Wednesday, March 3, 2010

A New Addiction & My Unhealthy Relationship with Adverbs

I have to admit, I've never been one to take criticism well. In fact, I'd categorize myself in the "just smile and nod at her" column. But writing and putting yourself up for the pure purpose of it has given me a new perspective. I love it. Even if it seems harsh at first, and trust me, it does.

I post something in my crit group and then can't wait for someone to go in there and break it apart.

Is there something wrong with me? Am I a masochist? I doubt it. I do go in and edit my chapters to the best of my ability before posting. It's just I'm SO close to it. I can't see all of the things that need work.

One of the things is my unhealthy relationship with adverbs. I guess they're a killer in fiction. I hadn't thought about it much before. Looking back at my MS, you'd think I was getting paid by adverb. I can barely (see!) help myself. I love the sound of "ly" before a verb.

But thanks to a couple of fantastic adverb-haters, I'm learning . . . slowly (crap!). Seriously though (shit! I've got no control), I mean to cut adverbs out of my life. Those of you who know me, and get regular emails from me, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE give me crap every time you catch me. I need to be the reverse Pavlov's Dog here. If you could shock me with an cattle prod, all the better.

3 comments:

  1. LOL! Min, you crack me up! I'm like the killer of adverbs, I think that might be my new official title.

    A few adverbs is okay, seriously (hehehe), you don't have to cut them ALL out!

    That's okay though, every story I write I tend to find that I have a favorite word. My current MS has been littered with the word "almost".

    Last story it was the word beautiful!

    Keep up the great work!

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  2. You're doing great. And yes, first crits in a group always sting. But let me say, wow! You handled them with grace. know once you begin to apply them you'll do fine! Besides, you're also helpings others find their mistakes and trust me, we all make them.

    Keep the chapters coming. :)

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  3. Thanks guys! :D Rebekah, I think you should TOTALLY (heh heh) be your new official title.

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