I\u2019ve been writing for publication for over 40 years and I\u2019m aware of the importance of fresh writing. That is, using a variety of words and phrases in your descriptions, explanations, etc. But this has never been as challenging an issue for me until I started writing fiction.<\/p>\n
Do you spend a lot of time making sure that your writing is fresh\u2014that you\u2019re not repeating the same old phrases and terms? Or does originality come naturally to you? I\u2019m guessing that many fiction writers approach their stories much as I do. I write the story using many instances of filler words and phrases just to get the story down\u2014place holders. Then the editing begins. If you\u2019re like me, you edit numerous times before your manuscript goes to the proofreader or hired editor. You edit for clarity in the story events as well as for flow and readability. You make sure the storyline is pure\u2014cohesive\u2014consistent. Then you begin nitpicking words and phrases. Have I overused a term? How can I say the same thing in a more unique or creative way?<\/p>\n
I\u2019m on book 16 of my Klepto Cat Mystery series and I\u2019ve decided to create a Key Phrase List to help with this phase of my editing. While it was rather time-consuming to create, I believe it will be a time-saver as I attempt to develop my stories in the future. What did I include in my Key Phrase List? Terms, phrases, expressions, descriptive words that I might use in my story descriptions and dialog. And I imagine I\u2019ll continue adding to it with each story that I write.<\/p>\n
Now how will I use this list? I don\u2019t know about you, but my memory is only so long. I might get a sense, when reading through my manuscript for the umpteenth time, that I\u2019ve overused a word or a term, but I don\u2019t know to what extent until I do a word search\u2014which I often do. With this alphabetized list, I\u2019ll note each instance of certain phrases and terms as I read through the manuscript and I\u2019ll be able to see which ones are overused and get ideas for replacing them.<\/p>\n
Sure, I\u2019ve thought about the potential dangers\u2014that my writing will appear mechanical or stilted. I had concerns that the creativity would diminish once I began manipulating the portrayals and action. But this doesn\u2019t seem to be the case. After all, the story is written by the time I start working with these important details. All I\u2019m manipulating is some of the language and the way it\u2019s presented.<\/p>\n
Why go to the trouble to create your own list of phrases when others have done it for you? Because you have a different way of approaching a story and the dialog and description within it. There are readers who like your style\u2014your way of approaching a story, developing your characters, etc. You may not know it, but you have a certain way of telling a story that is unique to you and you use certain words and phrases. So it makes sense that you create your own list, at least to start with. Because these are the terms you use most comfortably.<\/p>\n
For additional help in making your stories read fresher, here are a few sites you might visit.<\/p>\n
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