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Answer: Because many times adverbs signify laziness on the part of the writer. We've all done it. We want to emphasize something, we want to make sure the reader gets what we mean. But we need to find creative and original ways to do that.
Example: Harry looked around lazily. Without Adverb: Harry lifted one eyelid and let his gaze drift around the room.
And why especially dialogue tags?
Answer: Because the reader should know from your writing (other dialogue, body language, internal thoughts, etc.) how the sentence was said. And don't be lazy with your descriptions either. I'm guilty of it too. She rolled her eyes. He grinned. Etc. Push yourself to do better. You won't regret it.
I do want to point out that sometimes adverbs are not evil. But you can do an "ly" search in your document to find out if you've overused. Weigh each one. Take it out and re-read to see if you need it. Chances are it will sound cleaner without.
Any other reasons to avoid adverbs.
I remember being shocked by the adverb advice when I first started writing. I had a LOT of dialogue tags to fix - and my writing definitely got stronger! :)
ReplyDeleteYES. I recently read a book (a much-hyped YA that a lot of people seem to love) that was filled with adverbs AND over-the-top dialogue tags. "Blah blah blah," Character A growls menacingly. "Etc etc," Character B sighs angrily. I put the book down after 15 pages. So distracting.
ReplyDeleteA few here and there is okay, it can really help cut word count, but you're right, if your context is strong enough, they shouldn't be needed.
ReplyDeleteIt's the being lazy with descriptions that's worse for me. I try to use more action tags than dialogue tags, which means I wear them out fast. And it's hard coming up with something fresh all the time. But the writing definitely (ly) benefits when you work at it. :-)
ReplyDeleteExcellent advice! Now when I read books, adverbs stick out like a sore thumb to me.
ReplyDeleteA great resource for finding clever ways to get our point across is The Bookshelf Muse. Their thesaurus list is amazing. When I'm going through maybe my third or fourth pass, I try to use some of their goodies.
Besides the point you make in the post, they can also add an unpleasant echo when they're used close together. There's an author I love for other reasons but he does this sometimes.
ReplyDelete"Jim smiled complacently as Tony eyed him contemplatively."
The sound of it comes across the same as using the same word over and over or an uncommon word twice in close proximity. It's jarring.
gah. i don't use them as dialog tags so much, but action tags? guilty.
ReplyDeleteAn aptly placed adverb can add what you need--sometimes. But saying what you want to say without the adverbs FORCES you to be fresh (like your example) which results in strong writing. I've been evaluating my writing for this and reworking and reworking those places that need it. Great post, Lisa!
ReplyDeleteI recently read a book that had overdone the adverbs. It took me out of story after awhile..."oh, there's another one."
ReplyDeleteIt's easier on the writer than the alternative of finding a fresh way to say something but doesn't do a book any favors. and isn't that what we want--to write the best books possible?
So, for my NaNoWriMo project, I'm dropping in adverbs left and right. It may be lazy, but it's quick and with my limited time, I really want to churn out that 50k.
ReplyDeleteIn revision, I try to fix them. They're sort of a marker that says 'ooo, you can add some good character or setting development here'
When do the Yes, Yes rules get to be followed?! If I follow all of the No, No rules, all I'm left with is "The End"...and I probably don't need the "The" do I?
ReplyDeleteWhen I first started writing one of my favorite dialogue tags was "She shouted loudly."
ReplyDeleteUh, no. Just no. LOL.
A well chosen adverb, in just the right place, goes beautifully with the rest of your story. :)
ReplyDeleteIt's amazingly hard to explain this though. Nice job! :)
With experience, I've gotten better at removing adverbs and using something else. I'm more sensitive to them when I'm editing. I don't read my older works for many reasons, one of them being I was adverb crazy.
ReplyDeleteHonestly, I think people can easily write a novel with less than 5 ly adverbs. I try for zero.
ReplyDeleteI agree that most times, the writing sounds better and has a stronger flow without the 'ly.':)
It's interesting how it works, but I definitely agree that adverbs can make writing weaker. :)
ReplyDeleteNodding in agreement here.
ReplyDeleteAnd another thing. Read a book out loud to your kid. The adverbs and dialogue tags trip me up every time - I'll do a booming Farmer Boggis voice and discover, at the end of the line, that it was one of the little foxes whispering timidly.
Adverbs are telling.
And sometimes, when they're extra bad, they tell the reader to go back and read the line again.
You don't want that.
I'm not sure why but adverbs don't bother me when I'm reading, not with a good writer. And that's what makes the difference. Excellent writing usually means they're being used in the right way and the writer realizes the moment isn't worth the showing. But in general it's a good rule to follow.
ReplyDeleteYup, I agree! It's so easy to rely on adverbs but it's much better to find a stronger way to explain how your character speaks or acts.
ReplyDeleteAnd Lolly Lolly Lolly Get Your Adverbs Here was my favorite Schoolhouse Rock Song. *Draws a lungful of air and lets it out*
ReplyDeleteSo true! My writing has become so much better since I got over my addiction to adverbs.
ReplyDeleteSigh. Why do you have to be right? I suppose I really should tighten up some of my dialogue ...
ReplyDeleteAdverbs can also be an indication you're telling instead of showing, so if you think you're safe because it's not propping up a wek verb, it could mean you're telling. I recently wrote a blog post with examples: Writing Newbie Tip: Adverbs can also indicate you’re telling (http://wp.me/p1SxbT-1u)
ReplyDeleteI used 2 adverbs on my blog post today and thought, "Oh no!" But it's a blog post, and it's intentionally goofy, so I let them squeak through.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! It's easy to lean on adverbs when writing that first draft and concentrating on all the other elements of craft. However, the writing is much more crisp and strong without the ly buggers. Hurray for revisions and removing adverbs whenever possible.
ReplyDelete