[HPforGrownups] Re: Changes I would make

[Laura Lynn Walsh]

No: HPFGUIDX 177394


On 2007, Sep 25, , at 13:21, Steve wrote:

> bboyminn:
>
> I think one of the first rules of writing is 'don't
> use a fancy word when a simple word will do'. Don't
> use 'circumambulate' when what you really mean is
> 'walk around'.  Certainly do use your vocabulary if
> you have it, but it should clarify not obscure.
>
> Just a few thoughts.
>
> Steve/bboyminn

Which leads into my question/observation:

In another newsgroup that I belong to, the book under
discussion was HP and the Deathly Hallows.  JKR's
writing was described as "Grade B".  I had never
understood why book people looked down on her
writing so much, when it is obviously good enough
not only to spark world-wide interest, but also thousands
of messages discussing topics related to the world she
invented.

Finally, someone pointed out the "she said / he said +
adverb" problem, something that I had NEVER noticed
before, even though I have read all of the books multiple
times and listened to them on audio in the American,
British, and German versions.  Evidently people who
write "beautifully" are expected to use more descriptive
words for the word "said" and not use the "said + adverb"
construct unless they can't avoid it.  Now that I understand
at least a bit what they are talking about, it does seem
that she overuses it.  But, to me, the ideas, the plot development,
the complexity, and the characters all overshadow the
problem with overuse of adverbs.

As I said on that forum, I wish I could write that "badly".

I wonder if her editors should have suggested changes
there.

Laura

-- 
Laura Lynn Walsh    lwalsh at acsalaska.net
http://llwcontemplations.blogspot.com



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