She said one of her biggest pet peeves in editing is ADVERBS. And that at conference panels, she's heard other editors and publishers describe them as "the tool of lazy writers."
Ouch.
I mean, I guess I have to agree. Adverbs are there to modify or intensify verbs, so a writer should work harder to find the strongest verb they can for a situation. A character shouldn't just run quickly if they could dash. They shouldn't just talk loudly if they could yell.
And yes. I've been dinged by this editor for using adverbs myself. I've also dinged other writers I work with, both as a critique partner and as a paid editor, insisting they make stronger word choices too.
But lazy?
I don't think it's "lazy" so much as not having enough practice. Writing is like anything else that requires time and effort. The more you work at it, the stronger your word choices will be. Finding more powerful words takes skill, but to call adverbs "lazy" belittles that skill.
What do you think? Am I splitting hairs, since I ultimately agree that stronger verbs make more satisfying reading? Someone talk me down from this soapbox...
Morning Katie!
ReplyDeleteI believe adverbs have a place in writing. Used sparingly they add emotion to your story. But I agree they are overused a lot. I agree with you in that lazy is not exactly the right word to describe the use. Practice at powerful words is a good alternative.
Hey Tena, thanks for chiming in! I guess the moniker "lazy" just rubbed me the wrong way, as I've been beating myself for not writing - the ultimate in lazy, lol.
DeleteI attended the same chat you did, and get the overall point. Sometimes an adverb strengthens a phrase or a snippet of dialogue. There are a few I like. But they can be overused. I agree.
ReplyDeleteHi Beth. Yeah, I know. Ultimately I agree with her point too - but see? I went and used an adverb right there... it's hard to excise them completely...
DeleteOr maybe I mean "exorcise" and not excise... precision, Katie, it's about precision...
DeleteI like exorcise. :)
DeleteFood for thought. But I agree with you, Katie, lazy is too strong a term. Most authors work their butts off and agonize over words. It can be a challenge to stay on top of adverbs, especially when you are a fairly new writer. xx
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping in, Anni. I think I'm over my outrage at the word lazy now, as everyone keeps pointing out that it's overuse of adverbs that makes writing weak - and I totally agree. I guess I just needed to hear what others were thinking on the subject.
DeleteInteresting blog, Katie. Adverbs are my nemesis. I do think it's kind of lazy to use them instead of searching for a strong, descriptive verb. Of course, this isn't easy. Sometimes an adverb just fits and nothing else works in the same way. Stephen King has voiced his opinion on adverbs in his book 'On Writing'. Good advice.
ReplyDeleteI love that book - I recommend that to writers all the time! Thanks for sharing!
DeleteFrom my own experence, I've found you write like you talk. I don't think it's laziness on your part, it's just the way you are. I go back and try to strengthen sentences later, but can miss some.
ReplyDeleteInteresting perspective, Ilona. Thanks for sharing - and I think that's one of those things you learn as you grow as a writer is to go back and weed out certain words and phrases after the first draft.
DeleteI have to agree with some of the writers who posted here. Adverbs in some instances have a place in writing. "He spoke softly."--when I don't want "he said, whispered, mumbled, muttered, or any other verb that indicates speaking in a low voice." Sometimes it's a matter of taste, style, and relevance to the scene. Great post!
ReplyDeleteThanks for chiming in, Judy. I agree that in romance we sometimes need gently and softly and whatnot... although again, I think maybe it's the overuse that the writing chat was harping about...
DeleteOne thing writers aren't (at least writers like us) is lazy! So I agree. It's a derogatory term and probably not appropriate. Lazy would be me taking someone else's story, changing the names, republishing. :)
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