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Quick writing tip

by | Jun 24, 2009 | On Writing, Quick Fixes | 4 comments

Quick writing tip:
Having problems with too many “be verbs?” Switch the direct object and the subject. For instance:

All around the pool were rocks and boulders.

Becomes

Rocks and boulders circled the pool.

I’ve cut the sentence by two words. Now it’s shorter, tighter, and more powerful.

Now, go forth, and edit!

Amber Argyle
Author

4 Comments

  1. Lady Glamis
    Lady Glamis on June 30, 2009 at 2:54 pm

    Awesome! Yep, I do this in a layer of editing, and try to do it as I'm writing along. The more you do it the more you avoid those weak verbs. Practice practice! Of course, sometimes you want things weak, but I won't get into that.

  2. Amber Argyle-Smith
    Amber Argyle-Smith on June 30, 2009 at 7:03 pm

    It's amazing the little tricks you pick up over the years.
    And why not get into that. Sounds like a great blog post to me.

  3. Chantele
    Chantele on July 1, 2009 at 10:22 pm

    I just found your blog, and you have some awesome advice on here! Congrats on getting an agent,(even if it was last year)! That is a huge accomplishment! I wish you the best of luck with everything!:)

  4. Amber Argyle-Smith
    Amber Argyle-Smith on July 2, 2009 at 3:51 pm

    Chantele: Thanks! I'm so glad you found it helpful.

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