Consider This: Moments in My Writing Life After Which Everything Was Different

by Chuck Palahniuk

“Language,” as Tom always taught us, “is our second language.”

references to classic literature were lost on me. I’ve found that most writers fall into one of two camps. The first rise from academia and write gorgeous stuff with very little plot momentum or drive. The second camp of writers emerge from journalism and use simple, clear language to tell stories rich in action and tension.

So if you were my student I’d tell you, yes, someday you can go back to using “is” and “has” verbs, as well as abstract measurements and “thought” verbs.