Recently, I had the pleasure of listening to Robert Rotenberg, a Toronto criminal lawyer and author who has been called “The Canadian John Grisham,” though he tells me he’d prefer to be compared to Scott Turow…but I digress. One of the things Robert (Bobby to his friends) recommended was to do a “ly” space search once you’ve finished the first draft of your manuscript. The rationale is that authors tend to “pad” the word count with adverbs like really, quickly, actually etc. It’s also an indication that the verb used could be stronger. For example, “really big,” could be replaced with “enormous,” a more powerful word.
Now, I found that interesting and decided to do the the ly space check on my current Work-in-Progress (approx. 32,000 words) and was absolutely (oops, there’s one) astounded at the number of times I’d used a word ending in ly that wasn’t necessary OR where the verb needed some punching up. In fact, in this last sentence, it would have been better to say “flabbergasted” vs. “absolutely astounded.”
Now, this doesn’t mean you’re never allowed to use a word ending in “ly.” What this trick will do, however, is make you examine every sentence to make it the best it can be. After all, your readers deserve nothing less. (And if you’re a reader, why not have fun checking out how many “ly” words your favorite author uses?)
UPDATE from a reader: Don’t forget to check “ly.” and “ly,” – thanks Jemima!Â
Yes, Judy, this new column is of much interest to me and searching for ‘ly’ is very helpful.
Thanks Carol. Stay tuned, more to come!
I think this sounds like a great idea for a column. Sharing your tried and true tips, and those of other writers, could be very helpful. Even if we’ve heard it before, repetition is always welcome and helps ingrain the issue/process into our memories!
Thanks Shari. That seems to be the consensus! I’m open to suggestions as well.
Sounds like a great idea for blog posts, Judy!
Thanks Becky!
I agree with the others–your new column idea sounds terrific. Tips such as this one helps us all. Your comment about having your characters nod a lot is another problem I think we all have. My characters always seem to be shaking their heads!
That’s funny Pam. Shaking or nodding — we fall into that, don’t we? I guess it’s about being aware.
Great blog, Judy. I try to avoid unnecessary adverbs, but the “ly” check is an excellent way to make sure I didn’t slip any in. A blog about writing is always an interest to writers.
Thanks Kathleen. I think I’ll do one promoting your excellent book, Do You Have a Catharsis Handy? I know Cave Art is no longer in business — but I see the book still on Amazon. Did you get the rights back to it?
Searching for ‘ly’ words is a great idea, particularly for new writers. Once I searched and corrected certain aspects of my writing in several projects to improve them, my brain began flagging them in the first draft.
However, I still run a word search for specific words, such as ‘actually’, ‘really’, ‘very’ and about 50 others just to make sure I’m either not using them or not over-using them.
I think tips on writing is an excellent idea. Writing is a never-ending learning experience.
Thanks Diane. I know what you mean. My characters have a tendency to nod a lot!
And yes, I think your “Let’s talk about writing” is a wonderful idea and of great help to writers.
Carolanne
Thanks Carolanne!
Thank you Judy. I’m going to check my manuscript.
Carolanne
I truly was shocked (ly word there!)
Your new column idea sounds stupendous. Grammarly always tags my “ly” words, but my protagonist is 13 and I think his voice is authentic. I have to remember to use contractions more, even tho I think CANNOT is sometimes punchier!
Hi Beth, yes, it’s important to know that people speak authentically- so a teen might say “oh, really?” a lot. But, it’s more about the descriptions where this comes in and is important to look at.