Below is a short list
of stuff to be avoided (in general terms, not absolutely) when
writing fiction.
Suddenly/unexpectedly.
Ironically, these two words rob their meaning from any sentence they
start. If you tell the reader a sudden thing is about to occur, the
thing [when it does occur] is no longer sudden.
Adverbs. Adverbs are
words like ‘swiftly’ or ‘desperately’. They don’t have to
be avoided altogether (particularly in speech) but overusing them is
a sign you’re getting the nouns/verbs wrong. If you use ‘hobbled’
you don’t need to point out the walking action is taking place
‘slowly’. The verb ‘yearned’ indicates the character
‘desperately’ wants something. [However, adverbs can be used for
comic effect**, but still shouldn’t be overdone].
Names that are
impossible. In fantasy/sci-fi there can be a temptation to have names
which are highly original, which can make them bloody hard to read,
let alone pronounce. It’s just annoying for the reader (although
you could give such characters a sensible nickname).
Unnatural dialogue. “I
had a shock encounter today. I was walking in town when I bumped into
Nicola Sturgeon, who is the First Minister and also leader of
the Scottish National Party.” Unlike Ed Miliband, your characters
need to be able to speak human, even when conveying information to
the reader.
The Never-Ending
Sentence. Generally, short sentences are better. They’re simpler,
easier to understand, and put across a greater sense of pace. Reading
a book should be as easy and relaxing as listening to music. [Except
for when you’re having innocent people brutally murdered,
obviously**].
Don’t be precious.
Your work isn’t the One Ring, and you’re not Gollum. Everything
anyone writes is riddled with imperfections and room for improvement.
Of course, you don’t have to act on everything a beta reader says
(especially when two beta readers have diametrically opposing
opinions on the same sentence. Or chapter) but you should consider
every comment they make. The odds on the first draft being the
finished product are bloody long.
Thaddeus
Nice roundup! I'm guilty of committing a few of these... *le sigh*
ReplyDeleteI cracked up at "your characters need to be able to speak human." :)
Thanks.
ReplyDeleteThat was a genuine slogan used by one of his supporters in 2010 during the leadership campaign: Ed speaks human [drawing a comparison to his brother].