"It's okay to write badly."
I've heard many a writer utter these same words in the past few years and you know, I really like them.
"It's okay to write badly."
So much so that I wrote it on a post-it note and attached it to my monitor. I look at it each time I write.
"It's okay to write badly."
Now, of course, I'm talking about the rough draft and not the final draft. I mean who wants to send in their draft with the word need used three times in one paragraph. Or the draft where she begins every sentence for two pages straight. And gasp, do you really want to send in the draft with their spelled incorrectly each time it's used?
Yeah, I wouldn't either.
I just recently recognized one of these issues in my own rough draft. Word repetition. I did use need three times in one paragraph, but beyond that, I've found that I use the words change and shift uncontrollably throughout my story. Not to surprising considering I write about shapeshifting, but tiresome to read, over and over again. :)
So off I went to Webster's Dictionary and Thesaurus to find a new word. A huh, know what I found? Not much by way of romantic, shapeshifting words. LOL
For change I found: Alter, Vary, Modify, Evolve, Convert, Turn(I've used variations of this one for sure), Ripen, Transform, Adjust and Shift.
For Shift I found: Transfer, Transformation, Displacement, Fault, Alteration and Substitution.
Okay, some of those might fit, but still I like Change and Shift with Turn bringing up the rear. Thank goodness I'm still working through my rough draft and have time to decide how to shake up the Change and Shift usage.
So I ask you fellow shapeshifter writers out there, do you too have a problem with these two words or have you found a sexier, and more romantic substitute?
Have a great weekend everyone! And for those going to Nationals next week, Have Fun!!
4 comments:
Serena, that's a tough one. I do use transformation or altered, depending on the scene and the mood of the scene.
Since some of mine have phase capabilities I use that word.
Sometimes, I look for ways to describe what's going on without a direct usage of those words.
~ one moment he stood as man, the next moment he growled deep in his throat, a full wolf ~
The above is an example: and not from my novels... unless I wrote and forgot I wrote. However, I'll probably have to use it. Now.
Savanna, good advice. :) I too try to use more description when I find myself over using change and shift, sometimes it works. ;)
I like the example...you will indeed have to use it sometime. hehe
Transformation and altered are good, if they fit the scene. I'll have to try to work them in more often.
Have a great weekend!
Serena, I have to agree with Savanna, that is a tough one. I tend to show the change but then I use "change" or "transformation" it tends to depend on the scene. Great post!
Hi Paris, Yep, showing the change is definitely the way to go. I also found and appropriate place for Transformation...woot! Thanks for stopping...Have a great week!
Post a Comment