| Weak Verbs |
Scan your manuscript for weak verbs that rely on an adverb (-ly word). For instance: talk quietly or walk slowly. Cut both the weak verb and adverb. Replace them with a stronger verb. In this case: whisper or stroll.
Under Edit on your computer, use Find to search for these weak verbs in your manuscript.
do, had, have, get, got, goes, make, put, show, take, tell, was, went, could, should & would
Filter Words
Writing Fiction by Janet Burroway discusses the use of filter words. “Filtering is when the writer forces the reader to look at rather than through
the point of view character’s eyes” (Burroway 2010). Deleting these
words shows the reader what’s going on instead of telling. They distance
the reader from the story. It’s one extra step the reader has to take
in order to experience action with the character. Only use filter words
when it’s critical to the meaning of a sentence. Here’s a list of filter
words to look out for in your
manuscript:
