Here it is, feel free to add some of your own in the comments.
ly
of
that
was/were
his/her
very
every
only
had
seemed
looked
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
My list of naughty words
Last week I promised the complete list of naughty words that I search and destroy during the editing process. This process is so specific that it forces my inner editor out of the dark hole she prefers and into the light of day. It's like waking a sleeping bear; once I poke her a few times with these words, she comes out roaring. So this is always my first step in editing.
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2 comments:
Hmm, I use some of those. I guess the key is to use them within reason. Words on my check list to make sure I don't have too many are: just, it was, then, and the list could go on and on. :)
Kathi,
I've read your books and I don't recall ever being held up by passive voice as I read. You have a good grasp on keeping your reader in the character's shirt pocket.
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