By Cherrilynn Bisbano, @chingaling3
Who wants to join me and lose some weight? Most of us could lose a pound or two. I lost twenty pounds through diet and exercise. The process is grueling and takes time and commitment. I keep the weight off by walking, going to the gym, and I reduce the fat and sugar I eat. (Yes, I have a cheat day and eat Milk Duds and Pizza).
Lately, I have not lost weight only inches, so I asked my sons fitness instructor why.
She explained that body fat loss and weight loss are two different concepts.
“Take two people the same sex, and age – one is mostly muscle, and the other is not. Due to the extra weight of muscles, the athletic person may weigh more. However, the second person’s weight may be related to a higher content of body fat.” Deb said.
“So, muscle weighs more than fat?” I said.
“Yes, and fat can slow you down, lead to heart disease, diabetes, and more. So it’s better to lose body fat rather than weight.” Deb said.
My body is not the only place I need to trim the fat to be fit. I learned that my manuscript was not fit to publish because it was fat with extra words.
Just like I invest time to exercise, I need to take a moment, examine my writing, and trim the fat that slows the reader’s flow.
For healthy writing, here are a few words to eliminate from a manuscript.
- That, really, very, just, then
- totally, completely, absolutely, literally, every
- definitely, certainly, probably, actually, basically, virtually
- was, is, are, am, all
- start, important
- used to, never, often, almost
- big, small, large, tiny
- begin, began, begun
- Rather, quite, somewhat, somehow
- Down, up, in, out, under, over
- Wonder, ponder, think, thought, seem
- feel, felt, understand, realize
- breathe, inhale, exhale
- Shrug, nod, reach
- Stuff, things, got
This is not an exhaustive list.
Read your piece without these words. Does it flow better? If not, leave the word.
If you use one word often, try rewriting the sentence with different words.
Let’s remove fat from our writing to make it fit for publication.
What fat words add weight to your manuscript? Is there a word I should add to the list?
Cherrilynn Bisbano is a speaker, editor, coach, and writer. Her passion for helping people is evident. She is Managing Editor at Serious Writers, Almost an Author, an online community for aspiring writers. Host of Genre Chat and Fulfilled Prophecy Friday. She is a two-time winner of Flash Fiction Weekly. You can find her published in Southern Writers, Wolf Tech Group, Amramp, More to Life (MTL), Christian Rep, Refresh, Broken but Priceless, and other online magazines. Contributor to Breaking The Chains-Strategies for Overcoming Spiritual Bondage. She earned her Leadership Certification through Christian Leaders Institute and continues toward a Chaplain certification. Cherrilynn proudly served in the Navy and Air National Guard; earning the John Levitow Military leadership award. She lives with her fifteen-year-old autistic son, Michael, Jr., and husband of 19 years, Michael, Sr.
Website: www.TruthtoShine.blogspot.com
Contact: Cherrilynn@seriouswriter.com
The Conversation
I’m so glad you stopped your list Cherrilynn. Too many of my favorite words were showing up.
You’ve made a good reminder. Thank you.
Burton, I’m sorry I did not see your response. Merry Christmas. I love many of these words too.