Using the same word over and over again can make any writing sound choppy. Using synonyms helps add variety and can help convey a specific emotion.
Words like smell and walk can be replaced with synonyms that help you picture exactly what is happening in the story.
The word smell can be replaced by the word odor to make people think of a bad smell while the word aroma will make them think of a good smell.
You can use words like trudge, saunter, tramp, skip, etc. to show how people are walking and hint at how the character feels.
The most common word that is used too often in stories is 'said'. This is because pretty much all your characters are speaking. There are many other ways of showing that a character is speaking and even how they are speaking.
The following examples are from The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place The Long-Lost Home by Maryrose Wood. (If you haven't read this series then you should.)
"Enough!" he roared . . .
"Shakespeare!" Penelope cried . . .
"Agony," she whimpered . . .
"Moon balloon!" Beowulf declared . . .
Other words you can use to replace 'said':
-blurted
-snapped
-grumbled
-sighed
-challenged
-coaxed
-replied
You can find a whole list of lots of words to use instead of 'said' at this website:
http://www.spwickstrom.com/said/#modal-close
YOU ARE READING
Ten Ways to Improve Your Story Writing
RandomI don't know how many stories I have come across that have had a really good plot but have been nearly impossible to read. This book is a list of ten different things that can improve your writing. Most of them have to do with grammar.
