"WAS” - The pitfalls of overuse

One of the biggest stumbling blocks that I have in writing is using the verb "was" excessively. While "was" has its purpose, using it too much can lead to lackluster prose. Writing should aim to create vivid and engaging stories that captivate readers. Searching for alternative verbs that are more descriptive will bring life and dynamics to our writing. It's time to break free from the shackles of this overused word.

Before delving into the advice, it's crucial to understand why overusing "was" can be detrimental to your writing. The primary issue with this word lies in its passive nature. When we rely too heavily on "was," we inadvertently distance readers from the action and rob our writing of its vibrancy. Consider the following example:

Original Sentence: The old barn was surrounded by tall, pendulous trees.

While the sentence is grammatically correct, it lacks a certain zest that could captivate readers. By using "was", the sentence becomes passive and somewhat lackluster. However, we can easily enhance it by employing more descriptive and active language.

1. Embrace Vivid Action Verbs

So, to make sure your writing stays fresh, conceder the following:

Instead of relying on "was" to connect subjects and predicates, employ robust action verbs that emphasize the action and emotions of the characters. Action verbs convey a sense of motion, intensity, and purpose, engaging readers on a deeper level. Let's rephrase the previous example:

Revised Sentence: Tall, pendulous trees encircled the old barn.

By eliminating "was" and using the active verb "encircled," the sentence becomes more dynamic and paints a clearer picture for readers.

2. Uses descriptive adjectives:

Enhance your writing by incorporating descriptive adjectives that enhance the readers’ sensory experience. The way to elevate your prose and reduce reliance on "was" is to employ descriptive adjectives. Well-chosen adjectives will enhance the sensory experience for readers, bringing your scenes to life. Consider this revision:

Revised Sentence: Ancient, gnarled trees encircled the weathered old barn.

By adding "ancient" and "gnarled" to describe the trees, and "weathered" to characterize the house, the sentence gains depth and evokes a stronger mental image.

 3. Create engaging dialogue and action:

Dialogue is the perfect way to show information and emotion without the repetitive phrase like "was". Dialogue and action are powerful tools that can replace instances of "was" while conveying essential information. Engaging dialogue and well-crafted action scenes keep the story dynamic and interesting. Consider this example:

Original Sentence: The room was silent.

Revised Sentence: A hush fell over the room as they waited with bated breath.

By incorporating action and emotions into the sentence, we paint a vivid picture of the scene without relying on the passive "was."

4. The preverbal - Show, don't tell:

Instead of telling what a character "was" like, show their personality and traits through their actions and interactions.

Telling (using "was"): Mary was sad after her team lost the game.

Showing (without "was"): Tears welled up in Mary's eyes, and she slumped her shoulders as she clutched the team jersey in her hands after her team's loss.

In the telling example, we simply state that Mary "was" sad, which doesn't evoke a strong emotional response from the reader. On the other hand, in the showing example, we use descriptive actions and physical cues to demonstrate Mary's sadness, allowing the reader to empathize with her emotions.

5- Edit and revise, then edit some more and revise some more: 

Use “was” purposefully. There is not enough said about the editing process of writing. Paying attention to instances of "was "and determine if there is a more compelling alternative that matches the tone and mood of your writing. In some cases, rephrasing a passive sentence can help minimize the use of "was." Passive sentences often create a sense of detachment from the action, whereas active sentences propel the story forward and keep readers engaged. Let's revisit our previous example:

Original Passive Sentence: The book was found by Richard.

Revised Active Sentence: Richard found the book.

In this revision, we shifted from passive to active voice, making the sentence more concise and compelling. 

While the goal is to minimize the use of "was," it's essential to recognize that this word still serves a purpose in certain contexts. There are instances where "was" is appropriate and necessary, such as in narrative summaries or background information. The key is to use "was" purposefully and selectively, reserving it for situations where its passive nature fits the tone and style of your writing.

