Category Archives: Phrasing

How To Destroy Action and Suspense Scenes

You’re reading an action scene; things are really getting hot. Who will live? Will someone die? Is there a chase that’s moving like lightning? You’re reading a suspense scene; it’s really intense. Will the protagonist be discovered? Will the escapee … Continue reading

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Superfluous Verbiage and Unnecessary Words

by Anita Stratos, Proof Positive Editor Did you trip over the title of this post? Did you have to read it twice? If so, that’s because both phrases, “superfluous verbiage” and “unnecessary words”, mean the same thing, but your mind was … Continue reading

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“Do You Pop Out At Parties?” And Other Odd Phrasings

Some of you will recognize the title quote, “Do you pop out at parties?”,  from the classic TV show I Love Lucy. But to many others, it sounds like a terrible wardrobe malfunction. And that’s why it was a terrible advertising … Continue reading

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