Tags
author, editing, problem words, stories, writing, writing tips
When we write we all have our problem words we have to watch out for. For me, I have a terrible habit of using ‘suddenly’, ‘began’ and ‘started’. Suddenly pulls the reader out of the story and doesn’t create immediacy (which is what I want it to do), it’s a short cut that isn’t very good. The words began and started are words that are delaying action. Rather than saying ‘it started to rain’ just say ‘it rained’. It creates a stronger and richer story. And I know these things but it’s so hard to catch ourselves sometimes. Yay for editors!
Other common words to avoid include: then, in order to, very, really, like.
What are your problem words that you know you should avoid in writing but often struggle to do so?
– Ermisenda
Ermilia 