I took a class once where we were forced to do an exercise where we took a chapter of our book and cut out every single adverb. Then we were supposed to reread it and discover only some--if any--of those adverbs were really necessary to tell the story.
What I discovered was that every ounce of VOICE was COMPLETELY eradicated from the chapter, and I was left with AI level twaddle. I put all the adverbs back in. Every. Single. One. 😏
Suck it, Stephen King. If that's even your real name. 🙄
Three years, Mark! That's quite the milestone. I love the Famous Writer's Writing Advice. Can't wait to get back into your "Space Travels" once the wife goes back to work. I am so far behind...
Jack London knew how to go after inspiration with a club. He never restricted himself to doing one type of writing all the time- and that's why I admire him.
Wow, Mark! What a post -- from the ridiculous ( a six-mile walk for a taco) to the heart-breaking (Pearl Harbor letter) . I absolutely loved your refutation of the famous writers' advice (especially Mansfields, God help us). And your far better advice to wake up and be original! You made me laugh with, "I am not a fan of cement shoes." Congratulations on your Substack three-year milestone. That is a hell of a lot of writing. Substack is such a vast sea of words. I am glad I ran across your little island.
“The Path Of Endurance” — If I’m walking six miles in heavy snow (no, 12! return home!) somebody had better need insulin or morphine, not a pseudo-burrito!
“The Evening Before” — Minor error, a low-ranker in the Navy would be “seaman,” not “private.” Otherwise rang totally true.
“Famous Writer Writing Advice Proven Untrustworthy” — I need advice on how to remember ideas I have in the shower. Anybody? Anybody?
“Murder at The Pasta Conglomerate” — Check for bits of basil in the red stuff before assuming it’s pasta sauce. Just sayin’. 😉
Congrats on three years!
The adverb one kills me.
I took a class once where we were forced to do an exercise where we took a chapter of our book and cut out every single adverb. Then we were supposed to reread it and discover only some--if any--of those adverbs were really necessary to tell the story.
What I discovered was that every ounce of VOICE was COMPLETELY eradicated from the chapter, and I was left with AI level twaddle. I put all the adverbs back in. Every. Single. One. 😏
Suck it, Stephen King. If that's even your real name. 🙄
Thank you for the shout-out Mark. I look forward to your Substack every week, even more than I look forward to pizza. :)
Happy three year anniversary. Substack is a great place, made even better by your stories and wit.
Three years, Mark! That's quite the milestone. I love the Famous Writer's Writing Advice. Can't wait to get back into your "Space Travels" once the wife goes back to work. I am so far behind...
Jack London knew how to go after inspiration with a club. He never restricted himself to doing one type of writing all the time- and that's why I admire him.
Authors advice-- love your interpretations. Now where to find advice?
Happy anniversary, Mark! The Taco Bell line in the quick story really got me.
Absolutely awesome. Read you and Adler every day. Until the asteroid gets through.
Thank you, Mark.
Congratulations on three years, Mark! Your “newsletter” is hands-down one of my favorites.
Wow, Mark! What a post -- from the ridiculous ( a six-mile walk for a taco) to the heart-breaking (Pearl Harbor letter) . I absolutely loved your refutation of the famous writers' advice (especially Mansfields, God help us). And your far better advice to wake up and be original! You made me laugh with, "I am not a fan of cement shoes." Congratulations on your Substack three-year milestone. That is a hell of a lot of writing. Substack is such a vast sea of words. I am glad I ran across your little island.
Three years already? Good lord!
“The Path Of Endurance” — If I’m walking six miles in heavy snow (no, 12! return home!) somebody had better need insulin or morphine, not a pseudo-burrito!
“The Evening Before” — Minor error, a low-ranker in the Navy would be “seaman,” not “private.” Otherwise rang totally true.
“Famous Writer Writing Advice Proven Untrustworthy” — I need advice on how to remember ideas I have in the shower. Anybody? Anybody?
“Murder at The Pasta Conglomerate” — Check for bits of basil in the red stuff before assuming it’s pasta sauce. Just sayin’. 😉
Great points, Mark. You'll note, all those writers 'offering advice' are fiction writers! Lies! Lies! And more lies!
You cranked up more fun in a single newsletter than many comedy writers in a lifetime of work. 👏
Congrats!!!
Oh! What a delight! 😂 Thank you Mark. Now I must go read... I mean write.