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This week: Spare the Adverbs! Edited by: Cubby  
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Hello, everyone! Welcome to this edition of the For Authors newsletter.  This week's topic is focused on overusing adverbs, but first off, I'd like to share a few quotes with you. Enjoy!
Quotes:
“Be yourself. Above all, let who you are, what you are, what you believe, shine through every sentence you write, every piece you finish.”
~ John Jakes
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“Writing is an exploration. You start from nothing and learn as you go.”
~ E. L. Doctorow
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"Words, once they are printed, have a life of their own."
~ Carol Burnett
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Spare the Adverbs
Adverbs are not the enemy. But they shouldn't be your best friend, either. Adverbs have a place in writing, but should be used sparingly in fiction. If you can rewrite a sentence by dropping the -ly adverbs and it still makes complete sense, do it. Here is an example:
 She sincerely hoped her uniquely written story would truly impress the editors at the newly opened publishing house.
She hoped her unique story would impress the editors at the new publishing house.
 Think about it: To 'hope' means to desire. Does the verb 'hope' need an adverb to intensify it? I'm pretty sure 'hope' can stand on its own.
'...uniquely written story' can be easily trimmed to 'unique story' which is less cluttered.
The verb 'impress' means to strongly affect in a positive way, so do we need the adverb 'truly' to describe this impressiveness?
If you can cut words, do it. '...newly opened publishing house' is clutsy, indeed. '...new publishing house' cuts three syllables out, giving it a better flow.
Take a look at something you've written recently. Consider the following options when confronting an adverb:
 Is your adverb redundant? whispering softly, shouting loudly, completely filled
Could your adverb be replaced through showing instead of telling? "Where did Dad go?" Drew asked confusedly?" or... "Where did Dad go?" Drew asked as he glanced around the room.
Many verbs can stand on their own without adverbs: called loudly / screamed; cried loudly / wailed; read quickly / scanned; ate quickly / gobbled; looked carefully / studied; thought carefully / considered
Next time you proofread your fiction, consider each adverb by asking yourself, "Is this adverb pointless? Could I show more than tell? Would a stronger verb work better?"
There is a time and a place for adverbs, but use them sparingly!
A few related links:
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/adverbs.htm
http://www.users.qwest.net/~yarnspnr/writing/adverbs/adverbs.htm
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/78758/kill_adjectives_and_adverbs_descr...
 Now for a prompt...  Write a paragraph purposely using adverbs. Now rewrite it by eliminating the ones that are dragging your paragraph down.
May you have an inspiring week and an exceptionally inspiring year!
Keep on Writing!
 Cubby ") |
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~FEEDBACK~
Madridista 
I like the symbolism you write your newsletter with (circus, entertainers etc.)Is it possible to have a story where the protagonist is also the antagonist? Where would you categorise the narrator in the story I've linked...?
~ I believe you can do that, as long as you can make it work for the reader. According to Wikipedia, "When the narrator is also a character within the story, he or she is sometimes known as the viewpoint character." BTW, I read your story and liked it very much. It was touching!
Zeke 
While I completely agree that any story must have both characters and plot, one of them is more important. A story with great characters and no plot isn't a story in my opinion.
~ That's right... You can't have one without the other, or you don't have a story. I agree! And some stories are plot-driven while others are character-driven, but... you still need both plot and character.
A thinker never sleeps
Great newsletter. I liked the analogies used. Never thought of a story that way before. Thanks
~ You are very welcome. I'm glad you liked it!
DB Cooper
This is an excellent newsletter. Creating plots for writers is like diagnosing for doctors. It's what we do.
~ I like that! I have a few manuscripts that need surgery, lol! Thank you for sharing.
LJPC - the tortoise
Hi Cubby! Your metaphor (of a circus) was great, the information was succinct, and I even enjoyed the quotes (especially Melville's -- I gotta find me a 'mighty theme' -- do they sell those at the 24-hr store?) This was a very inspiring newsletter for me. You hit upon some important truths. Thanks. -- Laura
~ I'm so glad I've inspired you! That is what I like to hear! Ummm... I don't think, though, you'll find a 'mighty theme' at a 24-hour store... unless stumble upon a robbery or kidnapping or something real. Not for sale, though, I'm afraid! 
 Thank you all for the wonderful feedback!
As always...
Have a wonderful week!
AND KEEP ON WRITING!!!
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For Authors: June 23, 2010 Issue [#3819]
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