Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Wednesday's Words to Inspire: Editing


 Substitute 'damn' every time you're inclined to write 'very;' your editor will delete it and the writing will be just as it should be. 

 ~ Mark Twain

I love this advice. Use it in place of any oft repeated word. But, in this day and age, you can catch these before the editor. Hopefully. :)

3 comments:

  1. That is great advice. I tried it out with some funny results. Here's a couple lines I hadn't edited, except for the substitution. Funny how it fits the latter two. LOL

    “*Damn* well.” The woman took a few steps back and then turned and left.

    ---

    He grimaced, his mood *damn* sour.

    ---

    It was *damn* dark, but he could see a small shivering shadow in the darkness.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I did the same thing, Sarah! Yeah, it is funny. I like yours. Think your editor would appreciate the substitutions? *grin*

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    2. Thanks!! Hmm... LOL I don't think so, especially since there were 15 matches for "very." That's quite a few "damn"s. LOL

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