To communicate in an effective manner, limit the use of weak adverbs.
I have been reading about pros and cons of using adverbs. Erick Emert says that “using “ly” ending adverbs is BAD WRITING for fiction writers.” His reasons to avoid using adverbs make sense. MyEnglishTeacher.net on the other hand, suggests adding adverbs to make the writing more interesting. I use adverbs. To see how frequently I…
Writing in the present tense is releasing the strangle-hold of the past tense
Based on a poll of my potential readers, I decided to change the tense of my upcoming book from past to present. It took a little more than two weeks to edit the first eight chapters. In the process, I found my voice. As a technical writer for more that 25 years, I never developed…
The present tense wins!
Thank you everyone for your replies. Ninety percent of you prefer the present tense. I am now editing what I have written to date to reflect your choice. The first draft is about 80% complete, only three or four chapters left to write. Then, edit, edit, edit.
Present or Past tense
First pass, I wrote the book in the past tense and now I am debating if the present tense is more appropriate. Does the reader want me to relate the a story of my walking the Camino (past tense) or to be swept along in the midst of the action (present tense). If the story…
Camino Alegria (Joy)
Relationships develop on the Camino. Sometimes they last for the duration, sometimes for only a few hours. In my book I write, “People come and go in our lives and it is always a pleasure to see them further down the Camino, with hugs and kisses, and then leave in the morning without goodbyes, never…
Writing to reconnect with the universe
I returned from hiking the Camino de Santiago a different person from when I left. I was connected to the universe in a way I never had experienced, in tune with nature, with people, with myself. Life was full of goodness and I radiated with joy. Four busy months later, that link is not as…