I don’t usually talk writing but what the heck. A recent discussion on one of my writing loops brought up the topic of adverbs. A screenwriter posted to the loop stating another screenwriter told him not to use adverbs and wanted to know what other loop members thought. When everyone agreed that adverbs were the devil he got upset and defensive. I firmly believe 
I’m adamant that if you use a strong enough action verb you don’t need an adverb to modify it.
But what do you think? Readers, do you notice adverbs? Do you care?
Writers, we’re told to cut as many of them out as possible because it’s sloppy writing. But are they needed once in a while? Or can you eliminate them completely? When I’m writing a novel or a screenplay I try not to use them. In my screenplays I find it much easier to get rid of all of them.
Time to get some writing done, sans adverbs.
Until next time…
Cindy
February 26, 2010 at 2:27 pm
:bananadance: Cindy, I’m leaving one of your cute little icons just because they’re so cute. And people will tell you to leave out a just and I just started this sentence with an *and*, which people will tell you never to do. As for adverbs, I finished a novel recently where the author used every adverb known to man. This author influenced authors like Stephen King and Ann Rice. Know what? He was sensational and breathtaking and spooky. We’ve reached a level of sophistication in our work, and that’s great. But how in the world do we ever write a story getting hung up on tripe like this
February 26, 2010 at 2:40 pm
I don’t use adverbs often, but once in awhile I do. Often is an adverb. It’s necessary there. I don’t believe in rules for things like this. They’re guidelines, that’s all. OTOH, if I read something that’s riddled with adverbs, I think less of the writer.
February 26, 2010 at 2:42 pm
:rotfl:
Rules! Stupid rules that outlaw the use of perfectly good words makes me laugh. Adverbs can enhance your writing. You don’t need a lot in any sentence. If there is a verb that says what you meant with no need for an adverb, use it.
Breath-takingly handsome. Bad writing or effective? We don’t need an adverb for very verb, adjective or adverb. If every verb has an adverb, that would catch my eye and make me smirk, (smile sarcastically) Which choice would you use?
Cincdy, some people are so into rules that they believe anyone’s rules.
Ignore those people and use your head.
February 26, 2010 at 2:53 pm
Donnell, I know what you mean about and. Same goes for *but*. I’ve been told not to start sentences with but. I do it. And I’m reading a book right now where the author does it. She also uses adverbs.
Edie, I don’t use them often either. I try to keep them out of my writing. Sometimes you just need them when you’re writing a book. Not so much when you’re writing a script.
Mary, that was the guy’s argument. Sometimes you need them. He said they can make your writing more economical. However, when it comes to scripts they really do need to be eliminated as much as possible.
February 26, 2010 at 4:17 pm
‘Rules’ Pfffppphhhttt!
As with any part of speech, adverbs are there for a reason. Overused, yes, they are the bane of writing, but used in moderation they can aid characterization.
Using the your example in your blog, I can honestly say that none of my characters would use the word adamant. It just isn’t in their personalities, in dialogue or narrative. I won’t cut an adverb because it’s an adverb, I’ll cut it if it doesn’t do it’s job in my story.
February 26, 2010 at 11:56 pm
Margaret, thanks for the comment. Yes, I actually liked firmly believe instead. That’s what I would have said instead of adamant.
March 7, 2010 at 5:02 pm
I don’t use adverbs. They display weak writing. A strong verb does not need any stinking adverbs. Use of adverbs is a sign of amateur writing. And yet, professionals use them. Also, fellow readers and posters, using adverbs in dialogue, like this discussion, is NOT the same as using adverbs in regular action and descriptive writing. People use adverbs when they speak. In a screenplay, it is important to avoid adverbs. I never use them, and I avoid time-based adverb, like “suddenly” and “momentarily” as they are always superfluous.
March 7, 2010 at 5:13 pm
John, I keep them out of my screenplays. Sometimes I have to go back and rewrite because at the time it’s just easier to write the adverb and go fix it later so you don’t lose the flow.