Wednesday, April 2, 2014

Words and Whips

So, you want to be a writer, eh? Well let me tell you something, little squirt, it ain't for the weak. Think you're great at it? Don't we all. Have you ever had to rip apart a million sentences until your fingers bled? Aha! Okay, I haven't either, but it sure feels like it. Edit number three is back and I feel a bit sick. This is hard work. Mental childbirth. Where's my epidural?

I've been informed that I use the word 'that' way too much. Who knew? I was just writing all happy-like and then 'that' just ruined my life. Oh, I also use 'just' too much. Is there any word I can use that isn't going to get me in trouble? I'm a bit paranoid now. Words, words. You nasty buggers.

So, if you don't hear that much of me in the near future, it's probably because I've had the passive writer whipped out of me. Don't worry. Don't call anyone. I'll be just fine . . .

Have a good one and take care of your beautiful self today!


8 comments:

  1. Just tell them that your readers like your words just the way they are. That's that!

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    Replies
    1. Ah, well. I'm a sucker for a good whipping. Keeps me in line. Btw, I see my blog title has the word 'that.' I'm pathetic, haha. Thanks for the support and for stopping by!

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  2. I like "that" also and when I do notice "that" I have used it too much, I use switch over to "which", and "that" is usually incorrect.

    You will get through this, Amy and at the end of it all, you can say, "That's all folks!

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    Replies
    1. 'Which' is good. I've been using 'only' to replace just--but generally I'm finding it's okay to take out the just and the sentence reads the same, better actually.

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  3. You're funny. My daughter used to call me to vet her business letters. I told her strip all the modifiers and be done. The customers and her boss were impressed with her ability to get to the point and set forth a solution.

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    Replies
    1. Good for you! An extra set of eyes is always a blessing.

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  4. Be grateful that you're editing; my manuscripts always came back marked 'no thank you'. I'm sure we all over-use certain words, but that's surely what makes our writing unique. Now back to your desk, quill, and inkwell with you, and add a few more 'thats'.

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    Replies
    1. I'm sorry to hear that but hope you'll keep trying. If you ever need someone to look over your cover letter I'd be glad to help. Sometimes it's not the book so much as the query.

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