That is the question.

[prillalar]

Writing advice I'm now trying to follow:

Substitute "damn" every time you're inclined to write "very;" your editor will delete it and the writing will be just as it should be. -- Mark Twain

Writing advice I gleefully ignore:

It's often wise to cut down on verbs of being, replacing them (whenever possible) with action verbs; that'll make your writing punchier.

I loooooooooove the verb "to be". It's my favourite verb. I work those predicate nouns and adjectives as hard as I can. I like the flatness of it, the plainness.

What's your favourite writing advice? Or your favourite advice to ignore?

Comments

[tzikeh.livejournal.com]

One of my favorites, that was borne of a friend's despair at reading one too many awful pieces of fanfiction:

Note to the beginning fanfiction writer: upon finishing your story, search for each appearance of the word "suddenly" and evaluate if it adds anything to the story. [HINT: It doesn't. Delete it.]

[prillalar]

This is a specific and useful rule. :)