Some years ago, when I decided to finally start realizing a lifetime ambition--writing--I joined a writing group at the local library. I was fortunate that the leader of that group was a poet. As a poet, and former journalist, the teacher emphasized economy. He had a list of words he described as 'energy vampires'. High on the list was 'very'. We throw that word around carelessly, and usually it adds nothing to a piece. It steals energy from the writing.
Also, with reference to what you regard as a 'however' issue in your posts: When we read our pieces aloud to each other we would note if the same word was used twice. Checking for that got to be a habit for me. It's not always easy to avoid using the same word twice...
I added adverb analysis to my tool last night. :)
I recently joined one of those such writing groups, and it has really opened my mind to how creatively English can be used!
I miss it. Hive in a way is my writing group. I love to get feedback because that means my writing is probably effective.
I checked out your tool. Impressive!
Thank you.
I am keen to see where the writing group can take me. They have published an anthology in recent years, so they're definitely proficient (and prolific). It never feels like a chore going to the weekly meeting.
I have a legitimate problem with certain words and I try to consciously correct them. I do a lot of public speaking too and while watching my videos I noticed that I used the word ‘right?’ a lot. I mean saying thing like:
You know what I am trying to say, right?
lol!
I have corrected that since!
😊