You've probably heard people say "Write what you know." But real life doesn't always translate to writing. Here are some things to avoid:
Pretentious Language/Jargon
In real life, people say things like,"I am of the opinion that...", and "Presently, the situation is thus that facilitating the augmentation of . . ." But just because people say things like this doesn't mean you need to actually write them. In fiction these words come across as pretentious.
Some other words/phrases that alert my Sixth Editor Sense:
ameliorate
such that
deceased
commence
facilitate
utilize
parameters
momentarily
Profanity
Curse words are fine . . . if you're using them in dialog, for the purpose of characterization. Remember that the effect the F-word has in real life (not much, these days) is exaggerated ten-fold in writing. Those words stand out! Use them wisely.
Filler Phrases
It goes without saying that . . . (If it goes without saying, don't say it. If you need to say it, then it doesn't go without saying.)
Such that . . . (You can substitute this gem with a smile of satisfaction and nothing else; it has virtually no meaning.)
In the case of . . . (This is seen in formal writing, but it doesn't belong in fiction narratives. A simple "if" works just as well.)
In the event of . . . (Again, try "if.")
Functioning in the capacity of . . . (What does this mean? If you can't answer that question in five seconds, take 'er out. )
Vocalized Pauses
Um, huh, hmm, er, etc.-like curse words, stand out like a slap in the face. And again, you can certainly use them, but be aware of the impact they have on your audience. One little "huh" will give the impression of confusion that will last for pages! If a character says ums on more than one page … well, your readers will assume he's not the sharpest tool in the shed.
It can be a challenge to write with an authentic voice, since many words and phrases we hear in real conversations don't convert 1:1 when written.
But you can still "write what you know." Don't let anything stop you from writing like crazy during that first draft. But during the revision process, do keep in mind the unintended effect that jargon, swear words, business mumbo-jumbo, and vocalized pauses may have.
By Charity Heller Hogge, owner & editor of The Mighty Pen, LLC http://www.MightyPenEditing.com
Great list of words and phrases to burn. I have a pet peeve that started long before I became an author and should be banned from the English language: "To be perfectly honest.." Does this mean you usually aren't perfectly honest?
And irregardless. Is there even such a word?
lol ok so I've been working on a story for years lol and I thought I'd take a crack at another type of story lol
anyway I have some phrases withing my book well both of them and I've always wondered how to make them flow better it's when someone cuts another person off I'd usually write it like this "sarah dear, I know you don't-" I cut my mother off
So my question is, is there a better way to write something like that?
Most of those words and/or phrases are most definately on my hit liost, with the exception of the occassional profanity here and there. But then, what would be a better way to write such things?
ive recently started on a new story and some of the words i would like to use are profanity but i want to be more optamistic about my story, its taking me forever to write it because of the words i get stuck having to change, what is a good solution
Great list of words and phrases to burn. I have a pet peeve that started
