I’ve got a problem with weak verbs too and for years, I was a serial adverb abuser. But knowing is half the battle and I’m well on the path to reform!

I agree that a thesaurus is essential.

There are rare circumstances when cliches are okay to use. Here’s a post I did awhile back on those instances:

https://writershelpingwriters.net/2009/02/clichessafe-to-use.html

Anton, I love Thesaurus.com. another really good one is the Reverse Dictionary. I am on that ALL THE TIME.

Raven, some books I see are ‘watered down’ a bit as far as colorful word choices, but the one’s I’ve read usually fit the sparse tone needed for the type of book it is. I think that’s the main thing–to make sure the reason for the vocabulary and the richness of description (or not) is justified. If it isn’t, then yes, it becomes a disappointment to the reader. Thanks for chiming in!

Lapetus–I agree, using verbs in that sense can work well as long as two things happen: there is variation (so the structure isn’t overused) and that anything actively described is purposeful (if the apple doesn’t have a part in the story or doesn’t symbolize something significant, whether it’s gleaming or not is irrelevant).

Having a list of flat verbs is great for revision!

MG, glad the post helps!

Meredith, I think that no matter who the audience is, its okay to challenge the reader now and then with a vocabulary choice as long as it fits the story. Reading is all about exploring and experiencing something new. 🙂

Susan, that’s great!

Zellakate, I struggle with description as well–there are so many things to juggle like making sure relevant things are being described, that emotion comes forth, how much to describe, tailoring the description to fit the tense level of the scene…I feel like writers are master jugglers. All we can do is keep practicing and strengthen our skills. 🙂

Jess, I do the same thing. Then, once I’m revising, I work to bring in more senses. Revisions are an opportunity to do better in all aspects!

Bish, I would be lost without my thesaurus. Make sure to check out the Reverse dictionary, too. It’s great when you kinda-sorta know the word you want, or the type of word. It gives you everything related to the word you’re working with. Try something like ‘Fear’ and see all the related things that pop up. 🙂

http://www.onelook.com/reverse-dictionary.shtml

Are you saying writing about someone running away is cliche or that writers should run away from cliches?

🙂

This one has really helped me, because though I love my thesaurus as next as the next word nerd, I am not always skilled at description. This post helped remind me of things I have trouble with. Thanks!

Blessings,
Susan