A PLACE WITHOUT SHADOWS, the sequel to REGULATION 19, is off to my editor.
This causes me both massive relief and minor panic. The relief is because it is shaping up to be the book I hoped it would be. The panic is because it is now time to focus to THE SHORT TIMER, and I’ve given myself some intense daily word-count goals for that one.
I’ve spent the last two days engaged in my least favorite part of the revising process: scrubbing my over-used words out of the manuscript.
See, there are some words I use way too much. I know what these words are. I keep a list of them. You’d think it would be easy to avoid using them while I’m writing. Alas, it is not so. Like a junkie returns to his needle, I find myself indulging in wanton use of just, seems, and that even though I know they are not good for me.
I’m toying with the idea of setting up a rule in Google Docs so these words automatically appear in red font anytime I use them. I fear that may greatly reduce my writing speed, so I’m still undecided on that idea.
Looking at this list chills me to the bone. But, like a good optimist, I know something positive will come from this. If nothing else, at least I can present the list for your amusement.
Here are my Over-Used Words of Death:
- still
- but
- that
- just
- had
- might be
- seems
- only
- though
- walked
- stepped
- turned
- looked
- stopped
There they are. Look upon my over-used words, ye mighty, and despair.
Absolutely hilarious man. Especially that biblical bit at the end.
This is basically my list too man, so cheer up 🙂
Ha, thanks. Glad to know I'm not alone!
If it makes you feel better I over use the word just too. The last project I received from the editor let me know I'd used just at least twice on each page, which is crazy. I think I use evidently and realize too much as well.
That does make me feel better, Kristine. And I can totally relate. 🙂 It is shocking how we miss those things until someone points them out to us.
I wrote a similar post last year. I'm also guilty of stepped, turned, looked, seems and though. I hope I've purged 'just.' Hate that one. Such a hedge word, like 'seems,' and 'maybe.' I use 'maybe' way too much. But other words popped out to me in Dell Zero. I won't mention them because if you happen to read the book, you'll remember and say "I'm so tired of _____, _____, and _____!"
I agree about 'just'. I should just stop using it, but I just can't find a way to just do it. 🙂 Looking forward to reading Dell Zero!
Just do it!