Sep 3, 2009
Interestingly, if you simply avoid explanatory phrases you’ll create a bit of worthwhile subtlety.
Phrases like oddly enough, not surprisingly, or ironically, hinder readers from discovering the oddity, lack of surprise, or irony on their own.
* * * * *
Reminds me of Lewis’s advice to Children on writing: Don’t say something is “terrible,” describe it so that we’ll be terrified…
Easy to see in other writers, but I find it a difficult habit to break myself.
Ironically, You break your own rule in the post title. Surprisingly, I just noticed.
I’m about a cup and a half of coffee behind this morning.
That piece of advice he gave has been stuck in my head for a while. I agree–hard advice to follow.
“Show don’t tell” lives on..
I tend to use explanatory phrases because I am afraid the tension created without them may lead to me being misunderstood.
Prideful, and, leads to something less worth reading.
Well… some people just need help to see!
Disappointingly, this post doesn’t involve any of Orison’s 400 question.
Apparently, I’m neither subtle nor patient.
hypocrite! :P
Interestingly. baa haa haa.
But sometimes you add those explanatory phrases to create the rhythm and cadence you’re also trying to achieve.
Those are transitional phrases, not actually descriptions. But I’d still use them sparingly.