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hurtcomfortetc · 4 years
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Hi! So I recently discovered removing the word 'that' from 90% of my writing actually made it more fluid and hardly impacted the readability. Tiny achievement but very proud of myself as a novice writer ^.^ I was wondering if (other than the up/down one) there were any other tiny tricks for removing superfluous words? Thanks!
Great question! Honestly, there are hundreds, but here are a few to get you started.
Words You Can (Usually) Safely Cut from Your Writing
That
Then
Start
Begin
Suddenly
Down
Up
Kind of
Really
Just
Basically
In general, look out for adverbs (actually, really), “hedging” words (kind of, sometimes), and ambiguous words (nothing, everything, someone). Some can be cut; others will need to be revised or swapped out. “That” is a classic offender. “Then” can usually be changed to “and.” It’s only necessary to qualify that an action was “started” if the action gets interrupted, otherwise it can be cut. (”She started to cry” becomes “She cried”).
I have a detailed, exhaustive list of words like this (with explanations!) in my book The Complete Guide to Self-Editing for Fiction Writers, which will be done soon :)
Nice to hear from you & hope this helps!
//////////////
The Literary Architect is a writing advice blog run by me, Bucket Siler. For more writing help, check out my Free Resource Library, peruse my Tumblr Post Guide, or get The Complete Guide to Self-Editing for Fiction Writers. xoxo
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hurtcomfortetc · 4 years
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My characters when I try to write a transition scene:
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hurtcomfortetc · 4 years
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“Doctor, he’s doing it again!” - Mindhunter s02e01
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hurtcomfortetc · 4 years
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I’m still on a Shameless (US) kick, and I also wanted to get another prompt done, so here’s the Addiction/Withdrawal fill!
I went with just cigarette withdrawal because I think these times call for a way to make things a bit less angsty than you could have done, especially for a show like Shameless.
And then it turned into 8k words, so back to AO3 I go. 
Summary: After suffering through a particularly brutal cold and flu season, Mickey and Ian put in their best efforts to quit smoking.
"Cold turkey is hard enough when you aren't a pair of felons with a short fuse and some seriously fucked up brain chemistry."
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/24920368
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hurtcomfortetc · 4 years
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noticed a pattern in my writing
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hurtcomfortetc · 4 years
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i am writing all the time except just like inside of me and not outside
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hurtcomfortetc · 4 years
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“35 year old male in hypovolemic shock, stab wound to the left chest, possible pneumothorax.” - The Rookie s02e06
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hurtcomfortetc · 4 years
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y'know sometimes fanfiction is just an increasingly convoluted series of setups to make characters sit around and talk about their feelings, and that’s ok
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hurtcomfortetc · 4 years
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Another bingo fill, this time for Internal Bleeding. 
I have fallen deeply into a Shameless binge as of late, so I wrote a Mickey/Ian fic featuring (of course) some whump and also bonus minor plot.
And because it’s me, it ended up clocking in at 4k words, so here’s the link to the fic posted on Archive:
Mickey Milkovich (And Other Bad Ideas) 
Summary: Mickey and Ian take a trip to the ER, and Fiona and Lip get a rare glimpse into the magnificent shitshow that is their relationship.
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hurtcomfortetc · 4 years
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Guys… I’m forty. But Jeff, you shouldn’t almost die over a number. What’s important are ranges of numbers.
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hurtcomfortetc · 4 years
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Ace’s Massive Zuko Whump FanFic Rec List
My Must Reads:
Second Chances by lazyartisen
Summary: Destiny is a funny thing-Zuko’s season 2 story arc takes a radical turn after he is captured at the North Pole. One event can change so much- and so little. 
Becoming Zuko - A Prince’s Demise by ystv.
Summary:  After escaping Azula with the help of Iroh, the team seeks out a town to recuperate. Toph talks to a mistreated captive at the marketsquare, not realizing his identity as the missing Fire prince. without the others consent, she brings him along. He won’t be able to hide forever though. 
Holding this Breath by attackfish
Summary: The problem with Zuko’s exile is that every ocean has become enemy waters for a Fire Nation Prince, and when his ship is captured by the Northern Water Tribe, he has nowhere to turn for help.
Stealing from Pirates by Dyce
Summary: Without Zuko to rescue her from the pirates, Katara is captured… and finds that they already have a prisoner in desperate need of her help.
A Misunderstanding of Sides by Somariel
Summary: When the Gaang takes a trip to the Earth Kingdom after EIP, Zuko gets captured by Earth Kingdom soldiers while away from the others.
