words, Overusing the Word Had, Overusing the Word Have, Strong vs Weak Words, Strong Words, Weak Words, writers, writing, Writing Advice, writing tips

“I’ve HAD it up to here with the word HAD,” she said while drawing an imaginary knife across her throat.

Today’s words of the day are, you guessed it, “had” and her kissing-cousin “have.” My novel was littered with them.

Many (too many to count) of my “had’s” and “haves” were tossed out with the bathwater. I give you the following examples:

I had breakfast. 

Big deal. Me too.

I threw up my breakfast.

I ate breakfast with Superman.

I inhaled my breakfast. 

~~~~~

She had questions for me. 

Yawn.

She pommeled me with questions. 

~~~~~ 

She had red hair.

What? Is she now bald?

Her red hair glowed like a match-tip.

~~~~~

I have a bossy dachshund.

Really? He should meet William.

 My bossy dachshund thinks he owns me.

~~~~~

The problem I have is ______________.

 You fill in the blank, but please be nice.

My problem is abuse of the words “had” and “have.”

If you will excuse me, I’m off to do hours of editing.

For advice on other words that sneak into your writing, clink on the links below:

• I Have a Problem with “That”
• Sneaky Little Words for the word GOT
• Strong vs Weak Words for the word WENT
• Strong vs Weak Words – Part 2 for the word PEOPLE
• Strong vs Weak Words – Part 3 for the words THING and STUFF
• Strong vs Weak Words – Part 4 for the words GO and GOING
• Strong vs Weak Words – Part 5 for the words ALWAYS and NEVER
• Strong vs Weak Words – Part 6 for the words PRETTY, SURE, and CERTAIN
• Moldy Verbs, Adverbs, and Intensifiers

Strong vs Weak Words – Part 6 ~ Pretty and Sure and Certain

Tags

editing, Overused Words, Overusing the Word Certain, Overusing the Word Pretty, Overusing the Word Sure, Strong Verbs, Strong vs Weak Words, Strong Words, writers, writing, Writing Advice, writing tips

I am pretty sure for certain the words “pretty,” “sure,” and “certain” make my list of overused and often pointless words.

What do you think?

I can be pretty scary when fired up.

 Don’t get me started on WordPress problems!

I am scary when fired up.

~~~~~

She sure is an excellent writer.

 That is up for debate.

 She is an excellent writer. 

~~~~~

He kept certain words and tossed the rest.

De-cluttering your novel?

 He kept the strong words and tossed the weak ones. 

“Pretty,” “sure,” and “certain” were not chronic offenders in my novel, but they wriggled their way into unassuming sentences. When taken out/reworded, the passages were breezier.

Granted, not all “pretty’s,” “sure’s,” and “certain’s” are word-litter but I was surprised by how many I took out.

If you are playing along, let me know what you find in your writing.

For advice on other words that sneak into your writing, clink on the links below:

• I Have a Problem with “That”
• Sneaky Little Words for the word GOT
• Strong vs Weak Words for the word WENT
• Strong vs Weak Words – Part 2 for the word PEOPLE
• Strong vs Weak Words – Part 3 for the words THING and STUFF
• Strong vs Weak Words – Part 4 for the words GO and GOING
• Strong vs Weak Words – Part 5 for the words ALWAYS and NEVER
• Moldy Verbs, Adverbs, and Intensifiers