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Q is for Quietly, Quickly, Quintessentially: Confessions of an Adverb Abuser

1) As I quietly tiptoe into today's Challenge letter "Q" (quintessentially the most challenging letter of all), I quickly realize I'll have to strike up some creativity!

or

2) As I tiptoe into today's Challenge letter "Q" (the most challenging letter of all), I realize I'll have to strike up some creativity!

Which style is better? I contend #2 is better for a concise, smooth read. There's no need to use "quietly"--that's the only way one can tiptoe. And the other q adverbs are superfluous.

But when I first started writing, my style was much closer to #1. I bled adverbs like a stuck pig (and I used a lot of clichés too, but that's for another post.)

~The Adverb Abuser Support Group~

Jen: Hi, I'm Jen, and I'm an adverb abuser.

All: Hi, Jen!

Jen: It all started when I didn't appreciate the intelligence of my readers. I mistakenly thought I had to spell out every action, every feeling.

All: What a mistake...

Want to join the support group? ;-)

Comments

Kyra Lennon said…
I've only recently become aware of overusing adverbs, and I don't think I do it as often as I thought! :D
Luanne G. Smith said…
I've been an adverb abuser as well. I generally do an "ly" search when I'm done writing to check for adverbs and then pluck out the unnecessary ones. I do love them though. Wait, I really, really, love them. :)
Jennifer Lane said…
Kyra, there's so much to learn about how to write well. I recently learned about excessive adverbs as well.

Hi L.G., the "ly" search is a great idea! I find myself vomiting adverbs on my first draft and now I try to remove them when I edit.
Betty Alark said…
I like adverbs; I suppose it's a matter of knowing when enough is enough!

Writing is a learining experience!

http://bettyalark.blogspot.com
Adverbs are like spice. Just right makes the meal. Too much ruins it. LOL. Great post, Roland
CarolOates said…
Eh, I just tried to clink on what I thought was a link to ~The Adverb Abuser Support Group~. :-( I think that means I'm firmly in the abuser ranks. hehe.

I tried very hard with my next book release not go overboard, so I am aware of it. I guess I haven't hit rock bottom yet and don't really want to get better even though I pretend I do. :)

Great post.
Jennifer Lane said…
Betty, you're right that a few adverbs now and then are just fine. :)

I like that metaphor (simile?) Roland! I formerly wrote jalepeno and now I try to write a more mild flavor.

Carol, we won't let you in to the support group. Your writing is too beautiful. :D
Lisa Evans said…
Thanks for following my blog! Following you back :-)
Unknown said…
Funny and oh, so true post. Glad I visited!

Pop over to my blog if you've the time. I'm the author of the Bella and Britt series for kids.

Following you now...
Jennifer Lane said…
Hi Lisa, thank you!

Nancy, heading over now.