Hope in the Dark by Lazy8
Summary: A mere year after the end of the Hundred Year War, an assassination attempt leaves Zuko fighting for his life and his friends fighting to save him, but this time, his luck may have finally run out…
Do No Harm by Lazy8
Summary: Sequel to Hope in the Dark. The crisis might be over, but the work is far from finished. Zuko is still recovering, and his best hope of doing that is with Katara’s aid… but before she can help him, she has some demons of her own to face.
Grounded by Danny Phantom SG-1
Summary: Injured in a battle, Zuko must rely on Toph to keep him grounded. 
Dreams of Nightmares Past by Automail-gHost
Summary: When the Assassin attacks, Zuko takes a hit meant for Aang. Shortly after, he collapses. As a horrible fever ravages the Firebender’s body and he begins to hallucinate, they know that this is no ordinary sickness. When the poison begins to make Zuko see his worst fears and relive his tragic past the Gaang realizes…Maybe Zuko’s a victim of the Fire Nation too.
The Monster That You See by SoBadAtBeingGood
Summary: AU. A hundred years after the genocide, Anil is an airbender just trying to protect his enclave. His only family is his son, Aang, for whom he’d do anything for. However, his life will change forever when he saves a Fire Nation boy from the torturous hands of his Earth Kingdom captors. 
Illusion by Abandonedrry
Summary: Zuko is captured by a group of ruthless Earth Kingdom soldiers, and when he is retrieved by the Gaang, Sokka can’t help but notice the change in his personality. 
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My Other Favorites:
In Darkness by prepare4trouble
Summary: Zuko was blinded during the Agni Kai against Azula. As he considers refusing the throne, he is given hope that the healers of the North Pole might cure him, and together with his friends he makes the journey.
Little Soldier Boy by chiaraherondale
Summary: The day had to come eventually. Iroh’s funeral takes place at the Royal Palace and the old Team Avatar along with Mai are there for Zuko, trying to help him on this sad day.
Antebellum by Lise
Summary: Zuko doesn’t understand any of this. A scar, an Avatar, and a slightly concerned Firebender.
Li by Dracze
Summary: Everyone knows the old story about how the five-year-old Prince Zuko of the Fire Nation went missing. Hakoda knows it too and doesn’t particularly care. Not until he finds a young golden-eyed boy in a brothel in Ba Sing Se.
A Matter of Trust by Somariel
Summary: After their escape from the Boiling Rock, Hakoda must decide if he can trust Zuko
Fever by Amy Cherryclaw (ameliette)
Summary: In which nothing goes according to anyone’s plan because Zuko was an incompetent firebender right after the eclipse and gets Katara’s sympathies first.
Perspective by waterandsilver
Summary: Events at the Boiling Rock put Zuko in a different kind of danger, and force to light a secret that he’s been holding onto for far too long.
Rising Phoenix by deathmallow
Summary: Zuko tries to fit into ‘The Gaang’. Meanwhile, his arrival means Aang starts firebending lessons, Katara takes up stalking, and Appa stays slobbery. Gone AU as of 3x13, “The Firebending Masters”.
Twilight’s Edge by inkcharm
Summary: An innocent training session leads to grave misunderstandings with dire consequences for Zuko.
What You’re Seeing On That Stage by knittedace
Summary: ‘The Boy In The Iceberg’ runs five minutes short. Fortunately the playwright has plenty of material for a flashback to Zuko’s banishment.
The Chains of Honor by inkspot_fox
Summary: If the Yu Yan had not stopped firing, if Aang had been a little slower in deciding to take Zuko with him, and if Zhao’s garrison had been a little quicker on their feet, then Zuko’s rescue of Aang in “The Blue Spirit” might not have gone quite as well.
Understanding the Enemy by TheTimelessCycle
Summary: Because understanding is the first step towards forgivness. Set post the Boiling Rock. AU to the Southern Raiders
No Sleep When it’s Wicked by Pilsur
Summary: Zuko wakes screaming and the gang want to know why
The Thing About Fire by Dracze
Summary: The Boiling Rock is a horrible place
That Intangible Feeling by joyster
Summary: Zuko is plagued with nightmares but this time it’s different.
A Lover of the Lights by euphorella
Summary: Zuko comes to terms with the aftermaths of the war.
The Most Ragged Edges by twinfinite
Summary: In hindsight, Zuko really should have seen this conversation coming. He can almost hear Li and Lo chanting wickedly about the magic of Ember Island, about waves smoothing away rough edges…
Suspension by Somewei
Summary: My heart dropped into my stomach as his body collapsed to the ground, the lightning disappearing into him. Zuko was not moving and could be dead. That was a heavy weight to carry.  (Katara witnesses Zuko’s fall to Azula’s lightning)
Pulse by isnt_it_pretty
Summary: Everybody is faced with decisions that can change their life. For Zuko, it was a crumpled suicide note, a bottle of pills, and a call to 911. Now, with the help of his caring uncle and new friends; the disgraced son of Senator Ozai must learn to cope with the after math, along with the years of abuse and suffering he has endured.
