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Remember that high school English teacher who insisted on the most colourful, flowery descriptions? Maybe you encountered the same enthusiasm in college, reading works by MFA (Master of Fine Arts) darlings who seemed determined to adorn every noun with glittering adjectives. While adverbs often get a bad rap, adjectives are equally guilty of cluttering your prose. Let's chat about why less is more when it comes to adjectives.
Adjectives vs. Adverbs: The Same Rules Apply Just like a strong verb makes an adverb redundant, the right noun eliminates the need for an adjective. Think about it: if you describe someone as a "wizard," do you really need to add that he's a "mysterious wizard with powerful magic"? The word "wizard" already paints that picture. Similarly, saying "skilled chefs crafted gourmet dishes" is redundant. Aren't all chefs supposed to be skilled? The essence of both a wizard and a chef shines through without extra embellishment. The Case of "Very" and "Much" I don't share the same disdain for "very" and "much" that some teachers do (though I’m no teacher myself, ha!). Phrases like "very excited" or "much appreciated" can be perfectly fine. However, it's wise to test whether they’re necessary. Read your sentence with and without these words. If the meaning remains clear and strong without them, ditch the extra baggage. When Adjectives Are Overkill Consider how strong nouns can stand on their own without adjectives. For instance: "A large brown Labrador retriever chased a terrified young boy with curly hair holding a red rubber ball who had just run away from the cranky old man in the blue house on Elm Street." Now, compare it to: "A dog chased a boy who had run away from a man." See the difference? The latter is concise and impactful. Decide how much detail each noun needs based on its importance to your story. Does the reader need to know the dog's breed, colour, or size? Maybe the Labrador is a known character in the neighbourhood. It’s your call as a writer to balance detail and clarity. The Overwritten Sentence: A Real Example I once stumbled upon this gem in a book from the '90s: "She sipped a steaming hot cup of rich, dark coffee as the red sports car zoomed down the freshly paved asphalt road." Cringe-worthy, right? Do we need to specify the coffee's temperature and color when most people assume coffee is hot and dark? And unless the car’s color is plot-relevant, why mention it? A cleaner version: "She sipped coffee as the sports car zoomed down the road." Choosing the Best Nouns This timeless piece of advice holds true: strong nouns trump adjectives. Think about how to describe a fierce dog. "Fang" immediately springs to mind for most. But you could also go with "Beast" or "Rex" if you’re feeling classic. Sometimes, just "monster" does the trick. The Adjective Purge: A Practical Tip Here's a neat trick: strip your draft of every adjective. Then, read through it and only reintroduce the ones that are absolutely necessary. I’ve recommended this to my clients and writers I critique. The result? Tighter, more engaging prose. Always! In summary, while adjectives can add colour to your writing, overusing them can muddy your message. Focus on finding the strongest nouns and verbs to convey your story. Your readers (and editors) will thank you!
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Have you ever picked up a book only to groan at the unnecessary setup for a phone call? You know, the precise details about Janice walking to the phone, punching in numbers with her index finger, and waiting for Ann to pick up? Ugh, we've all been there. Let's put an end to that, shall we?
And what about those scenes where characters exchange pleasantries with receptionists? *Yawn.* As Janice entered the reception area outside Ann's office, she approached the desk where a man sat. "Hi there," she greeted him warmly. "I'm Janice Smith, here for a meeting with Ann Jones. She's been expecting me." The man nodded politely. "Just a moment, please," he said, reaching for his phone. After a brief exchange with the person on the other end, he turned back to Janice with a smile. "Mrs. Jones is ready to see you now," he said, gesturing towards the office door. Avoid getting bogged down in mundane details like office introductions—they're the fastest way to slow down your story's momentum. Let's delve into the concept of pacing. Over-describing mundane activities can quickly derail a story's momentum. We're not here for Janice's leisurely walk to the phone or polite conversation with a receptionist. We crave action, drama, and intrigue! When it comes to writing, keep in mind that less is often more. Trim the unnecessary, cut the excess, and focus on the essence. Your readers will relish the dynamic narrative. So, the next time you're tempted to indulge in unnecessary details, remember that pacing is crucial, and brevity is your trusted companion. Ever felt like your story's stuck in a rut, despite all the action-packed scenes? You're not alone. Creating drama doesn't automatically mean your plot's moving forward.
Scott Eyman, a film critic, once said, "Action has become confused with movement." He nailed it. It's like mistaking a car chase for actual plot development. Ouch. Sometimes, you've gotta be ruthless. If a scene doesn't serve your plot, it's time to bid it adieu. Faulkner said it best: sometimes, you gotta "kill your babies." Brutal, but true. And it's not just about dialogue or exposition. Even the most action-packed scenes can fall flat if they're not pushing the story forward. In books, just like in movies, pointless scenes leave us scratching our heads. But here's the kicker: filmmakers have it easy. They can fix a scene with a few edits. In a novel, a lull can cost you readers. That's why every word must propel the plot forward. Bottom line? Cut the fluff, focus on the plot. It's tough love, but your story will thank you for it. In anticipation of my new book's launch, I have an exciting announcement for all fans of sci-fi/fantasy books: you have the chance to win 10 best-sellers in the genre! Simply click 'Learn More' and enter for a chance to win these fantastic reads.
Whether you're a fan of futuristic worlds or magical realms, these top sci-fi/fantasy books are sure to captivate your imagination and take you on thrilling adventures. Don't miss out on this chance to expand your book collection with some of the most popular titles in the genre. For more details on how you can be part of my launch team and get exclusive access to exciting updates and promotions related to my upcoming book release, just tap 'enter to win'. Get ready to dive into a world of wonder and excitement with these incredible reads! |
James Field
Talvik, Norway You can also Find me on subscribe to get a free copy
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