Thought for the Day. Rule number four of Elmore Leonards Ten Rules of Writing is: Never use an adverb to modify the verb said. eg: He admonished gravely. According to Leonard, To use an adverb this way (or almost any way) is a mortal sin. The writer is now exposing himself in earnest, using a word that distracts and can interrupt the rhythm of the exchange. I have a character in one of my books tell how she used to write historical romances full of rape and adverbs. Not sure I agree with Leonard, and I certainly used to teach students that adverb study was essential - especially when analysing Of Mice and Men where Steinbeck breaks Leonards rule on almost every page. But I do so love the phrase: full of rape and adverbs.
Posted on: Sun, 01 Dec 2013 09:15:55 +0000
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