Dynamic Writing Duo

Dynamic Writing Duo

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Shortcut to Editing

Do you have a problem with certain words...say adverbs, adjectives, and prepositions? Using them to modify a weak word, rather than using a stronger one which would work better? We do...when we fall into the trap of being lazy...or in a “gotta-get-it-done” mode. Deadline looming.

Below are some of our good ‘ole standbys we’re lackadaisical in using...you know...when we’re creating a scene before we get to the editing mode. We made this list to jar our memory of what NOT to use when editing time comes.

About
And/but - can indicate run-on sentences
Almost
Anyway
Because
Even
Feel/felt
Few
Has/had - can be too passive
Have been
Just
Nearly
Only
Quite
Rather
Really
Seem/appear
So
Stuff
Then
Thing
Very
Would/should/could
`ly' words (Suddenly, quickly, are two examples we use way too often)
That - unnecessary in most instances
That - when you mean who
Which - when you mean that
Down/up - as in sat down or stood up
Get/got
Was/were - can indicate passive voice
Begin/began - don't begin doing something; just do it.

PLUS....we’re guilty in over using certain words we’re fond of, regularly, without thinking. But that’s another list we keep on hand to check. It might help if you make your own list of those words.

The reason for this blog this morning? We have to edit...

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