When I first began writing, I wondered if I would ever be published. I hoped that one day it might happen. But I quickly realized, writing a book is hard!
WHOA! STOP!
Let’s filter out the filters. Those are the extra words getting in between my readers and my meaning. The sentences above don’t paint a picture for anyone to imagine. And if I’m the author of my words, then I darn well want my readers to visualize the messages I’m working so diligently to convey.
I will try again…
In the beginning of my writing career, a big question haunted me like a spider hiding under my bed. “Will I ever get published?” Just like the whereabouts of that creepy crawler, my future publishing date hid away in the dark. Dang, writing a book is hard!
Now, my example might not be a great one, but it will suffice to illustrate the difference in mental images a writer can create by omitting filter words (thought, knew, wondered…). I’ve previously written a short article (less than two-minute read) with a fictional example and a longer list of filter words. It’s linked here and below: https://stepsinbetween.com/2020/09/13/filter-flops-in-writing/
In my non-filtered sentences above, try to decipher what I did to show, not tell my meaning. Hopefully my use of a simile, dialogue, metaphor, and just plain stating my thoughts—rather than wondering, hoping, and realizing—created a stronger mental image.
Writers:
Take a look at my linked article, then glance at your own work in progress. It’s never too late to fix this nasty habit…I’m still working on it every day! In fact, had my editor, Eilidh, from The Wild Rose Press, not helped me mend my wicked ways—well, I wouldn’t have been published through their press for sure! I’m just thankful she pointed out this big flaw and nurtured me to be a stronger writer.
Best wishes in the removal of filter words your story simply doesn’t need.
Happy Writing (because at least you’re writing),
Celaine Charles, March 6, 2022
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Categories: fiction, Thoughts on writing...
Tags: #amwritingfiction, #authorcommunity, #authors, #celainecharlesauthor, #editing, #filterwords, #revising, #stepsinbetween, #WIP, #writers, #writersupportingwriters, #writingadvice, #writingcommunity, #writingtips, writing
Steps In Between 
I was “just wondering” wait a minute, I’ve “decided” to stop. See what I did there? 🙂
Thank you!
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Ha ha! Yes!!!
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Reblogged this on The Reluctant Poet.
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Blessing and hugs and gratitude! 💖💖💖
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Such good advice. It’s something I struggle with, but removing the filter words does get easier, I find.
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