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As I am going through and nit picking my latest--I am finding some irritating things about the way that I write.
I over use some words. Mostly the word that--as a filler and the word just in the same way, just sitting, just looking, just eating just just just--yikes.
The same with that. I am having to go through and reread every sentence that contains the word THAT to see if it is truly needed.
Anyone else have the problem of over using a "pet" word or two?
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Heh, 'that' is certianly one of them. So is using semicolons. Though I have to say, having a wife who's an editor has broken me of the 'that' syndrome over the years. Funny, trying my hand at flash fiction really showed me the words and phrases I over use. It's amazing what becomes essential and what does not.
Posts: 151 | Registered: Feb 2001
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I'm very fond of weaving action into dialogue. Said bookisms used to be my main problem, but *shrugging* and *sighing* seem to be the main thing now.
Posts: 386 | Registered: Mar 2000
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I find that I am unable to see what I overuse in my own writing. Yet, I can pick it out instantly in the writing of others. I am sure that Shawn and JP would be able to tell me when I overuse "that" and "just," or whatever. My fatal flaw is the passive voice. "She was given the talent." I have to learn to let my characters be more assertive. But don't think I won't point out your misuse of the passive voice! I will nail you to the wall. Go figure. Liz
Posts: 13 | Registered: Mar 2001
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I used to be a terse writer; I hate description, and I get more plot in a set number of words than most people. Until I start worrying about word count. Now I have to keep myself from slipping buts, justs and hads in just to increase the word count. Posts: 386 | Registered: Mar 2000
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Have to watch adverbs. So I do a search of my document for "ly," which hits most of the adverbs. Then I see if I should delete the adverb or find a better verb so the adverb is no longer necessary.
And my boss (former newspaper editor) hates "that." She taught me to delete the sucker every time I can!
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