Verb Wars
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Whenever the book that I am writing isn't working, the problem lies mostly with the verbs. Nouns can be too easy. Adverbs and adjectives, used injudiciously, obscure. But if the verbs are wrong (dull, passive, unlustered) then the story is wrong, too—flat and fizzled.
I've got myself a verb problem right now. I need lift and soar.
5 comments:
Sometimes what you need is a bit of time away. Do something totally unrelated so you mind disengages from the writing. Verbs may begin to spontaneously pop.
This is really great insight! I need to consider it when I write. Hope you find you way through your latest project.
I have no doubt you'll find other verbs to satisfy.
What a fun photo, full of action :)
I love using the term "impact words" for verbs. When I'm trying to write a poem,those are often the most important words that I find give power or subtlety to the verse.
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