Comments on: On Writing Well – Clarity and Clutter Part 2  Clutter with Guest Catherine E. McLean https://www.maureenbonatch.com/2017/11/on-writing-well-clarity-and-clutter-part-2-clutter-with-guest-catherine-e-mclean/ Stories with Hocus Pocus & All That Wed, 29 Nov 2017 21:08:32 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1.3 By: Catherine E. McLean https://www.maureenbonatch.com/2017/11/on-writing-well-clarity-and-clutter-part-2-clutter-with-guest-catherine-e-mclean/#comment-6256 Wed, 29 Nov 2017 21:08:32 +0000 https://www.maureenbonatch.com/?p=3308#comment-6256 In reply to Janet Wells.

Hi, Janet,

“Only” is on my master list of 62 Red Flag Words. “Only” is there because it’s often overused. Consider keeping “only” in the story because of clarity. After all, ‘clarity trumps all rules.’ Thanks for stopping by, for doing the exercise, and for reporting your findings. Have a great Holiday Season.

]]> By: Janet Wells https://www.maureenbonatch.com/2017/11/on-writing-well-clarity-and-clutter-part-2-clutter-with-guest-catherine-e-mclean/#comment-6254 Wed, 29 Nov 2017 13:34:53 +0000 https://www.maureenbonatch.com/?p=3308#comment-6254 Your clear, uncluttered post helped me, Catherine.
Performing your test brought surprises. I found “slowly” and “quietly” in the first. Now I can revise and make the phrases stronger. I had 2 in 887 words for 443.5 in the first story, and 6 in 1,288 words for 214.6 in the second story. I used “only” twice in the longer story. What would you suggest to replace “only,” or is that an “ly” word that doesn’t clutter?
Thanks,
Janet

]]> By: Catherine E. McLean https://www.maureenbonatch.com/2017/11/on-writing-well-clarity-and-clutter-part-2-clutter-with-guest-catherine-e-mclean/#comment-6252 Wed, 29 Nov 2017 04:16:47 +0000 https://www.maureenbonatch.com/?p=3308#comment-6252 The day is ending and I just wanted to thank Maureen for having me as a guest today. I also thank all who stopped by today. Always strive to learn and grow as a writer. Good night, everyone.

]]> By: Catherine E. McLean https://www.maureenbonatch.com/2017/11/on-writing-well-clarity-and-clutter-part-2-clutter-with-guest-catherine-e-mclean/#comment-6251 Wed, 29 Nov 2017 04:14:03 +0000 https://www.maureenbonatch.com/?p=3308#comment-6251 In reply to Pamela S Thibodeaux.

Thanks, Pam, and thank you for stopping by!

]]> By: Pamela S Thibodeaux https://www.maureenbonatch.com/2017/11/on-writing-well-clarity-and-clutter-part-2-clutter-with-guest-catherine-e-mclean/#comment-6250 Wed, 29 Nov 2017 00:10:00 +0000 https://www.maureenbonatch.com/?p=3308#comment-6250 Great info and advice!
Good luck and God’s blessings
PamT

]]> By: Catherine E. McLean https://www.maureenbonatch.com/2017/11/on-writing-well-clarity-and-clutter-part-2-clutter-with-guest-catherine-e-mclean/#comment-6249 Wed, 29 Nov 2017 00:06:45 +0000 https://www.maureenbonatch.com/?p=3308#comment-6249 If you liked this little test, you might also find the tips, tricks, and practical advice in REVISION IS A PROCESS helpful. Thank you for stopping by, and I wish you all the best with your writing.

]]> By: Catherine E. McLean https://www.maureenbonatch.com/2017/11/on-writing-well-clarity-and-clutter-part-2-clutter-with-guest-catherine-e-mclean/#comment-6248 Wed, 29 Nov 2017 00:05:23 +0000 https://www.maureenbonatch.com/?p=3308#comment-6248 In reply to Alicia Dean.

You are very welcome. And thank you for stopping by.

]]> By: Catherine E. McLean https://www.maureenbonatch.com/2017/11/on-writing-well-clarity-and-clutter-part-2-clutter-with-guest-catherine-e-mclean/#comment-6247 Wed, 29 Nov 2017 00:04:54 +0000 https://www.maureenbonatch.com/?p=3308#comment-6247 In reply to Linda Carroll-Bradd.

1 in 1,559 words – that’s an all-time record for my statistics collection! Thank you so much for taking the time to do the search and double thanks for reporting your findings!

]]> By: Alina K. Field https://www.maureenbonatch.com/2017/11/on-writing-well-clarity-and-clutter-part-2-clutter-with-guest-catherine-e-mclean/#comment-6246 Tue, 28 Nov 2017 22:54:32 +0000 https://www.maureenbonatch.com/?p=3308#comment-6246 This is great. I’m always looking for ways to make my work stronger.

]]> By: Maureen L. Bonatch https://www.maureenbonatch.com/2017/11/on-writing-well-clarity-and-clutter-part-2-clutter-with-guest-catherine-e-mclean/#comment-6245 Tue, 28 Nov 2017 21:02:30 +0000 https://www.maureenbonatch.com/?p=3308#comment-6245 In reply to Linda Carroll-Bradd.

Wow Linda you rule! But I’m not surprised, I’ve taken your classes and you are a stellar editor!

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