How do you diceide which adjectives to use and which to keep.or bin?
When it comes to editing, I don't hate adjectives. Adverbs are okay, but if you can find a stronger verb that doesn't need the adverb and is suitable to the character's voice, then use the stronger verb. Here are some of the things I consider regarding adjectives when I'm editing:Yet when nothing else can be gleaned but that someone is tall, pretty, old, young; or that their home is big, square, bright; or that someone’s wedding dress is cute, expensive, ivory, I’m not seeing details so much as a checklist.
It depends a lot on the context (and the genre, as you mentioned). The example you gave is fine, in my opinion. The reason editors will advise you to make the sentences shorter is because that helps with ease of reading. Shorter sentence = easily understood = more accessible for readers. But longer sentences do also have their place. The trick is knowing when to use which one.And it's longer, which many editors don't seem to like either.
Yes, but don’t run too hard or too fast without help…the amount of lame stuff published would be significantly reduced if writers were serious both about seeking honest advice, and implementing what they receive.My advice as a publisher is for you to self-publish. The problem isn't your writing--it's the people editing it and the publishers. So, just take your manuscript and run with it!
I have a family friend who self published a book, and I gave him my honest opinion and critique in a tactful manner. Unfortunately, he did not take the critique well. Grammatically and historically he was on point, but the pace of the story was like watching the grass grow. It also was over 200k words long. Getting help is SO important!Yes, but don’t run too hard or too fast without help…the amount of lame stuff published would be significantly reduced if writers were serious both about seeking honest advice, and implementing what they receive.
I actually prefer this level of description because I've seen and smelled crab, and my reader's imagination can fill in the gaps. There are times to be expansive and times to be succinct.
Definitely! I meant in general, not @Shamrock specifically.