Now, about adverbs ... I'm of the "less is more" school. I know that my writing is a lot more punchy without them, BUT, sometimes they are needed and there's nothing more irritating than reading a piece where the author has 'obviously' gone through contortions to eliminate the little buggers. So use with care, and especially in dialogue tags. I find adverbs unnecessary and in-you-face in dialogue tags. Chop them off!
Thanks for the compliment -- glad you like the new format! I was nervous about changing it because I did like the previous format, too. But shaking it up is never a bad thing, when done right. People seem to like it!
Yes, I think we're mostly on the same page. I almost never use them in dialogue tags -- only in very specific circumstances. Usually, they're a lazy way to convey a nuanced thought. When I catch one, I either cut it out or describe the scene or character's mannerisms in a way that conveys what I wanted to say with the adverb. It usually results in more words, but also a deeper, less generic, and more precise description.
I completely agree! (See what I did there?) Writing should be clear, precise, and nuanced. Sometimes adverbs are the only or best way to write with clarity, precision, and nuance.
(Not sure if that's an adverb or an interjection or both... Where's "Schoolhouse Rock" when you need it!)
This clear, precise writing is one of the things I'm working on in my own writing. I love to write purple flights of fancy. I'm coming to learn that not everyone loves to read them though... I'm looking for the happy middle.
Love the new format, Graham!
Now, about adverbs ... I'm of the "less is more" school. I know that my writing is a lot more punchy without them, BUT, sometimes they are needed and there's nothing more irritating than reading a piece where the author has 'obviously' gone through contortions to eliminate the little buggers. So use with care, and especially in dialogue tags. I find adverbs unnecessary and in-you-face in dialogue tags. Chop them off!
Thanks for the compliment -- glad you like the new format! I was nervous about changing it because I did like the previous format, too. But shaking it up is never a bad thing, when done right. People seem to like it!
Yes, I think we're mostly on the same page. I almost never use them in dialogue tags -- only in very specific circumstances. Usually, they're a lazy way to convey a nuanced thought. When I catch one, I either cut it out or describe the scene or character's mannerisms in a way that conveys what I wanted to say with the adverb. It usually results in more words, but also a deeper, less generic, and more precise description.
I completely agree! (See what I did there?) Writing should be clear, precise, and nuanced. Sometimes adverbs are the only or best way to write with clarity, precision, and nuance.
Exactly!
(Not sure if that's an adverb or an interjection or both... Where's "Schoolhouse Rock" when you need it!)
This clear, precise writing is one of the things I'm working on in my own writing. I love to write purple flights of fancy. I'm coming to learn that not everyone loves to read them though... I'm looking for the happy middle.
Solid advice. Or is it just advice? No wait, that’s an adjective, it gets to stay.
lol - now, if it was "solidly adviceful", that would be a different story! (Though it would still get to stay, in my estimation...)
Oh Graham, I so wish I had come up with “solidly adviceful!” That’s classic.
Take it! It's yours.