tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4954486699810607306.post5185004926835321600..comments2023-11-02T02:40:48.410-07:00Comments on Crime Fiction Collective: Cut the Clutter and Streamline Your Writing, Part IIL.J. Sellershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10213491074676394406noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4954486699810607306.post-74208768180246774402012-04-24T10:46:04.108-07:002012-04-24T10:46:04.108-07:00Thanks, Drew. Although for fiction, I think writin...Thanks, Drew. Although for fiction, I think writing more or less how we talk is a good thing - makes the story world seem more real. It's more of a problem if a fiction writer writes too "perfect" I think, especially for dialogue, but even for narration, which is often/usually internal monologue,as the scene is filtered through the viewpoint character's perceptions and thoughts.<br /><br />But back to cutting the clutter - yes, it often takes someone with a little distance to see those extra little words and phrases that aren't adding anything and are actually detracting from the smooth flow of thoughts and imagery. I could use an editor for that myself sometimes!Jodie Rennerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17180607353893233389noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4954486699810607306.post-58444943534844897022012-04-24T10:40:13.868-07:002012-04-24T10:40:13.868-07:00This is such good advice, Jodie. I'm guilty of...This is such good advice, Jodie. I'm guilty of doing this and usually have to go through several times to get all the clutter words out. I think that we sometimes write as we talk. Two completely different forms of communication. Of course, that's what our friendly editor is for--to help us see what we normally can't :)ANDREW E. KAUFMANhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08835920472268730244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4954486699810607306.post-42659940474240476852012-04-23T08:13:36.935-07:002012-04-23T08:13:36.935-07:00Weird! I commented on here an hour or so ago and i...Weird! I commented on here an hour or so ago and it never showed up! The new blogger has me confused. (Blame them, not me, of course! :-) )<br /><br />Thanks, LJ, Peg and Tom for your comments - and compliments! Glad to be of help. I also need to heed my own advice. I find it's easier to find and ferret out excess wordiness in other people's writing than in my own. Too close to it, I guess. Something about "killing your darlings" but on a micro scale! LOLJodie Rennerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17180607353893233389noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4954486699810607306.post-27984545425430551252012-04-23T07:08:38.025-07:002012-04-23T07:08:38.025-07:00Man, I should have hired you last time. Now I know...Man, I should have hired you last time. Now I know better :) Thanks for another terrific post Jodie!Tom Adairhttp://authortomadair.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4954486699810607306.post-3286193054939841092012-04-23T06:44:26.587-07:002012-04-23T06:44:26.587-07:00Another excellent post, Jodie.
As an aside: I ha...Another excellent post, Jodie. <br /><br />As an aside: I have an editor friend who grudgingly has let go of her belief that (using your example) it isn't necessary to specify Jake's jeep is what actually was pulled off the road.Peg Brantleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04906858123466177508noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4954486699810607306.post-46116919384632298222012-04-23T06:32:52.774-07:002012-04-23T06:32:52.774-07:00I have a file of you excellent advice columns and ...I have a file of you excellent advice columns and I keep them handy for reviewing. This is another great one. Thanks!L.J. Sellershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10213491074676394406noreply@blogger.com