How to Identify and Cut Filler Words from Your Novel?
To cut filler words from your novel, first, you need to be aware of them. Filler words can slow down the pace of your story. Some typical ones are 'just' and 'really'. For instance, 'I was just thinking' can be simply 'I was thinking'. Read your novel aloud. This helps you spot those words that seem to pop up without really contributing. You can also ask someone else to read it and mark the parts where they think the flow is interrupted by what seem like filler words.
Well, common filler words like 'um', 'uh', 'like' in a more informal sense, and overly used adverbs such as 'very' can often be cut. For example, instead of saying 'He was very tired', you could say 'He was tired'. Also, words that don't add much meaning to the sentence, like some redundant prepositional phrases, should be considered for removal. Look at your sentences closely and see if words can be removed without changing the core meaning.
How to cut filler from your novel?
To cut filler, analyze each chapter or section. If a part doesn't move the story forward, doesn't develop characters, or doesn't add depth or tension, it's likely filler. Be ruthless in eliminating these.
What Are the Most Common Filler Words to Cut from Your Novel?
Well, 'just', 'maybe', and 'sort of' are among the filler words to cut. 'Just' is used so often but often doesn't add much. For instance, 'I just wanted to say' could be 'I wanted to say'. 'Maybe' can make a statement seem less certain than it should be in a novel. 'Sort of' is a very weak expression. Instead of 'He was sort of angry', you could be more definitive like 'He was angry'. By removing these filler words, your novel can have a more direct and engaging style.
How do you identify words to cut from your novel?
To identify words to cut from your novel, pay attention to redundancies. If you have two words that mean the same thing, like 'big' and 'large' used close together, one can go. Also, look for words that don't add value to the action or description. For instance, if you say 'She quickly ran' and 'quickly' doesn't really change the impact of 'ran', it could be removed. Additionally, words that are used too frequently can be identified and cut back on.
How can one identify the 29 words to cut from a novel?
One way is to analyze each sentence. If a word can be removed without changing the meaning significantly, it might be one of the 29. Also, look for words that are part of over - descriptive passages. For example, if there are three adjectives where one would do, the extra two could be candidates. And check for words in dialogues that are just filler and not essential for character development or plot progression.
What are the 29 words to cut from your novel?
The 29 words could vary greatly depending on the style and content of the novel. If it's a mystery novel, perhaps words that give away too much too soon in the form of excessive foreshadowing. In a romance novel, overly flowery language that detracts from the emotional core of the relationship. In a thriller, words that slow down the pacing, like long-winded internal monologues of the characters that don't really build tension. It really requires a close reading of the text to determine exactly which 29 words should be cut.
What are some words to cut from your novel?
Words that can be cut from your novel include passive voice constructions when possible. For example, instead of 'The ball was thrown by John', you could say 'John threw the ball'. Another type is excessive prepositional phrases. Instead of 'He walked in the direction of the store', it could be 'He walked toward the store'. And words that state the obvious, like 'he sat down' (sitting usually implies down).
How to cut words from a novel effectively?
Well, you can start by eliminating unnecessary adjectives and adverbs. Also, look for repetitive phrases and cut them out.
How to identify the theme of your novel?
Well, you can start by looking at the main events and conflicts. What do they all seem to point to or revolve around? That's often a clue to the theme.
How to drastically cut words from fiction?
One way is to eliminate unnecessary descriptions and repetitive phrases. Just focus on the key points and actions.
The Significance of Filler Words in Novels
Filler words also play a role in the development of the narrative voice. An omniscient narrator might use different filler words compared to a first - person narrator. The choice of filler words can also change over the course of the novel as the character grows or the situation changes. For instance, a character who becomes more confident might use fewer filler words as the story progresses.