Every word you write is important. That doesn’t mean you have to write every
word possible. Writing ‘tight’ is as
important as pacing and freshness. A
short sentence is more effective than a paragraph saying the same thing. Get to the point!
I know that when we naturally talk with others we have a
tendency to wander here and there in conversation. But, don’t write your book that way. Let your characters talk - just don’t let
them ramble on-and-on.
blue in color
Editing is the time to be thinking about cutting redundant words
(surprised and startled are the same thing) and the over explained paragraphs, plus
meaningless dialog.
Don’t pepper your work with ‘big words’ because you love the
English language. Another area to be
careful of is the professional and technical language you’re used to, but most
likely your reader isn’t. Write so your
reader will understand. Don’t try to
teach them your expert or procedural language either.
When editing, look for sentences that can be switched around and
shortened. You’d be amazed how tight
your writing will become.
Detach yourself emotionally from your words. That’s big.
I hate to delete a flowing, brilliant sentence. But if it doesn’t sound like my character –
I’ll have to cut that sentence. It’s not
easy – but if it makes my book better, I’m willing to cut it out!
Rely on the power of a single well-chosen word and trust it to
do its job. What are some key tips to
writing tight?
Remove redundant modifiers.
Say what? Yep, they’re part of
our every-day language, yet not necessary.
Here are some commonly used redundant modifiers. I’m sure once you read
them, you’ll have many more to add to the list.
sat down true facts
end result sudden crisis
full and complete terrible tragedy
kind of each
individual
hopes and desires free gift
first and
foremost important
essentials
basic and
fundamental consensus of
opinion
each and every various differences
true and accurate past history
completely
finished final
outcome
When you’re editing, watch for repeat meanings of words and
delete them. Also be aware of redundant
word phrasing.
This is the last and final call for mystery writer interviews.
Revise: This is the final call for mystery writer interviews.
Also watch for redundant categories. Certain words suggest a category.
shiny is an appearance large
in size
bright in color round in shape
period in time at an early time
A final tip you can do to
catch redundant modifiers is to read your book out loud. It’s amazing what your ears will hear - that
your eyes don’t see! You can cut redundancies and tighten your story.
“Let’s
tighten that last paragraph!”
A final tip? Read your story
aloud. You’ll hear those redundant
modifiers, cut them and tighten your writing.
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