Employing Adjectives: The Art of Minimalism
In the world of writing, adjectives play a significant role in painting vivid pictures and evoking emotions. However, their misuse can lead to passages that sound drawn-out or strange. L. G. Estrella, an aspiring author and the creator of a blog dedicated to news related to written original fiction, tips on writing, and thoughts on various topics, offers some valuable advice on this matter.
A good rule of thumb when choosing adjectives is to imagine if someone else could use them in a relatively normal conversation. If you can't, it might be worth considering a different adjective. For instance, using 'humongous' when something is not very large comes across as weird, just as 'minuscule person' or 'berserk poodle' sound unusual combinations.
Reading your passage aloud can also be a test to determine if you've used too many adjectives. Over-the-top adjectives can make prose sound quite purple, and using too many adjectives in a row can make the passage sound bizarre. Generally, it's rare to see more than three adjectives being applied to a noun right next to each other.
Adjectives are powerful tools in writing, so it's important to use them properly. But remember, adverbs and adjectives can often be replaced with stronger verbs for a more impactful writing style. Some writers will never use more than two adjectives at a time, while others might choose to use a variety to create a more vivid picture.
Ultimately, the key is to find a balance and to use adjectives that are sensible and fitting for the nouns they describe. By doing so, you can create prose that is clear, engaging, and easy to read. And for those interested in honing their writing skills, L. G. Estrella's blog is a valuable resource to explore.
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