This poster is in keeping with our Valentine theme the first part of this week. It made me smile a little to think about a kiss stopping our words. That might work for some people but will it for writers?
Do words ever become superfluous for a writer? They do when we write rambling sentences. They do when we write repetitively. They do when we write a sentence that has nothing to do with the topic of the story or essay or poem. Do those things actually happen? You bet they do!
I once knew a writer who wrote the longest and most rambling sentences ever. It seems he could not help himself. People in the critique group we were in mentioned this problem over and over. He'd say thank you for pointing this out to me. Then, he'd write a new story and do exactly the same thing. For him, it was the only way he either could, or wanted, to write. The problem with this kind of sentence is that you might lose your reader smack dab in the middle of one of those lengthy sentences.
What about repeating the same thought in one paragraph but using different words? Why do writers do that? It's because they aren't sure of what to say next, so they repeat something they've already told us but think they can hide it by using different words. Or, it's because they are afraid the reader will not 'get it.' As writers, we sometimes do not give our readers enough credit. They'll 'get it' more often than not so it's not necessary to repeat.
What about inserting a sentence or paragraph that has nothing to do with the topic? There are things that trigger our thoughts to a different path. That doesn't mean we should include it in what we are writing. Those 'extra thoughts' are meant for us to ponder. Don't add them if they are off the track. It's another good way to lose your reader.
Even on Valentine's Day, use your words carefully, and don't be afraid to let a kiss interrupt your words now and then. That kiss is bound to inspire some lovely words afterward.
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