One by AvacadoLove
Summary: Chained and imprisoned, Zuko’s only escape is in his own memories. 
Friends or Acquaintances? by MastaDrumma22
Summary: Post Firebending Masters. Zuko struggles to find friendship in the gang. 
Only One Word by Arielen
Summary: After the flight from prison Hakoda has to decide, if he could trust the son of the firelord so easy as his children. But only one word can balance the scales. Set shortly after Episode 3.14/15 “The Boiling Rock”.  
Giving Back by AvacadoLove
Summary: When Zuko takes what should be Sokka’s punishment, it’s up to Sokka to heal him again. 
Scars by Luna Maria Boulevardes
Summary: “Maybe next you to feel like doing that, we could, I don’t know, talk. Or something.” Zuko has scars. Sokka has questions.  
Zuko: The Traitor’s Story by Thomson
Summary: When the Gaang goes to see the Ember Island Players, Zuko faces an unpleasant surprise: The play includes the story of his burning and banishment, still unknown to the others. The past is back to haunt-and mock-him. 
Scars That Do Not Heal by XrhiaX
Summary: Set between The Southern Raiders and The Ember Island Players, where the gang find out how Zuko got his scar. If Ozai doesn’t suffer at Aang’s hands, Zuko vows he will at his own son’s. 
Sorting the Skeins by Absenthe Wrae
Summary: In Ba Sing Se, while caring for Zuko during his metamorphosis, Iroh recollects the past and discovers one of his son’s secrets while sorting through the skeins of his memories. 
Stories Around the Fire by FirePony16
Summary: I pretend not to listen as they laughed around the fire…’ Zuko is feeling disconnected from the gang, he envies their close friendship with each other. Set after Firebending Masters but before Boiling Rock. 
What If by XrhiaX
Summary: What if Zuko hadn’t betrayed Katara in Ba Sing Se? 
A Voluntary Prisoner by Somariel
Summary: What if the Gaang had accepted Zuko’s offer to become their prisoner? 
Fever by Written Parody
Summary: A slightly AU moment that takes place between Zuko and Katara between the Ember Island Players and the finale. Zuko’s feeling a bit under the weather and Katara, being Katara, is there to help. 
Straight Answers by Em Dixon
Summary: All Hakoda wanted to know was why his daughter was so mean and nasty to Zuko. Why was it so hard to get a straight answer from that boy? Set after The Boiling Rock. 
One of Them by TheOneHope
Summary: Life at the Western Air Temple was hard enough, or so Zuko thought. Until one day a mysterious man abducts the injured prince. The Gaang will need to race against the clock if they are to save their friend in time.
Fragile by Galimeril
Summary: He was Fire Nation. The enemy. Something made of nightmare that deserved everything he got, right? Then why was Toph acting like he was…a person?  
Lost Boy by Mynerva
Summary: Takes place after the episode “The Western Air Temple”. Zuko is eager to please but runs into some trouble and ends up being taken prisoner by a group of men hired by the Fire Lord himself. 
Healing by ShenYue
Summary: Training at the Western Air Temple goes wrong and Zuko is injured. Katara is forced to examine her feelings before she is ready and the rest of the GAang continues to struggle coming to terms with the realities of war. 
Night Terrors by ErgoMaria
Summary: What if Ozai’s abuse of Zuko went beyond harsh words and a burned face? What if the abuse occurred every night, with atrocities committed beneath the cover of darkness? Zuko’s tale of anger, fear, frustration, and perhaps even moving beyond. 
Bitter Taste by paracosim
Summary: What if the Agni Kai hadn’t just scarred Zuko, but took his sight away almost completely? 
Stuck in a Hole by VickyVicarious
Summary: Mid-season one Zuko and Sokka are trapped in a hole by corrupt Earth Kingdom soldiers and have to work together to get out. Only problem is, they’re feeling less than cooperative. …Especially Zuko. “Make no mistake, Water Tribe; the enemy of my enemy is still my enemy." 
Long Live The Prince by Julia451
Summary: Set just after "The Boiling Rock.” Aang and the others learn the story of how Zuko got his scar from the newcomer Chit Sang, who thought the prince had been killed three years ago. 
Not Your Enemy by FireLordFrowny
Summary: After a battle gone wrong, Prince Zuko finds himself stranded, hideously and helplessly injured, and the only person around or willing to help him is the Avatar. This is a story of conflict, compassion, and understanding, as the two boys each learn to appreciate the other’s motives. 
