If
you’ve followed this blog for any length of time, you’ve heard me talk
about the evils of adjectives and adverbs. Without rehashing previous
posts, I’ll simply remind you that adjectives and adverbs usually
indicate weak nouns and verbs. And while several writing instructors
(myself included) will tell you to go back through your manuscript and
find adjectives and adverbs for removal, few actually tell you to be
proactive in your writing.
Here’s an idea you may like: Gather a list of strong
nouns and verbs. Keep it in a file. The more specific, the better. Where
do you find these nouns and verbs? Everywhere. Look through a cookbook
and grab a couple very specific nouns (nutmeg, summer squash, lemon
juice). While you’re there, grab a few verbs (emulsify, tenderize,
season).
Turn on the television and watch the news. Listen to
talk radio. Eavesdrop while you’re in the airport, the bus station, at
school.
Have this list open while you’re writing. Make it
your goal to include one of these words somewhere in your scene. The
specificity of it will make the scene more visceral (hair the color of
nutmeg, skin the complexion of melted butter, their relationship
emulsified over the course of the following weeks, etc.).
The exercise should stretch you as a writer, which will produce stronger writing.
What are some other specific nouns and verbs that you
can think of? How might they be used in similes and metaphors to
strengthen your writing?
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