Keeping it Fresh
I’m rocking my way to the end (28 pages, people!) and I have my good old Rodale’s Thesaurus sitting next to me. I’ve learned that I have “pet phrases” and whenever I don’t know what else to say, they creep out. Here are some of my worst ones:
She met his gaze.
There was only one way to find out.
She lifted her chin.
She squared her shoulders.
Whenever I see myself writing one of these phrases, I’m tempted to yell–”Stop! Quit writing the same stuff!” :starwars: It’s a particular challenge to keep the work fresh, but at least I’m aware of the phrases. I also have to go back and eliminate the words: still, only, gaze/eyes, and a few others. But that’s what revisions are for.
My eldest enjoyed his gymnastics class yesterday, though I think the most memorable parts for him were the green cartoon stamp he received on his hand and the popsicle they gave him afterwards. If you involve tasty treats, my son will love you forever. His pediatrician was a sucker for his goofy baby grins and would always give him cookies or stickers. He came to associate her doctor’s office with food and good things. 
Now he begs me to go to the doctor. My daughter would rather hurl herself off a cliff. She remembers all the shots. Plus, she’s suspicious of strangers and doesn’t offer the cute little baby smiles which earn cookies. She’ll grip my neck like a vise and scream when a stethoscope comes near her. 
Poor thing.
Michelle posted in Writing @ 6:56 am | Viewed 681 times
Peggy Says:
Pet phrases are my enemy, but unlike you, I fear they get past me without notice! Or without my knowing it, a new one forms to replace the old one I caught!
Mary Says:
Pet phrases–is it the psyche trying to clear the brain. I have them too.
Steph T. Says:
Yay on being almost done!!:wave:
In my last book, all the characters kept turning to face on another. And grinning. Turning and grinning, grinning and turning…ACK!
Michelle Says:
Steph–LOL! I swear, my characters gaze and stare far too much!
Melissa Says:
Oh, I hear ya on the kids not liking the doctor. My daughter is now terrified - even when *I* go to the doc!
I’ve been really aware of my phrasing lately, too, and it’s actually blocking me. I’ve got to tell myself that it’s OKAY to write CRAP. I can always go back and change it.
Bosey Says:
So close to the end…yay! Well done! And I totally know what you mean. I have those little “when all else fails” words, too. The best thing is you are on the lookout for them.
Bosey:banana:
Tori Says:
Mine hardly ever gaze. But they can glance with the best of them.
And my current heroine giggles WAY too much.
kacey Says:
my heroes stride. they all cross….they cross the yard, the kitchen, cross over to the porch steps. Oh, and my heroines “push that thought firmly from her mind…”
It’s a wonder I can stand to read my book through for the first set of revisions