Scarred and Accepted by theoriginalbookthief07
Summary: Set later in the night during the episode The Ember Island Players. Zuko opens up about his past and Sokka is there to listen…and give a surprising offer. 
In Silence by Floranna
Summary: The young man was standing in the back with Chit Sang while he and Suki greeted the others. 
Falling Slowly by Relik
Summary: AU season 2. Katara finds that it is difficult to hate someone when you know them, and harder still to hurt them when you are responsible for healing them. Zuko discovers forgiveness and understanding taste sweet, even coming from an enemy. 
Dona Nobis Pacem by SoBadAtBeingGood
Summary: The Fire Nation Royal Family is hated around the world. Princess Izumi knows this. But will she be able to handle the pressures and dangers of her position, especially when so many want to attack her father through her. 
Melting Fire by Gbuggie
Summary: “He doesn’t care!” Zuko roared, his voice echoing around the temple. “He doesn’t care that you’re the Avatar, and he doesn’t care that I’m his son!” He shocked himself as well as the others at his outburst. Katara suddenly realized that the conversation wasn’t just about war.
Burns by Slumberdore
Summary: The Gaang investigates the mysterious burns on Zuko’s chest. Set on Ember Island, just after they arrive and settle in.
Burned Roots by DWGolondor
Summary: When Sokka and Aang one day finds a portray of Zuko’s family, they can’t help but wonder what happened to them. With this thought in their minds the gang finds out about Zuko’s darkest secrets. 
A Prisoner of Your Own Mind by pearlynn
Summary:  After becoming Azula’s prisoner, Zuko finds himself losing all sense of anything. When the Gaang rescues him and see the damage inflicted, can Katara help him regain himself?
A Prisoner of Your Own Mind: Continuation by Ahnnxah
Summary: My take on what happened after PearLynns story A Prisoner of Your Own Mind. In her story, Azula captured Zuko and Uncle after the battle in the Earth Nation town. This picks up where that one left off. 
The Crown Hangs Heavy by mon-petit-pois
Summary: “They asked if we’d heard the news… about the Fire Nation prince. He was thirteen. Sokka’s age. I was… fascinated.” Hakoda does not know Zuko, but he knows of him. 
Come Marching Home by SoBadAtBeingGood
Summary: Modern AU. After the death of his son, Iroh decides to become a foster parent. But when he takes in a troubled young teenager named Zuko, he may find that it was more than he bargained for.  
Aftermath of War by Melting Angels
Summary: In the aftermath of war, Zuko is unable to celebrate the victory over the Phoenix King. Lying in a comatose state, Zuko is watched over by Katara, who cannot help but feel guilt, after he shielded her from Azula’s fateful lightning strike. Recalling the event, she vows to bring Zuko back to health, no matter the cost. After all, he had been ready to die for her. 
Escape From the Boiling Rock by TheKingsHorseAndTheKingsMen
Summary: Zuko attention was pulled from his sister for just a second, which he knew was one of the worst mistakes he could have made at that moment. When his eyes when back to his sister, the first thing he became aware of was blue fire hitting his chest and burning through his clothes and skin as he was thrown back. 
Another Brother by: AvacadoLove
Summary: It was a mission of revenge. There weren’t supposed to be any survivors, but Chief Hakoda couldn’t bring himself to kill the Fire Nation boy. Against his better judgment, he brought him home. A Zuko joins the Water Tribe story. 
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hurtcomfortetc · 4 years
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Shameless Characters as Troubled Birds
Part Two: Non-Gallaghers 
V: 
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Kevin
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Sheila:   
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Mickey:
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Mandy:
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Svetlana:
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  Karen:
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Jimmy-Steve:
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Kermit and Tommy:
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hurtcomfortetc · 4 years
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Shameless Characters as Troubled Birds
(because I just finished binge watching the show and I have many feelings and opinions) 
Part 1: The Gallagher Family
Frank:
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Monica: 
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Fiona:
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Lip:
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Ian:
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Debbie:
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Carl:
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Liam:
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hurtcomfortetc · 4 years
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Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005 - 2007) is currently on Netflix for the first time and I wholeheartedly expect the country as a whole to watch it and slightly heal, I'm begging y'all.
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hurtcomfortetc · 4 years
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X-Files S04E01
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hurtcomfortetc · 4 years
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X-Files S04E08
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hurtcomfortetc · 4 years
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list of favorite things as a fanfic author:
When someone is really freaking mad at me for inducing an emotional response from them
when readers give me a background of how/when they read my writing
when readers give me a background of why they shouldn’t have been reading my writing (usually while at work)
when readers quote my work back to me in comments
the frickin’ real heroes here, the ones who comment on every chapter of an ongoing multi-chapter fic
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