Random RPing tip o' the day

[Super Buu]

My seminar teacher gave us this golden nugget of truth, which might be useful for some Chubbsians. So here it is.

Don't use adverbs.

Wherever possible, anyway. There's almost always a way to say the same thing a verb+adverb would say using a single verb.

Let's use an example.

"I love you, Vegeta," Raditzu said softly.

It gets the point across, but surely there's a better, more concise way of putting it? Instead of putting 'said softly', you could sub in 'murmured'. That's a fairly obvious example, but by now you can probably understand what I mean.

Another example my lecturer used was "He ran quickly." But isn't going quickly implied when you're running? To me, simply "He ran." carries more dramatic force. The same thing applies to 'bellowed loudly'.

There are exceptions to the rule. Take "swimming silently". How do you say that in less words? You can't, really, and in that case it's probably best just to use the adverb.

Regardless, I think this does make writing more interesting and varied to read. I found that I tended to do it even before learning about the rule, but it's definitely something I'll look for now when proofreading my work. Others can definitely benefit.

That's all for today, kids!

[Sullivan]

=)

I do that kinda subconciously. But I'll also check for it in proofreads.

Thank you, Spectacular Buu.

[Rem-13]

This is really good advice to beginners.

The same goes for adjectives. Don't overuse them.

[Celena]

Also, do not over use names! Instead of using names all the times, try and replace them with adjectives to describe the character.

[Grandpa Gohan]

I disagree with the 'he ran quickly' example. Some people run slow, some run fast, I think adding it in there shows that he wasnt running slowly, although you could show in your writing whether he was or not, but for all general purposes, unless your actually there, you're not going to know. >.>;

Dont mind me though.

*Resident Noob*

[Hellfighter 17]

Originally posted by Bulma
Also, do not over use names! Instead of using names all the times, try and replace them with adjectives to describe the character.

Sometimes people overdo that, too. It's wise to at least use the character's name the first time in the paragraph before you use a pronoun or adjective for 'em.

Nice advice, SB; I am completely unsure if I use adverbs or not.

[Ashe]

No, I agree. This is one of the things that irritates me the most about my writing.

[Downy Peach]

I'm trying to grasp whether to write from a physical point of view, or mentally. Ben (Recoome) told me the other day that it's best to pick one that you know you can do best, and work on mastering it. Only advanced writers can successfully write out from both perspectives, I think.

[Hellfighter 17]

Originally posted by Super Buu
My seminar teacher gave us this golden nugget of truth, which might be useful for some Chubbsians. So here it is.

Don't use adverbs.

Wherever possible, anyway. There's almost always a way to say the same thing a verb+adverb would say using a single verb.

Let's use an example.

"I love you, Vegeta," Raditzu said softly.

It gets the point across, but surely there's a better, more concise way of putting it? Instead of putting 'said softly', you could sub in 'murmured'. That's a fairly obvious example, but by now you can probably understand what I mean.

Another example my lecturer used was "He ran quickly." But isn't going quickly implied when you're running? To me, simply "He ran." carries more dramatic force. The same thing applies to 'bellowed loudly'.

There are exceptions to the rule. Take "swimming silently". How do you say that in less words? You can't, really, and in that case it's probably best just to use the adverb.

Regardless, I think this does make writing more interesting and varied to read. I found that I tended to do it even before learning about the rule, but it's definitely something I'll look for now when proofreading my work. Others can definitely benefit.

That's all for today, kids!

My tip of the day: At least read the first post.

[Ashe]

I read it clearly. I sincerely doubt that anyone could have missed it blindly.

[Jonathan Meer]

Very, very important in poetry, but also in prose. Someone already mentioned adjectives, which carry almost as much importance in cutting. Good stuff.

[Super Buu]

Originally posted by Krillin
Very, very important in poetry, but also in prose. Someone already mentioned adjectives, which carry almost as much importance in cutting. Good stuff.

Definitely. When I read Bardock's "show, don't tell" rule in his roleplaying guide, I was like, "shit! That's so much better!". There's so many things you just do subconsciously which can be done better. S'why I love being at Chubbs - it's basically like having a crash course in Creative Writing.

[Kaden]

Originally posted by Super Buu
t's basically like having a crash course in Creative Writing.

Except we all do it for free.

And take writing classes anyway.

And don't bother writing as well for class as we do for Dante's Abyss.

[Dr. Cringle]

Originally posted by Raditzu

Originally posted by Super Buu
t's basically like having a crash course in Creative Writing.

Except we all do it for free.

And take writing classes anyway.

And don't bother writing as well for class as we do for Dante's Abyss.

XD But isn't it better that way? =P

[King Cold444]

Originally posted by Raditzu

Originally posted by Super Buu
t's basically like having a crash course in Creative Writing.

Except we all do it for free.

And take writing classes anyway.

And don't bother writing as well for class as we do for Dante's Abyss.

So fuckin true. *Hides english scores*

[Hellfighter 17]

Originally posted by Super Buu

Originally posted by Krillin
Very, very important in poetry, but also in prose. Someone already mentioned adjectives, which carry almost as much importance in cutting. Good stuff.

Definitely. When I read Bardock's "show, don't tell" rule in his roleplaying guide, I was like, "shit! That's so much better!". There's so many things you just do subconsciously which can be done better. S'why I love being at Chubbs - it's basically like having a crash course in Creative Writing.

I remember learning that a long time ago. I always forget, though, but I try to remember every now and then, although I never revise.

[Rem-13]

You know what causes me anxiety? My writing is very verbal, and sometimes I catch myself doing things that sound awesome as the voice in my head but looks like ass in prose.

And I don't take writing classes. I'm too insecure about my writing. You are the only people to see me do it in my real form.

[Mal Nova]

Originally posted by Hell Fighter 17

It's wise to at least use the character's name the first time in the paragraph before you use a pronoun or adjective for 'em.

I dont agree.

[OldNoriAccount]

I do agree with what 17 said, except in certian situations.

[Belle Hibiki]

I like critiques. In fact, I would love it if more people critiqued my work. (Hint hint!)

What I can't stand is people looking over it before it's finished, because it's not *representative* of what the end-product will be.

As for adverbs, they're okay occasionally as a bit of spice. But you can't overdo it, or it turns gross in your mouth.

That, and it'll be unpleasant to read.