Write, but do it Green: Part 1

In my Ooligan Press work group, I have been charged with the task of researching how writers can be more sustainable in their craft. I haven’t done that research yet, but there are a few things floating around in my own head. So, this is the first in a series titled Write, but do it Green.

I don’t think this series is going to be in logical order, so Part 1 is the global search. Now, I’m not talking about replacing all your double spaces with single spaces, or when you change the name of your main character from Charlotte to Keri. I’m talking about getting rid of the big writing NOs.

Big Writing NOs

Adverbs

ing word endings

Nondescriptive words

Using a find and highlight system for these words can save a lot of paper in the hard copy editing processes. Whatever can cut down on hard cover copies is always more sustainable.

Adverbs:

Adverbs can lead to weak writing because they are used in place of metaphor and vivid description. Used sparingly, they can add to style and could be used in the voice of the character if that is the way they speak.

Nondescriptive words:

No-no words tend to be vague and wishy-washy or overworked and cliché.

It

Very

Get

Almost

Kind of

A little

A bit

Rather

Roughly

Maybe

Due to

Somewhat

Sort of

There were/was

Worthwhile/Worth while

In terms of

As yet

And/or

Irregardless

Utilize

Unique

Transpire

Thrust

The truth is

The fact is

The foreseeable future

Along these lines

That: If the sentence can read without the word “that,” then cut it.

Can: In some instances, cut “can.”

I can see my sister walking to her car.

I see my sister walking to her car.

Do not cut “can” if it shows the ability to see as in

Now that my sister has moved her car, I can see the puddle of oil her car left.

Weak Verbs

ing
1. The ing ending slows down speech. Changing sentences so that there are fewer ing endings speeds up the action.

2. Simultaneous action: ing action can lead to simultaneous action. "Opening the door, Katie came inside." Actually, she can't do both at once.

I search for each of these elements and then ask the document program to highlight them in different colors.

Here’s my system:

Yellow: Adverbs (search for “ly”)

Bright Green: Ings

Turquoise: It

Pink: That

Red: No-no words

Blue: Smile (a writing pet peeve; I hate when characters smile)

Teal: Can