So I was chatting with some authorial cronies of mine, at the time in a slightly indecorous state, but nevertheless capable of conversation. The subject of writer’s tics was arrived upon.
It occurred to me, Gentle Reader, that I ought to explain the terminology.
I thought it was in common use, but apparently it isn’t.
What are writer’s tics?
Writer’s tics are certain words, phrases, types of imagery, descriptive metaphors, or other grammatical fallbacks that and author is unconsciously prone to repeating.
Now, I am well aware of a number of mine (the phrase “a moment” springs instantly to mind, I’m also fond of the words kumquat, pickle, and hassock) but as I proofed the galley of Soulless, I found others I’d never noticed before.
This is a tad aggravating because one cannot rewrite in galley stage, one can only correct egregious errors (preferably the typesetter’s and not the author’s own).
But I am, sadly, less tidy of a writer than I had previously envisioned.
Then again, perhaps these are the types of things one only catches on the 15th read through, so no one will notice but me. And possibly five rabid fans.
How to handle the tics?
Generally speaking I keep a list (ever expanding) of my own writers tics as search terms (and alternative option) and do a find & replaces sequence at the end of my second draft read through.
Also, I have been know to include these in a style guide for my copy editor to look out for and flag, or change, as needed.
Quote of the Day:
“The story is always better than your ability to write it. My belief about this is that if you ever get to the point that you think you’ve done a story justice, you’re in the wrong business.”
~ Robin McKinley
BOOK DE JOUR!
Soulless: Parasol Protectorate Book 1
PICK YOUR VENDOR!
Alexia Tarabotti is laboring under a great many social tribulations.
- First, she has no soul.
- Second, she’s a spinster whose father is both Italian and dead.
- Third, she is being rudely attacked by a vampire to whom she has not been properly introduced!
Where to go from there?
From bad to worse apparently, for Alexia accidentally kills the vampire, and the appalling Lord Maccon (loud, messy, gorgeous, and werewolf) is sent by Queen Victoria to investigate.
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Once my use of 'just' was pointed out to me, I've been hyper sensitive to my use of it. Also, I use entirely too many adverbs (but have made peace with this).