 Noticing Newbies: January 26, 2011 Issue [#4200] |
  Noticing Newbies
This week: Avoid Repeating Words Edited by: Tornado Dodger  
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Avoid Repeating Words
Repeating words aka "crutch words" - Just about every writer has a certain word or phrase they lean or rely on a little too much. Crutch words are usually relatively unmemorable. That's why they are hard to catch when proofreading, but your readers will notice them. Haven't you ever been reading a book and realize at the end of a chapter that you've heard the same word half a dozen times and you're starting to get annoyed hearing it? As you know, what is it that eventually happens when readers get irritated? Down goes your book, perhaps innocently enough, to get a drink or a snack and then it's never picked up again. As a rule of thumb, even if the word is unusual or heaven forbid 'hip' or 'cool', and even if you use it differently when you repeat it, just don't. Even if you don't think your readers will notice, they will so don't do it. The same goes for repeats of several words together - a certain phrase may seem just fine, but, restated over and over, will eventually highlight your weakness instead of your strengths. You're not alone either, I read an article recently showing professional author Sheldon Siegel making this same mistake in his popular courtroom thriller, Final Verdict, from a few years back.
"His tone oozes self-righteousness when he says..." page 188
"His voice is barely audible when he says..." page 193
"His tone is unapologetic when he says..." page 199
"Rosie keeps her tone even when she says..." page 200
"His tone is even when he says..." page 205
"I switch to my lawyer voice when I say ..." page 211
"He sounds like Grace when he says..." page 211
Would you like help finding out what words you use most in your writing? I know of a couple ways off the top of my head. The first is very simple. On the top of any of your written Writing.com items, you'll see the following:
Your Item: Edit FS Q | Delete | Spell | Count | HTML | RCS | Reviews | Stats
By clicking count you will see a small window open that will show you not only your word count but which used are used most frequently. This is what the result is for this newsletter.
The second way is a little more visual and dare I say, artsy. The site is called Wordsy and what it does is calculate the words of any document or website you choose and then produce an image that highlights (by size) the words you used most. You can choose to include common words or exclude them and a host of other selection criteria. Here is a (reduced size) image of what the words used in this newsletter produced for me.
Visit Wordle to create your own visual image to see which words you use the most. Have fun!
If you'd like to share your thoughts, please send me a note using the box at the bottom of this newsletter directly under the phrase "Don't Be Shy! Write Into This Newsletter!" 
Until next time, Write and Review on! ~ Brooke
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Check out these great items from some of our newest authors!
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Excerpt:
My worn sneakers were almost soundless. A different part of me, stronger than the one wondering about where all the others were, was a bit embarrassed walking along such a beautiful floor in such crummy shoes. But the marble felt like it reached up and embraced my feet, and after a brief hesitation I continued my stride.
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Excerpt:
She'll be home any minute now. I'm crouched in the dark, out of sight of the front door. It has been silent for a few minutes now all that can be heard is the muffled traffic outside, very quiet zooms of cars passing by.
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(Chapter One)
Excerpt:
The rythmic tapping of my pencil seemed to be all I could hear. I hated essays. Horrible things, invented by horrid people who decided knowledge needed to be tested. I snorted. My brown eyes wandered back up to the only part of the essay I'd completed. This part read, "Name : Gabriel Fox". Yep. All I could write was my own name.
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Excerpt:
At first, the conversations were welcome in his lonely life. It was the small appliances that opened up to him first. The toaster, his shaver, and one day the blender began chatting happily about the weather, as he went about his morning routine preparing a nutritional smoothie.
~ ~
Excerpt:
We have just received word that there is a state-wide evacuation. Police recommend having at least one gun per group and plenty of ammo. This is the last televised broadcast until the end of this epidemic. This is Charles Johnson signing off, goodbye and good luck." Rob clicked off the t.v. and looked at his wife.
~ ~
Excerpt:
Barnaby had finally reached the fork in the road. He knew if he took the one to the right it meant crossing the raging waters of the old river. To the left, though the trail was longer, there would be easier means of reaching the other side, but time would not allow for this.
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Excerpt:
The painting seemed out of place in a classroom setting because it was so bright and indescribable. Crazy streaks of purple and indigo swirled in the background while in the foreground greens and oranges made weird bubbling patterns. Dan was used to staring at this painting when he could not concentrate on social theory. For some reason it always grabbed his attention. Perhaps it was simply the bright colors, but more than that it seemed to be constantly moving. Everyday and every minute it appeared slightly different.
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Excerpt:
I can only imagine what that moment was like. He was, as far as I knew, ignorant to the situation. I hadn't told him and tried my hardest not to show anything except positive emotion in my voice, though it was clear if you were to look me in the eye. I tried my hardest to put myself where he was standing, taking it all in but I couldn't.
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[Submitted Items]
"WarCraft versus StarCraft Interview" by BIG BAD WOLF is Howling 
Submitted with this comment:
It can be hard being a new writer. Trick's to pick up the pen and paper, and start writing.
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I received some wonderful feedback to my last newsletter [#4154] "Celebrating the New Year" and I'm proud to share it with you.
From narin 
Very informative
Thank you! I appreciate you. 
From atwhatcost
I think you've stumbled upon the mistake made in failed "resolutions." The difference between resolve and goals. Resolve - "to reach a firm decision." Goal - "the end in which effort is directed." If I resolve to write a book, it gets done. If my goal is set, then I merely know make an effort aimed towards that direction. There are real reasons sometimes we cannot set aside specific amounts of time per day to write. Goals give us room for that. Resolutions demand we catch up.
I think resolutions die so quickly, because they are treated as goals. When we fail, we give room to give up.
You have a good point. Good luck with your goals!
From twon721
Nature is my best friend, I need not plan a year ahead. Another year gone by is not so scary to a child, to an adult each year that passes brings fear and worry. But nature is still my best friend. Tony.
What a great attitude. I don't think it's that way for all adults but I'm sure it is for some. Nature is a wonderful muse. Thanks for writing in!
From Doug Rainbow
I recently saw someone's list of ten ways to make better resolutions. The first item on the list was "Resolve to do tasks, not to create habits." The last item was "Reslove to create habits, not to do tasks."
 Well that's a little conflicting.  Thanks for sharing.
From atreidesmouse
Thanks for featuring my item in your newsletter! It was very interesting to learn about the history of the New Year's celebration and resolutions. I enjoyed this newsletter!
Thank you and I'm really glad you enjoyed it.
From Phoenix
Brooke,
Thank for including the information about the New Year. In our family, we actually celebrate two different beginnings. The American New Year - based on living in the U.S., and the Persian New Year - based on my husband's Persian background. We take both opportunities to spend time with friends and family, creating a lot of great memories.
That's a great idea. What a wonderful way to learn about your spouses heritage and share new traditions. 
Here is some feedback recently received from my November 2010 newsletter [#4097] "The Benefits of Journaling"
From Christine Cassello
I thought this was very good advice and was not aware of the physical benefits of journaling even though I know it is a good mood enhancer. I do disagree with one statement you make at the end, however, "you're writing to someone who won't judge you - yourself." I do judge myself and usually too harshly. I'm working on being more lenient and understanding.
That's an excellent point. I never thought of it that way and I'm sure many of us are our own worst critic. Thanks for writing in and sharing your thoughts.
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