Adjectives are words that modify nouns. Examples are big, red, hairy and foolish, etc. The peril of using too many adjectives in novel writing equals that of the practice of passive writing.
Writing Styles
Classical writing, of the style of George Eliot, for instance, once rejoiced in the use of lengthy descriptive passages. Although they still hold value, nowadays, tastes have changed and readers often favour more pace within the plot of the novel. Too many adjectives, like passive writing, have the effect of making the writing style flabby and will contribute towards the reasons why a manuscript will be rejected.
Writing Ideas for Improving the Novel
With the exception of within dialogue, certain adjectives should never be used in the novel. They have the effect of making the prose appear lazy and sluggish. Here is a list of such adjectives:
Lovely, wonderful, pretty, beautiful, horrible, stupid, pleasant, unpleasant, nasty, and other adjectives of this calibre.
These adjectives are weak because their meaning is broad. They do nothing to create a vivid impression for the reader. When the lazy adjective sneaks in, it is time for the trusty thesaurus.
Creative Writing Exercises
When it comes to a particular adjective or adjectives, a few steps might be worth considering.
- Cutting it out altogether.
- Finding one adjective that will say as much as the two chosen.
- Finding a more original adjective.
- Finding a more accurate and focused adjective.
Bad Writing Example
Here is an example of lazy, adjective-ridden writing:
Her stomach had felt unpleasant and nauseous for months. Gradually, the sickness subsided and she began to feel better and her head a little clearer.
For a start, “sickness,” “unpleasant” and “nauseous” say the same thing. Something needs to go. The adjectives “better” and “clearer” is vague. What the passage needs is a revamp and a more original, compelling and accurate description of how the morning sickness felt.
Good Writing Example
It is a good idea to get the red pencil out and weed out as many adjectives as possible. With what is left, reconstruct the passage that turns adjectives into verbs or nouns in order to leave adjectives to a minimum. Sickness is a subjective experience and offers many opportunities for original expression. Here is a suggestion for improvement:
A cloudbank of fugue and nausea suddenly cleared as though a stiff sea breeze had torn it apart. For the first time in months, her stomach pined for food.
The adjective “clearer” has been turned into an active verb, “cleared.” The adjective “nauseous” has been turned into a noun, “nausea.” The synonymous adjectives “sickness” and “unpleasant” have been cut out. Only two adjectives remain: “first” and “stiff.” What is left is a more original and compelling way of expressing the sensation of the morning sickness.
Writing Technique to Improve the Style
Writing descriptive passages laden with adjectives are the lazy writer’s way of trying to convey something. Cutting out as many adjectives as possible, without harming the meaning of what is being said will improve the writing. Turning adjectives into nouns or verbs and using the thesaurus for an adjective that is more focused and original will also streamline the writing. Lastly, beware of lazy adjectives and synonymous adjectives. This will make the storytelling more compelling for the reader.
Rachel Shirley - I have written and illustrated several art instruction books entitled Oil Paintings from your Garden and Oil Paintings from the Landscape ...
