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
You can find many more quotes from authors whose names are familiar to you and some whom you may not know. You'll receive a few smiles and you might pick up some good tips.Best of all, you may be inspired to write. Google using keyword like quotes by writers or quotes about writing.
Here are a few links to get you started:
http://www.quotegarden.com/writing.html
http://www.writersservices.com/mag/m_quotes_writers.htm
http://www.writersservices.com/mag/m_quotes_writers.htm
http://www.famousquotesandauthors.com/topics/writers_and_writing_quotes.html
Ha! Nancy! Peter Stitt, my workshop leader during my first MFA semester, who's also the editor of the Gettysburg Review, cured me of frequently using "very." It was one of his forbidden words. He told us: "Either something is, or it isn't. You don't need very."
ReplyDeleteWhen I first started writing, I was the Queen of Unnecessary Words. Still use them occasionally but have become much better. Peter Stitt has a good reason to back up his forbidden word. :)
ReplyDelete