Bluesky’s population has doubled over the last few weeks. The majority of new members represent a mass exodus from the place that used to have bluebirds chirping in every tree. That ex-chirper place has been referred to by many monikers, including “the bad place,” “the Nazi hangout,” “the worst rebrand in history,” “hellscape,” and others — including a few phrases I wouldn’t repeat within hearing range of my grandma.
Whether your characters are disgusted by rotten meat, a person who hasn’t bathed in months, or the results of an election; if you use the word disgusted too often, your writing will disgust readers.
This post should help you avoid the inescapable.
I wrote it in response to a request on Writers: Today It’s Your Turn to Grab the Steering Wheel.
Those of you who follow me on Facebook know I’ve been away from the keyboard for most of August through October. To say I’ve been busier than an anteater at a picnic would be a gross understatement.
Much of the busyness involved fun activities with family, including a grandson’s graduation from a 2-D animation program. Some hustle and bustle resulted from driving a sick relative back and forth to medical appointments, including several return trips to a hospital three hours away.
Then there was the Microsoft email saying my computer didn’t have enough power to cope with Windows 11, which meant Microsoft would only be able to support my PC for a few more months.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
Wise words, Ms. Mead.
If context doesn’t provide the answer, perhaps you need a better word than thoughtful. Or if your work in progress contains too many thoughtfuls, you might want to replace a few.
Are you looking for help? Read on …