Robbi Sommers Bryant

Copy Editing - Developmental Editing - Proofreading - Writing Coach

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Cliches=Lazy Writing

Autocrit believes it and so do I. Using a cliche’ creates boring and flat writing.

Instead of writing:

Mike stood at the end of the diving board. “Here goes nothing,” he called to his friends.

Write:

Mike stood at the end of the diving board. “Don’t expect an Olympic dive,” he called to his friends.

Check out Autocrit’s take on the subject.

The List of Clichés You Should Strike Down in Editing

Use Adverbs?

One of the newer rules in editing is to avoid adverbs–or use them sparingly. I happen to be old school and enjoy a good adverb. The trick is knowing when to use them and when not to use them. For example:

“I don’t like that,” Susie said angrily.”

could be replaced with:

“I don’t like that.” Susie tightened her fists. Her jaws were clenched.

or

“I don’t like that,” Susie snapped.

Take a look at what Autocrit has to say.

Is Adverb Overload Dragging Your Manuscript Down?