I’ve discovered something about my writing that disturbs me.
I use words I really don’t need to, more often than I should.
In making the final edits to the QR Code Killer, I realized I overuse the following words:
had
up
just
We already knew I use the word “bit” a bit too much. But these other three came as quite a surprise.
I tend to insert the word had in about every third descriptive sentence.
She had taken the last piece of cake …
Boring! And unnecessary. Wouldn’t it be much more exciting if:
She greedily snatched the last piece of cake…
or even:
She quietly snuck away with the last piece of cake…
You see what I mean.
Then there is the “up” problem.
He stood up and glared at her…
Up isn’t needed. If he stood, we already know he is up.
Let’s not forget “just.” It’s a toss up if this one or had is the word that trips me up the most!
I just want to help…. He just waited a minute… She just thought about finding him…
This whole writing with clarity, writing concisely, thing is quite a bit of a challenge for someone who had just wanted to stand up as a better writer!
See what I mean!
