Ten Rules in Ten Days - Rule 4: Never use an adverb to modify the verb "said."

Elmore Leonard's fourth rule is, Never use an adverb to modify the verb "said" ... he admonished gravely.To use an adverb this way(or almost any way)is a mortal sin. The writer is now exposing himself in earnest, using a word that distracts and can interrupt the rhythm of the exchange. I have a character in one of my books tell how she used to write historical romances "full of rape and adverbs".

Elmore Leonard is one of those writers who subscribe to the “no adverb” philosophy. For those of y...