Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Verbs

Verbs



Verbs create visions for your readers.


As Mark Twain said, "Don't say the old lady screamed. Bring her on and let her scream."


The verbs we work with include ACTION words; action allows your readers to imagine your ideas.


You could TELL your reader, “We went to the store.”


But to engage your reader to keep them reading, SHOW them:


“After waiting all week for Saturday, finally the whole family packed into our Voyager for a day at the Northtown Mall in Spokane.


We decided to meet each hour at the Pickle Barrel Restuarant, then wesplit and spread out, each to our own favorite places.


Jay and I zapped into Barnes and Noble to find the newest Twilight book and buy a Starbuck’s mocha.


However, in the mystery aisle, in front of the Harry Potter books, a strange man dressed in a black cape whisked by us.”


In other words, “We went to the store” bores your reader. Strong verbs and details instill life into your words and ideas. SHOW, don’t tell.



Sheri Edwards
Reflect curiosity and wonder...
Go boldly and scatter seeds of kindness..
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