Did I Really Write That?

I'm revising one of my YA manuscripts right now, and part of my process is to look for words that make me cringe. Yes, cringe. I'm talking about words better left unsaid. Confused yet? Here are a few I look for and almost always delete:

Then - Think about this for a second. Do you really need the word then? Sentence position alone will show this word without saying it. Also common sense factors in. (I'm not referring to "If this, then that" type sentences. Totally different story. I only mean the word then being used to show a sequence of events.)Just - I'm totally guilty of overusing this word in my drafts. And in most cases, the word serves no purpose in my sentence. Delete.It was/There were - Beginning sentences with these words is weak writing. In most cases, you can delete them. If not, reword the sentence. Ex: There was no way I was going for that!  or No way was I going for that!  The latter is better.That - In many cases, this word can be deleted. Make sure your sentence needs it. If not, delete.What words do you look for during revisions and find yourself deleting the most?

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Published on November 16, 2011 03:05
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