It Practically Seemed Virtually Real: Avoid Bad Writing Habits: NaNoWriMo Day 19

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It grates on my nerves when I’m reading a good book and come across puny words that waste valuable emotion and say nothing. This is on my mind as I continue working on my paranormal suspense novel, They All Died Smiling

If you’re following my progress, wondering if I will indeed write a 200 page book in 30 days, I’m pleased to say I’m on track. Here is my progress bar:

Writers READ

I read at least two books a week (or one biggie). As I’m engaging in the story, I notice technique, because I’m also reading with the senses of a writer.

While enjoying a good cozy mystery, I came across the word “seem” three times. UGH! Seem is on the author 101 list of words to avoid. It’s insubstantial, a waste of space.

As I’m writing, my focus is upon pouring out the first draft.I do very little fiddling unless it is to add to a scene. Only in the editing phase will I look through my work-in-progress for weak words.

Here are some examples. Look through every story, article or book you submit exercise your creative muscle to pump up your prose.

Naughty words list

Seem/seemed: Be strong. Say what something is or is not.

had ___ (past imperfect tense):  While at times necessary, one use of had ___ suffices.

Adverbs: This maligned part of speech answers the question “how?” and generally end in ly. Rather than saying “he walked quickly”, why not say, “He dashed”?

Is/was/were: Often, you can replace forms of the word “to be” with more potent words. I said “suffices” above rather than “is sufficient.”

Passive voice: This goes along with forms of “to be” and deflates your writing.

Talk Tags: While once all the rage, using tags such as “he said” has fallen from grace. Avoid talk tags except where they clear confusion.

Things/stuff: Call stuff what it is. teehee.

Got: Rather than “he got an ice cream”, use a worthy verb. Got is the unwanted stepchild of verbs.

This is by no means an exhaustive list, but it’s a start. Amp up the power.

Most Important Lesson:

Verbs power prose.

Have fun. If you want writing and book marketing tips, go to WriteOnPurpose.com/free for weekly guidance.

Follow your BLISS,

Ronda Del Boccio

#1 best selling author and speaker

Find my books on Amazon.

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