Comments for Write Anything

Comment on That That by J. M. Strother

J. M. Strother — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:36:46 +0000

But Chris, where is the verb in that sentence? Also note, the use of ‘that’ in my previous sentence is appropriate here; it refers to a specific object. Not every use of ‘that’ is evil. Nor are all adverbs. Or dialog tags other than ’said.’ It’s only overuse that drives readers nuts.
~jon

Comment on That That by Chris Chartrand

Chris Chartrand — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:37:39 +0000

Great post, Jodi. I’ve been working on eliminating “that” from my writing but find I still use it in when getting my first draft thoughts down on paper. I’d like to toss “was” into the ring too. I’ll also use a Friday fiction example, from my story The Carver’s Daughter.

“The cool steel on her fingers was as familiar to her as her own reflection.”

Would be stronger I’d written: “The cool steel on her fingers as familiar as her own reflection.” (I also cut ‘to her’)

I can’t take credit for coming up with this suggestion. It was given to me by Jeff Posey who writes “Anasazi Stories” and is some of the best writing advice I have received.
~chris

Comment on That That by Marisa Birns

Marisa Birns — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 12:19:57 +0000

You are correct!

Funnily enough writing tweets on Twitter has helped me with “thats.” In order to fit the 140 character requirement, I found deleting them (almost put a ‘that’ before ‘deleting’! heh) gave me the space I needed.

Comment on That That by Cascade Lily

Cascade Lily — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 09:49:30 +0000

Too true. Next post on superfluous usage of ‘then’?

Comment on That That by J. M. Strother

J. M. Strother — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 07:07:07 +0000

Ah, but the funny thing is I kept inserting them mentally as I read. I do agree with you though. They are mostly just a lazy habit.

Good luck on your NaNo.
~jon

Comment on Don’t panic by Karen

Karen — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 17:57:00 +0000

I plan on saving my panic for November 28th – THEN I’ll panic.

And long-hand? Seriously, dude, you’re my hero. I can’t imagine doing this in long-hand.

Except maybe in a nightmare. lol