tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8540447709600309493.post1993471287051017302..comments2023-03-18T03:39:28.812-07:00Comments on Sentenced To Write: The Craft of WritingJan Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03881850918680562942noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8540447709600309493.post-75293992078277410082013-05-19T08:39:59.619-07:002013-05-19T08:39:59.619-07:00Some of the best writing advice, IMO, deals with t...Some of the best writing advice, IMO, deals with the overuse of adverbs. It's common advice, but often ignored. We know, of course, that adverbs modify or qualify an adjective or verb. <br /><br />Adverbs are not all bad. We have to use them. Adverbs are useful in conversation and common writing, but can be harmful to fiction. <br /><br />The worst adverbs for fiction writing are those that express manner or degree, such as 'gently,' 'weakly,' 'heavily,' or 'sadly.' Such adverbs are fine for first drafts. Within those first drafts, adverbs can be circled and noted as places in the story to demonstrate in scene what the adverb states. 'Show' what 'gently' looks or feels like or sounds like, don't tell. <br /><br />Better to show/describe/demonstrate sadness in a sentence or two rather than tell sadness with sadly. Sadness has many faces and facets, after all. Consider bringing all that sadness on stage to be seen rather than telling with an adverb. Let the reader experience sadness.Jan Millerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03881850918680562942noreply@blogger.com