#novel length
Clarity
Writing clear sentences can be hard so follow this example and I’ll show you how to make it easier.
Vs.
It can be hard to write clear sentences. But I’ll show you how to make it easier. ✔️
Words to cut:
▪️Which
▪️By the way of
▪️Of
▪️Incidentally
▪️Because of
▪️Clearly
▪️Obviously
▪️felt
▪️heard
▪️smelled
▪️therefore
▪️was(to be verbs)
▪️words ending in “ing”
▪️words ending in “ly”
The car roared loudly down the street. ✖️
Vs.
The car roared down the street ✔️
(“Roared” already says the car was loud and we don’t need to add “loudly” so watch out for your adjectives ending in “ly”.)
▪️something (try to be more specific)
She felt something strange.
Vs.
Her stomach twisted in a knot.
▪️cut out unnecessary words.
Note:
Some of the words listed make your sentences clearer. If so, leave them be. Delete the words I listed when it makes sense.
Good luck!❤️
Introducing Characters:
- Introduce your characters with action,mannerismsanddialogue:
I was running, panting, sweating but I knew my lean body could take it. It’s what I had been training for my entire life. I punched with my arms harder and harder, feeling my lungs burn as they begged me to stop. Then, suddenly pain shot up my leg and into my hip and I watched the world spin into hues of dark green as I collapsed and hit the ground. ✔️
“D-Don’t hurt me,” she cried with a trembling lip as she backed against the wall. ✔️
“If you hurt me you’ll be sorry,” she said, crossing her arms and glaring at the intruder. ✔️
▪️This is more effective than describing your character’s hair and eye color:
My hair was dark brown and my eyes were pale blue and that day I was wearing a red sweater with blue jeans which looked great on my figure. My skin was tanned from the long summer and I had just gotten my hair highlighted.✖️
My best friend walked up beside me with her brown hair curled perfectly and her red lips smiling. She was wearing a tight white shirt and a blue-jeaned skirt. Her skin was pale and freckled and her eyes were the color of the ocean.✖️
2. Focus on character traits:
I chewed my nails, watching the doors. What if someone came in to attack me? What if something exploded outside? ✔️
My best friend covered her mouth let out a boisterous laugh. “Let’s prank your sister!”✔️
I watched the girl pass me in envy and wanted to ruin her perfect little day. But how? ✔️
▪️we learn so much more about a character when we learn who they arenotwhat they look like but physical traits are important too.
▪️Try “sneaking” physical traits in with mannerism and action:
I watched the girl pass me in envy twisting a long lock of my brown hair. I wanted to ruin her perfect little day. But how? ✔️
My best friend covered her mouth and her blue eyes widened as a boisterous laugh escaped her lips. “Let’s prank your sister!”✔️
3.Read books by your favorite authorsandpayattention to how they describe characters☺️
