Write Lightning is a blog from writer Deb Thompson.
Everyone is welcome here.
(Some links or topics may not be completely kid-appropriate.)
Everyone is welcome here.
(Some links or topics may not be completely kid-appropriate.)
Mon, Dec 21 2009
(Adjective alert) Fancy words, chosen (adverb alert) deftly
Today I was doing the type of writing that requires the use of few adjectives. It's still done subjectively, but is more of a reporting style than a descriptive style. The whole process reminds me that I need to think about that when I get a chance to write fiction. Sometimes writers are tempted to attach too many adjectives to nouns. This can be useful if done with awareness or when done to let the reader in on some inside information. It's probably redundant to tell the reader that George was so hungry that he feasted on salty crackers and Cheddar cheese, but the reader might really want to read the adjectives if George was so hungry that he feasted on stale crackers and moldy Cheddar cheese. If the adjective is essential to tell the story, keep it in there. Otherwise, the writing might get the point across with fewer adornments. The same holds true for adverbs. Monica may have skipped drunkenly through the dining room, but if Monica skipped across the dining room, stumbled and spilled what little was left of her drink down George's shirt, we might get an even better picture of what's going on with Monica. There are usually several ways to tell a tale. Pick the one that shows the reader what's really going on.
posted at: 22:42 | category: /Writing Life | link to this entry
Today I was doing the type of writing that requires the use of few adjectives. It's still done subjectively, but is more of a reporting style than a descriptive style. The whole process reminds me that I need to think about that when I get a chance to write fiction. Sometimes writers are tempted to attach too many adjectives to nouns. This can be useful if done with awareness or when done to let the reader in on some inside information. It's probably redundant to tell the reader that George was so hungry that he feasted on salty crackers and Cheddar cheese, but the reader might really want to read the adjectives if George was so hungry that he feasted on stale crackers and moldy Cheddar cheese. If the adjective is essential to tell the story, keep it in there. Otherwise, the writing might get the point across with fewer adornments. The same holds true for adverbs. Monica may have skipped drunkenly through the dining room, but if Monica skipped across the dining room, stumbled and spilled what little was left of her drink down George's shirt, we might get an even better picture of what's going on with Monica. There are usually several ways to tell a tale. Pick the one that shows the reader what's really going on.
posted at: 22:42 | category: /Writing Life | link to this entry
