Hello, all! It’s the first Wednesday of the month and we know what that means:
It’s time for another meeting of the Insecure Writers Support Group – #IWSG.
My hero, the amazing Ninja Captain Alex J. Cavanaugh founded this group and it has become a safe haven if you are an insecure writer.
Click the image if you would like to be a part of the #IWSG family. You won’t regret it.
Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak.
Co-hosts for the January 4 posting of the IWSG are Crystal Collier, Sheena-kay Graham, Chemist Ken, LG Keltner, Heather Gardner, and yours truly!!
First off, Happy New Year to everyone! Hope your holidays were spectacular!
January 4 Question: What writing rule do you wish you’d never heard?
I always have trouble with active vs. passive voice. More often than I care to admit, I’m guilty of using passive voice in a lot of my writing. Using passive voice leads to excessive word usage and vaguer sentences. Using active voice provides more ‘pop’ to your writing. Thankfully, the programs I use all let me know when I’m using passive instead of active voice. I re-write the sentences to make them active which makes it frustrating and time-consuming.
Mind you, an occasional passive sentence is fine with me, but I need work on using active voice more often. In everyday conversation, I speak with an active voice (obviously) :), but in my writing, it seems to be the opposite. How sad is that, considering this is probably rule #1! How I wish there were no difference!
What writing rule pushes your buttons?
lilicasplace 
I have a problem with passive voice too. I used to tie myself in knots struggling to make sure every line was active – yes, it adds “pop” to the writing. But it also never quite sounded like my character was “thinking” it. Face it, we all think in passive voice. So now I keep the passive voice unless I’m literally writing character actions. Have a great week, Eva!
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I agree – I have a hard time with passive voice in my writing. I had a creative writing class in college and that was my worst habit. That, and point of view. My WIP is a cozy mystery and I’ve from third person to first person to see if it would help. I’m still not sure if I’m succeeding. I also write for business and it is so much easier to write like a reporter, versus getting my fiction story down on paper. Perhaps I need more coffee? Glad I found you through the IWSG – it’s been a great experience. Happy new year! http://www.dianeweidenbenner.com
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Sorry for the late response and another one of my issues is POV. Sometimes I hop back and forth without realizing it. Definitely coffee…I’m proud to say I’m addicted to the stuff. Thanks for the visit and comment. I’m glad you found me too. I’ll be visiting soon.
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I’m in the same passive voice black hole. In the first draft I simply write as fast as the images and the muse dictates. Then, the work begins. Going back to page one to snag all those “was” and “were” etc is a real butt kicker. It’s reassuring to know I have company in that regard. Check out my blog if you have time. I’m gathering support for the launch of Forbidden – and offering a gift worth $200 for the bloggers and reviewers who post during my launch Feb 14-18. Thanks http://www.featherstoneauthor.wordpress.com Blessings
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Happy New Year Heather, and consider me in! I’d love to help during your launch. I’ll check out your blog as soon as I have a chance. Thanks for the visit and comment. ‘See’ you soon!
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Thanks for co-hosting, Lily! I hope you had lots of fun! You hit on a writing rule that is a challenge for all kinds of writers. I am always hunting down passive voice sentences and reconstructing them. However, like you, I think a scattering of passive voice sentences is just fine. Happy writing in the coming year!
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I have a tendency to use a whinny voice. Very passive. I spend a lot of time on revisions.
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