Cut:
Hit that delete button how many ever times it takes to get rid of all those unnecessary
adverbs.
Not: It was very cold.
But: It was cold.
Search:
…for overused words (“just” is a biggie)
…for words that duplicate (“Tiny little kitten” could be “Tiny kitten” or “Little kitten.”)
…for extra words (“The dress was white” can become “The white dress.”)
Add:
Surprises! People love surprises, so take a different turn with your story than what you think your reader might be expecting.
Humor. People love to laugh.
Senses. Have your characters taste, feel, hear, smell, and see.
Flaws. Readers are more able to identify with a character who isn’t perfect.
Change:
Negatives to positives.
Not: She can’t take it with her.
But: She can leave it here.
Not: He didn’t want her to lose.
But: He wanted her to win. |