Breaking free from the overuse of "was" is a significant step towards crafting masterful prose which captivates readers. By embracing vivid action verbs, and descriptive adjectives, and restructuring passive sentences, you can breathe life into your writing and create a more immersive experience for your audience. Remember that the occasional use of "was" is acceptable, but its judicious application is the key to writing that truly shines. Happy writing! 

It's vs Its - A definitive guide

     In the vast realm of the English language, two seemingly similar yet distinct words often perplex writers and readers alike – "it's" and "its." These two little words hold the power to change the meaning of a sentence, and their misuse can result in confusing or even unintentionally humorous situations. Understanding the origins, definitions, and appropriate usage of "it's" and "its" is crucial for any writer striving to communicate effectively. This will be the definitive guide of use and provide examples that are best suited for novel writing.

Usage in the English Language

     The key to correctly using "it's" and "its" lies in understanding their specific roles in a sentence. "It's" is a contraction, and as such, it can always be replaced with "it is" or "it has" without altering the sentence's meaning. For example, "It's raining outside" can be rewritten as "It is raining outside" with no change in meaning.

     On the other hand, "its" is used to denote possession, just like "his," "her," or "their." To verify whether "its" is the right choice, try replacing it with "his" or "her" and see if the sentence still makes sense. If it does, then "its" is the correct word to use. For example, "The company increased its revenue" can be rewritten as "The company increased his revenue," which would be incorrect, thereby confirming that "its" is the right choice.

Firstly, let's clarify the meanings of these two words:

1. It's (with an apostrophe): "It's" is a contraction, a combination of two words – "it" and "is" or "it" and "has." The apostrophe in "it's" replaces the omitted letters, signifying either "it is" or "it has." For example:

· It's a beautiful day. (It is a beautiful day.)

· It's been a long journey. (It has been a long journey.)

2. Its (without an apostrophe): On the other hand, "its" is a possessive pronoun, showing ownership or belonging. It is used to indicate that something belongs to or is associated with an inanimate object or an animal. For example:

· The dog wagged its tail.

· The company prides itself on customer satisfaction.

The Dilemma

     The primary difficulty with "it's" and "its" is the apostrophe. In most cases, an apostrophe is used to indicate possession in English, as seen in phrases like "John's book" or "the cat's toy." However, "its" is an exception to this rule, and the apostrophe is omitted to form the possessive pronoun.

     Why is this so? The reason lies in the evolution of the English language. Early possessive pronouns such as his, hers, and its did not originally have apostrophes. Over time, the apostrophe became prevalent in possessive forms, but "its" retained its apostrophe-free form to avoid confusion with "it's" as a contraction.

Tips for Proper Usage

     To overcome the confusion between "it's" and "its," consider the following tips:

1. Remember the Functions: Keep in mind that "it's" is a contraction, replacing "it is" or "it has," while "its" is a possessive pronoun indicating ownership.

2. Check the Sentence Meaning: Whenever you encounter "it's" or "its" in a sentence, try replacing it with "it is" or "it has." If the substitution makes sense, then "it's" is the correct choice. Otherwise, if the substitution doesn't work, the correct word is "its."

3. Proofread and Edit: When writing, especially when crafting formal documents or professional pieces, carefully proofread your work to ensure you've used "it's" and "its" appropriately. Editing plays a crucial role in polishing your writing and avoiding any grammatical mistakes.

Three Examples for Novel Writing

1. The old mansion, with its creaking floors and dusty halls, held a secret that no one had ever dared to uncover.

     In this example, "its" is used to show ownership of the creaking floors and dusty halls by the old mansion. Using "it's" here would change the meaning entirely, resulting in "it is creaking floors and dusty halls."

2. As the sun dipped below the horizon, it's time to say goodbye to another day.

     Here, "it's" is a contraction of "it is," indicating the time to say goodbye to another day. Using "its" in this context would be incorrect because "its time" does not make sense in the possessive sense.

3. The dragon protected its treasure with unwavering determination, prepared to defend it from any intruders.

     In this example, "its" showcases ownership, as the treasure belongs to the dragon. If "it's" were used instead, the sentence would imply that the dragon protected "it is treasure," which would be grammatically incorrect.

