~Pesky Pet WORDS~
Before I typed my first word, I had no idea what the phrase, “pet word” meant. I would gladly have remained in ignorant bliss before my publisher pointed out to me my fondness for “and” along with “was” in my novel, A Knight of Silence. After being enlightened, I took the advice to use the “find” option in my word program. To say I had a fondness for those two words would be an understatement. I think it took two days to rework the story to omit the bulk of my favorite “pets”.
Focusing solely on avoiding pet words, my focus took on more of an editor role rather than that of a writer. I began to write a paragraph only to find myself reviewing it instead of allowing myself to get lost in telling the story. I think that is what sets writers apart from editors. Most writers just want to tell a story on paper. If they are like me, they do not want to focus on the mechanics or technicalities behind that story.
My dear friend proofs my blogs before I submit them. Even though I know they will most likely be reviewed, I cannot knowingly submit anything I wrote without knowing it is the best I can make it. Call it part of my quirky nature, but I think this is the reason why I focus so much on pet words. As much as I appreciate my friend’s help, to be perfectly honest, my eyes start to glaze over when he begins to mention rules of grammar. I can picture him now shaking his head with a sigh as he reads this thinking me a hopeless case. It is not that I do not want to be correct it is just that I find the mechanics of writing boring when I can be writing about something exciting.
It took me a while to realize that I am just going to have to let the story take me where it wants to go. I will worry about the pet words after the fact. Even better, maybe my editor can worry for me.
If indeed it were possible for me to believe that way, I would be thrilled. Truth is, even in the blog you are reading I used each of my two pet words only once because I had to tell you what they were. Guess I still have a problem with those pesky pets.
Candace Bowen Early
August 28, 2011
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