Georgia Writers Association

Sometimes it’s a good idea to have someone look at your work to determine if you

are overusing certain words.  Take adverbs, for example.  Some writers rely too much on these exceedingly, cunningly, craftily, carefully, doggedly little monsters to move the plot, when in fact the best plot mover is really, genuinely, truly, reliably the verb.  Check your writing to see how many adverbs you can omit.  Then replace your bland verbs with more descriptive ones.  Which is better?  “Tom slowly, quietly knelt by the car,” or “Tom crouched by the car.”  The verb moves while the adverb tends to slow the plot.

Indeed, there are far too many “indeeds” in literature.  What does the word “indeed” do?  In the final analysis, indeed, therefore, hitherto, hence – oh, just get rid of them.  Your work will be tighter and often better.  This.  This what?  That.  That what?  To begin a sentence with “this” or “that” without a modifier often leads to confusion.  This can make your reader angry.  This what?  I don’t know, just this.  Nail down your “this,” “that” subjects with nouns.  “This tastes good.”  or “This warm apple pie tastes good.”  Much better.