     Mastering the usage of "it's" and "its" is crucial for any writer striving to create clear and coherent prose. Understanding their distinct roles as a contraction and a possessive pronoun will empower you to craft compelling sentences in your novel writing. So, the next time you sit down to create your literary masterpiece, remember the difference between "it's" and "its," and let your words flow with confidence and precision. Happy writing!

Focused writing with earplugs, who knew?

In today's fast-paced buzz of the world, it can be challenging to find a quiet environment to focus on your writing. Whether you're working from a bustling coffee shop, my preferred place to scribble, or simply surrounded by noisy distractions, maintaining concentration can be a real struggle. Thankfully, there is a  simple and effective solution: earplugs. This has been my go-to for years.

One of the primary benefits of using earplugs while writing in public is the ability to block out ambient noise. The constant hum of conversation, clattering dishes, or the sounds of traffic can all be major distractions. Earplugs create a barrier, allowing you to create your own quiet zone. By minimizing auditory interruptions, you can enhance your focus and immerse yourself in your writing, boosting productivity and creativity.

Research has shown that noise pollution can have a detrimental impact on cognitive performance. Unwanted sounds can lead to increased stress levels, reduced memory retention, and impaired concentration. By utilizing earplugs, you can significantly reduce the negative effects of noise, enabling your mind to function at its best. This improved cognitive performance will allow you to think more clearly, write with greater clarity, and produce higher-quality work.

When writing in public places, it's not uncommon to inadvertently overhear snippets of conversations or sensitive information that may distract or compromise your work. Wearing earplugs provides an added layer of privacy, preventing you from being drawn into external discussions. By blocking out the surrounding sounds, you can fully immerse yourself in your writing, allowing ideas to flow more freely and facilitating a deeper connection with your work. No one wants to hear about Aunt Maggie’s colonoscopy.

Earplugs are incredibly portable and can be easily carried in your pocket, bag, or purse. They are lightweight, discreet, and readily available when you need them. Whether you're working in a busy café, traveling on a noisy airplane, or even sitting in a library with unexpected distractions, having a pair of earplugs at hand ensures you can create your own writing oasis wherever you go.

To fully benefit from earplugs, it's important to select the right ones for your needs. There are various options available, such as foam, silicone, or custom-molded earplugs. Consider factors like comfort, noise reduction capabilities, and portability when making your choice.

Here are some practical tips to optimize your earplug experience.

1. Set specific writing goals and use productivity techniques alongside earplugs to enhance focus and creativity.

2. Experiment with different earplug types and find the ones that suit you best.

3. I would also recommend finding earplugs rated as NRR 33dB

4. IMPORTANT: Read the instructions on how to use earplugs. You don't want to damage your eardrums. 

From my experience sitting in a bustling café, desperately needing to work on my writing. The clinking of cutlery behind the counter, the murmurs of conversation, and the sound of the coffee machine seemed to compete for my attention. Not to mention the speakers over your head blaring loud music. Feeling overwhelmed, I decided to try using earplugs one day. As soon as I inserted them, the external world faded away, and I entered a cocoon of peace. Suddenly, my thoughts flowed effortlessly, and I immersed myself in the worlds I was creating. Earplugs became my secret weapon for conquering the noisy environment and propelling my writing with utmost focus and clarity. I have never looked back.

In an increasingly noisy world, using earplugs when writing on the go can provide significant advantages. From enhanced concentration and improved cognitive performance to personal comfort, privacy, and convenience, earplugs offer a simple yet powerful tool for writers seeking a peaceful and mostly distraction-free environment. By taking control of your auditory surroundings, you can fully immerse yourself in your work, unlocking your creative potential and producing exceptional pieces of writing. So, the next time you find yourself in a bustling environment, don't forget to reach for your trusty pair of earplugs and experience the benefits they offer firsthand. Your writing and your focus will thank you.

Below in the comments, do you use earplugs when writing or is this the first time hearing about using them for writing? No pun intended.