I Can't Use That Word?

I recently enjoyed reading a compilation of several authors'  top 10 writing tips.  Most either caused a chuckle or a nod of agreement, until I read Jonathan Franzen's #3 tip:



"Never use the word 'then' as a conjunction- we have 'and' for this purpose.  Substituting then is the lazy or tone deaf writer's non-solution to the problem of too many 'ands' on the page."



Yikes.  That one hit a nerve.  I tend to use that word frequently.  Something else to work on.  But that's part of striving to become a better writer, right?  I could sit back on my two published works, fold my hands, and say, "Look what I did." But that is a far cry from authorship.  



If one truly yearns to cultivate her craft, learning...growth... must occur.  That means sometimes more experienced writers step on our toes and make us think.  



By the way, I changed three sentences in this post to refrain from using the word 'then'.  




She can be taught!



If you would like to read the entire post, and perhaps find your own "yikes" tip, click the link:

Www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/feb/20/ten-rules-for-writing-fiction-part-one 



Happy writing,










Lonely Hearts ~ a sweet Christian Romance
The Price of Trust ~ Christian Romantic Suspense
http://www.booksbyamanda.com