《How to Write Stories People Will Love》Question 39: Avoiding repetition
Advertisement
asks: The problem I most worry about is being too repetitive about a situation, or consistent about a plot point/character development, so it turns into a blob of overused words and sentences and meanings. Do you possibly have any idea how to stop this, and keep it short and sweet?
I encounter this problem from time to time for two reasons: 1. I'm a pantser and don't plan anything that I write, and 2. The time I have available to write is so sporadic that I sometimes forget what I've already written because it's been too long.
These things can't be helped when we're trying to craft that first draft. So don't worry about it at first. Just keep writing Draft 1. Once you finish, however, it's time to go over everything and pay attention. Start from the beginning. While you're reading, you may notice repetitive content. If certain words get used too much, change them. Find synonyms and alternative wording. Use a thesaurus.
If a plot point get repeated too much, make a note of each instance. Repeating plot points take longer to fix, so it may be prudent to note where they are rather than fixing them as you encounter them. This is because you'll want to see how many times it comes up. Once you have a big picture of your first draft's layout, you can then figure out which things to keep, and which parts to rework. Creating an outline of your first draft can be helpful in this endeavor. This helps you keep track of what plot elements are where. This also works for pantsers like me, because it isn't planning. (My creative brain doesn't like planning stories.) The story is already written, and the outline is just for organizational purposes.
As for keeping things short and sweet, you might want to check out the chapter I have called "Streamline Your Sentences". It'll help you cut unnecessary words and make your work easier to read.
Advertisement
- In Serial9 Chapters
Psychobox Robots - A Grand Eye Tale
Two psychic robots of varying competence work to escape from the colossal box their civilization is trapped in. ATTENTION MORTALS: THE GRAND EYE IS CURRENTLY IN THE PROCESS OF REWRITING THE EXISTING CHAPTERS OF WINCHWARD BEACH. NEW CHAPTERS SHALL COMMENCE ONCE THIS IS DONE.
8 167 - In Serial60 Chapters
The lonely wolf [bxb]
Elias Emerson's life took a drastic turn after he shifted into his wolf. Not knowing what to do, he ran after he was banished from his pack. How will Elias survive from now on and what's going to happen to him? Ryker green is the alpha of one of the strongest and most feared pack in the US. His reputation of killing anyone who dares to challenge him was known worldwide, making everyone afraid of him. He doesn't have a mate, but that's the least of his problems because he didn't want one. Find out more on their journey....All rights reserved....Written by: princessjody....Follow me for more chapters on the way....
8 305 - In Serial7 Chapters
Tainted Affair
SOPHIA RAPTIS is trying her hardest to move on from her past. Something that is proving to be near impossible now that she's working for the family she hates, a family her best friend is married into, the family of Giovanni D'Onofrio. GIOVANNI D'ONOFRIO is tired of waiting; and after nearly dying alongside his brother's at the hands of their enemies, he's lost all patience. He will not be ignored any longer, he knows what he wants and he's going to get it. BOOK 2
8 145 - In Serial64 Chapters
Gone
Virgil Anxiety Black was in his room recovering from a panic attack when the castle is stormed. His best friend, Remus Lucious, has just enough time to help him escape before throwing himself back into the battle in an effort to save his boyfriend and Virgil's brother, Crown Prince Janus. Virgil finds himself running through the woods and unknowingly crosses the border between his kingdom and the kingdom next door. There Virgil is found by Crown Prince Roman, Remus's semi-long not exactly lost twin. Not recognizing Virgil as royalty and only seeing the garbs that show him as a citizen of another kingdom Roman does what he thinks is best.He gives the poor boy a panic attack while simultaneously arresting him and throwing him in the dungeons.While Roman recruits the help of his two best friends to help him figure out who Virgil is and why he's in their territory Virgil is rightfully panicking over the recent events. After a few hurt feelings and a couple death stares the Light Realm learns what transpired next door. In an effort to help both kingdoms Roman's and Virgil (now acting King Virgil) make a truce and put aside their differences. Roman and his two friends, Marquess Patton and Lord Logan, join Virgil in this epic quest to save their brothers, and the Dark Realm kingdom.Like any great tale this book is filled with Fear! Love! Betrayal! Heartbreak and Despair! And let's not forgot proper non homophobic LGBTQ representation!Extra stuff:-Virgil is a seer -Virgil, Logan, and Janus have magic-Virgil is selectively mute but does speak a few times (rarely. Like only three times in the whole book)-Aro Patton. No he's not gonna date anybody please stop asking.-Ace Remus-Remus and Janus are madly in love and no one can stop me!#2 in Creativetwins 9/14/20#3 in platonicmoxiety 9/14/20Cover by Winstermagic on Wattpad
8 192 - In Serial40 Chapters
Being Human
When a Young Adult has to suddenly move across the country with his dad he ends up in the town of Beach City. Will his life be a mundane existence or will there be something in this town that turns his whole world upside down?
8 175 - In Serial9 Chapters
The Hufflepuff Child
It's eleven year old Charissa Malfoy's first year at Hogwarts. But what happens when the Pureblood girl gets Sorted into Hufflepuff? Note: This will be a short(ish) story which will lead into a much longer series.
8 286

