Last weekend, my son came home for a visit and gave me and his sisters his cold. I haven’t had a cold in years and had forgotten what a sore throat and head congestion feels like. Well, now I am completely up to speed. I haven’t slept for the past 3 nights and was worried I had covid, but the test came out negative, and just today, I’m starting to feel better.
Jessie, I love your story! I can’t wait to read the whole thing, but that is an indulgence that will have to wait until I’m done with my own thesis. You are so talented and passionate about your writing. I know this is only the beginning for you. What an exciting time in your life. I hope you keep writing and never lose your enthusiasm for storytelling. Thanks to your incredible presentation I felt so inspired to move ahead with my introduction. I’ve written about a third of it, but I seem to be losing steam, which means time to get some sleep and recharge.
Well, I’m doing it again. I keep saying I’m done with my stories, but I did some more editing. I stumbled on some YouTube videos about polishing your writing skills and words you shouldn’t use in your stories. Normally, I don’t like rules, but I was intrigued. So, I watched the videos and here is a list of the words that should be avoided:
That, see, look, hear, know, realize, wonder, decide, notice, feel, remember, think, of, really, very, adverbs (ly), down/up, then start, begin, sudden, the
Some of these words I get because they contribute to telling instead of showing. But my stories contain many of the words on this list, and I think they are necessary. Maybe these people are just writing snobs, but I did reread my stories and decided to take out the word “that,” whenever it wasn’t necessary and agree I had used it too many times. I try not to use “realize” but “wonder” I can’t avoid because I’m telling my stories from a child’s perspective and think it’s perfectly fine. I mean, what kid doesn’t wonder about things. Anyway, it was a helpful video even though a bit harsh.
Good luck Sun! I’m so looking forward to your presentation and know I’m going to learn so much on Monday.